Welcome Home!

Christmas 

Today was a fantastic day... Well, until I had to go to work. I went to Calvary Church this morning, because Amanda and Brandon were speaking about their summer at TEAMeffort! Ohhhhh! Did I mention Amanda is home? That makes me soooo happy! After church, we went to Barberito's. Then, I brought them back to my apartment to show it to them. It was like old times. We just sit in the living room until I had to get ready for work just talking about summer and updating each other on everything. 

Passion 2011! 

    I met Amanda last year. She was president of Alpha Omega. I wanted to know more about AO, so I sent her a Facebook message one day. I decided to go to a concert with AO. Amanda and I just clicked. I really  feel like God placed her in my life at the perfect time. She basically lived with me last year for awhile. We experienced so much together last year and I'm so happy that we became friends.She was and is the main person I talk to about everything. She is such a blessing and such a light to me. I missed her so much and I'm so happy she is home now! :) 

Good good day!

My dad came to visit me today! Basically, it was just because I will not be going home again until late September. I was off and he was off, so it was a perfect excuse. Not to mention, I am getting new tires soon and we wanted to go get some estimates, since I have no idea what I need to get or anything. So, anyways. We went to FATZ for dinner. Oh my goodness. DELICIOUS! We ran to a couple of thrift stores. Of course, there was a Menchies trip in there too and a trip to Pal's to get a tea. We ended up coming back to my apartment kinda early. We ended up watching 2 hours of I Dream of Jenie and Bewitched. So relaxing. It was hard to say goodbye. I love hanging out with my dad. We have so much fun just doing nothing. I love it!

Dandelions...

Dandelions are a very special flower for me. When I was younger, my mamaw would always take me to go yard saleing with her every Saturday morning. I was like 5 or so, so I would always get a little frustrated and bored and just want to go home. My mamaw was a very stern woman. She would not take me throwing a fit in public. She would always recommend that I go play in the yard with the dandelions. My mamaw was my number one supporter and someone I could always go and talk to. When she passed, I was in a complete bad stage in my life. But, I now see how God used that in my life and all that good that came from a bad situation. So, to make a long story (that I'm not sure even makes sense) short, I have decided to get a dandelion tattoo in memory of my mamaw. I'm not sure when and I'm not completely sure where yet either my foot or my shoulder, but I am going to get it. It will look something like this... just without the birds. 

Around the dandelion I want it to say "You see flowers in these weeds." I stole this line from the song "Dandelions" by the Five Iron Frenzy, but it's so true! 

Boredom..

Sarah and I have lived in the new apartment for 3 weeks now! WOW! Crazy! One thing I have noticed though is just how bored we get. During the summer, most of our friends are at home and won't be back till August, right before school starts. So, we get somewhat bored a lot of the time. Well, I think tonight we got a little toooooo bored.... Check this out... 

You should probably subscribe to us on Youtube... Who knows what the next video will be! 

All was well...

When I was in 5th grade, I remember someone saying, "You should ready Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It's really good and you get a ton of Accelerated Reader Points for it!" I remember reading it and not putting it down. I was hooked! Harry Potter has been more than a book and movie series for me in a way. It was a part of my childhood like Toy Story was. I have read each book about 3 times, since they came out. I've watched the movies too many times to count and I've been to 3 out of 8 midnight showings at the theaters. 

Needless to say, last night (well, this morning technically) I was so emotional at the end. I felt like my childhood was officially over. I bawled like a baby the last half of the movie. BUT, the movie was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD! I want to go see it again and again and again. I just wish movies weren't so expensive! Haha. I guess all there is to say now is.... 

MISCHIEF MANAGED! :) 

Going out of business....

Seymour isn't a very big town. No joke. It's probably about half the size of Johnson City. But, it has specific landmarks that have been there for forever. Well, my sister just texted me and told me that one of those places that have been there since I was younger is going out of business.... Big Mama's Karaoke Cafe'! :(

I remember when it opened. We thought it was so cool that Seymour got something so hip, I guess that's the right term. Haha. I didn't have the best taste in music back then. I would sing "Strawberry Wine" alllllll the time, and, of course, "Hit Me Baby One More Time." When I was younger like elementary school, that was the place to have your birthday party. I can't even remember all the parties I went to there. A ton of little kids singing Brittany Spears at the top of their lungs, can you even imagine?! Haha. I even had my first date there. AWKWARD! I don't even remember how I met the guy, but I met him at Karaoke for his little sister's birthday party. Word of advice, don't ever go on a first date at a birthday party.....so not fun. Needless to say, things didn't work out. Haha.

Anyway, it just makes me sad that something that I grew up going to is going out of business.

On another note, I do not think you realize how excited I am for Harry Potter Thursday night! I kinda want to dress up, which I'm sure there will be a ton of people all dressed up, but I've decided not to. I think that would humiliate my dad a little too much!

All moved in..

Wow. Can you believe I am all moved into my new apartment? Yeah me neither.

Yesterday was absolutely crazy and full of unexpected delays. We woke up around 7ish to load up my dad's truck. Well, the original plan was that we were going to take my dad's truck and my papaw's big van. Turns out my papaw's van was not working. We were freaking out. We had told Sarah not to worry we had plenty of room....that wasn't the case.. My car was full, my papaw's jeep was full, my dad's truck was full, Sarah's dad's car was full, her car was full and we still needed to somehow get her bed and shelf to the apartment. Yep. We were worried. Luckily, my papaw is a genius when it comes to packing, so we decided to tie my mattress on top of his jeep and put everything else including her mattress and bed stuff on the truck all tied up. Somehow it miraculously stayed on there all the way up here. Thank goodness. Well, we were about to leave when my dad looked at my tire and saw that metal was showing. There was no way I could drive it like that....really?! My dad hopped in my car and headed to the mechanic for new tire. After he got back, we were finally on our way. After about two hours carefully following the speed ticket since it's a holiday weekend, we made it. The apartment was LOCKED!!! The office ladies were supposed to leave the keys in the fridge for us to pick up. We were freaking out, yet again. We called the office, but it's the weekend so they were closed. We decided to walk around to the back to see if a window was loose or something. Thank goodness one was, so we popped out the window and Sarah climbed in! After that fiasco, we were fine. We were unpacking like crazy.  But, we finally got everything unpacked and set up and said our goodbyes to our daddy's and my papaw. We were left alone....finally in the new place, our place. :) Sarah and I were soooo exhausted. We went to the grocery store, rented a movie, took our showers and just laid on the futon and watched a movie, relieved that everything was finally done and we were there thankfully!

Oh, we will not have internet or cable until Tuesday. Right now, we are Starbucks using the internet! Haha. I've decided you never really realize how much you miss something until you don't have it!

Being an adult is overrated..

I've not been very good at this whole blogging thing this summer..... But, here is what's going on in the life of Stacie... Haha.

I move in a week! Can you believe that?! A WEEK! One thing I have learned about doing all this adult stuff is that it's STRESSFUL! For example, Sarah and I went to Johnson City yesterday to sign the lease. Well, since we were up there, we decided to go ahead and talk to the Power Broad to make sure they can turn on the lights.  We were figuring maybe about 100 for a service charge... NOPE! 300 dollars! Seriously people? 300 to turn on the lights. Needless to say, we do not have the lights in our name yet. We have no idea how exactly we are going to fix it and be able to turn them on by Friday..... :/ It was just such a shock... I know that something will work out though. Everything else is. Like today I decided to go to some thrift stores and look around to get the last minute things....Lucky for me both Goodwills I went to were having a half off everything sale! I got a new sheet set and an office chair for 10 bucks! I was pumped. Then, my grandfather called me today and told me that he has a chest of drawers for me. My grandfather has been such a blessing to Sarah and I for furniture. He has basically gave us everything. I only had to buy an entertainment center. So, basically the lease is signed, the cable guy has been called, all the furniture basically bought, EXCEPT the lights!!! Ugh. It's so stressful! Luckily, we have some options.... Hopefully, they just work out...

You ought to know...

So, you know when you watch VH1 and they always show you artist you need to know? Well, this is going to be one of those type dealios....

I just got back from a show at The Pilot Light. Originally, I went there to see Johnny Astro and the Big Bang which were amazing like always, but the band right after was Plainclothes Tracy. I absolutely love them. They are a mix between She & Him, The Civil Wars kinda, and some Norah Jones. Basically just GOOD stuff! They're a local band from Knoxville, but oh my goodness they were good. The music just makes you feel good. Something different, but so good at the same time! Check it out!

Other than working all the time, I've been doing absolutely nothing. Haha. I move into my new apartment in 2 and a half weeks. Crazy, right? I still have so much to get done, but I'm rather excited to be back in Johnson City!

Oh and I have been dealing with a bird issue. Every night right after midnight, there are a couple of birds right outside my window at my house. They only chirp after midnight, right when I want to go bed. My dad has bought a fake owl and everything, but nothing is working. Last night, I went outside with a broom and hit the tree a couple of times and threw some rocks up into it, it worked for like 2 minutes. A couple of minutes ago, I did the same thing. Hopefully, it works. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know! They are sooooooo annoying!

Working....working...and more working...

Wow. It's been awhile, huh? Haha. Well, since summer started I've basically just been working. I just started last week at the Zaxby's on Cumberland in Knoxville. I work all the time. I mean, I'm not complaining. I most definitely need the money, but geeze..... I miss summer.

Other than working, I have started my internship at Knoxlife Church. I am doing everything, and anything. Haha. First thing, I cleaned out the kids closet. TALK ABOUT A JOB!!!! WOW!!! Second, they wanted me to organize said closet. It was an all day job for sure. Third, I had to search all kinds of festivals and upcoming events in Knoxville to find community outreach events. And, tomorrow I am putting lyrics into the computer for the service Sunday. So much stuff! But, I love it! I'm meeting so many people in the church!

So yeah. Summer is off to great, busy start! With working, interning, and relaxing it's been busy for sure. Next week is Blue Plum in good ol' Johnson City! I'm sooooo excited! Outdoor concerts that are free! I am so there!

Sundown: The Official Start of Summer!

Summer is the best time of the year. Not only because I'm out of school and have nothing to do, but because it's concert season! Like I've mentioned I LOVE LOVE LOVE concerts, especially free ones like Sundown in the City! For those of you that are not from Knoxville, Sundown is a free concert series in Market Square which is right in the middle of downtown. It's a good time to hang out with friends and listen to some good music. Anyways. I always know it's officially summer when I am able to go to a Sundown. Last night, I went with Rachel and we saw Better than Ezra. Not gonna lie, we basically had no idea who they were, but they were ok. The opening act was Johnny Astro and the Big Bang, I am a new fan! They were awesome! Check them out!

The best part of outdoor concerts is the atmosphere. There is always a lot of shall we say..... interesting people there. Last night for example, we're enjoying the show and there is a rather large, old man beside me who is swaying his arms back and forth almost smacking me in the face each time. A guy behind Rachel is screaming rather loudly every couple of seconds. A lady in front of us is dancing all over the place and literally hitting people on the head on accident. Everyone beside us is just dancing to the music and having a good time. So, it just puts you in a good mood and you feel like dancing too! Good times in my book.

Like I mentioned it's concert season, the most wonderful time of the year. I think I may have a concert planned every week! Oh, I love it! :D

It's over...

Wow. This semester is over. (I still technically have a final tomorrow, but it's not really that important. Haha.) So many good memories this semester!

I am officially half way through my college career. WHAT?!?! I remember coming up here for orientation and preview, better yet high school graduation, and now I only have 5 semesters left?! Blows my mind completely.

On a side note, I can officially say that I am a nursing school student! Woohoo! I know it's going to be tough and I'm probably not going to have a life between school,work, and some other stuff. But, hey! It's going to be so worth it.

I will leave you with a song I'm pretty much obsessed with! Watch it! It'll make you happy!

WOW!

It's been almost a week since I last posted something. This week has been crazy, but good! It was the last week of classes! Thank goodness! I only have 3 more finals standing between me and summer now!

This year has been a crazy one for sure. I've had to deal with a lot of stuff going on. But, as I think that this semester is almost over, it's kinda bittersweet. I won't see some of these people again until school starts! :(

We had the last gathering of The Well Wednesday. I will most definitely always remember that. I remember last year's last Well service. We were singing "With Everything" by Hillsong. It was super intense! This year, however, we were singing "With Everything" and the fire/emergency alarm was going off and there was basically a tornado going on outside. We didn't even realize what was going on until after the song. Everyone was singing at the top of their lungs and the band was playing. The people did see them going off thought i was Aimee taking pictures or just part of the stage. Haha. It was crazy good!

The only bad part about Wednesday was that because of the storms we had to leave like right after the service. Normally, we all hang out and chit chat for awhile, but not this past Wednesday. We had to grab our Dunkin' Donuts and bust it out of there. I didn't really think about it at the time, but that was probably the last time of the year that I would some of those people. :(

Yesterday, I went to Coalition for the last time. Thursday before work I had made the kids cupcakes. 48 in all! It was so sad to leave, even though yesterday was absolutely crazy. The kids were going nuts after they ate the cupcakes, which didn't make any sense because they were sugar-free! I had to make them sugar-free so one little boy who is diabetic could eat one. I love those kids so much. They are so precious!

Last night was Jam for Japan! Talk about fun!!!! Jeff Fyke, Heather and Kelcie, Ricky Hilton, Down South Disciples, and Curtis performed! It was an excellent night of fellowship and worship! I won a free Curtis t-shirt! I was pumped! If you don't know who Down South Disciples are, go check them out. They're Christian rappers and their lyrics are legit! "Satan got hit with an ugly stick, and it's called the CROSS!!" Oh and while you're at it, check out the Curtis band!!! AHHHHH!!! Love them!! I think we raised $700 for Japan and $100 for the East Tennessee Red Cross to help those affected by recent storms through the area!

We all ended the night at Mid City. So much fun! Keely and I shared the bacon cheddar fries. I'm proud to say we finished them.....ALL!!! Haha. It was a great time to hang out with everyone before some people go home!

 I am moving back up in July! WOOHOO!!! I am so excited and ready! I found out this week my Papaw is giving Sarah and I a bunch of furniture so that's fantastic!

Oh, glorious day!

This weekend started off horrible. I decided not to go this weekend, mostly because my dad had to work and I needed to work as much as I could. Little did I realize that this would be the hardest/best weekends in a while.

Friday wasn't so bad.....I went to class, went to work, and came home to do some homework. But, I was so bored! Everyone went home this weekend. I had no one to hang out with or anything. I was forced to do homework. I switched with someone Saturday, so I could get some more hours. I worked a 8 hour shift! Woohoo! I was kinda excited. That just means more money for the apartment! Haha.

Speaking of work....I really like the people I work with. Saturday we were super slow, so we were just talking and hanging out. It was nice. Afterwards, Jessica and I went to Cookout in our awesome Zaxby's attire to get milkshakes. We had a plan of staying just 10 minutes. Well, we looked at the clock and it was midnight....oops.

Sunday started off awful which is crazy. It's the day we celebrate Christ conquering the grave! You think I would've been jumping for joy? It was my first Easter away from my family. My family doesn't really do anything for Easter. We never really have. We usually just go to church and come home. But, the fact I wasn't there really hurt. Not to mention, I had plans after church and they were ruined. I was devastated. I even thought about driving home after church and just leaving later tonight. Crazy, right?

Well, anyway. I hate I was in a bad mood at church. I couldn't really get into it. I just kept thinking about how I wasn't home. I almost didn't even go. I thought I was going to be sitting by myself. Luckily, Ioana and Michael were there. So, I wasn't by myself. I'm pretty sure they could tell I was upset. I went home after church, still super upset, and Ioana called me and invited me to go over to Michael's to eat lunch and paint eggs. I was so happy!

Ioana is Romanian by the way. So, she decided to show Michael and I some Romanian traditions on Easter. We had to have deviled eggs along with our lunch of grilled chicken, roasted corn, bread, and potatoes. YUM! I had no problem with the deviled eggs. I love them. But, she made them weird. I was so uneasy about eating them. THEY WERE SOOOO GOOD!! Apparently, deviled eggs are essential to a good Easter dinner in Romania. Then, we painted (literally) eggs. I had never painted eggs before, but it was super fun! Mine had little flowers on it. Super cute! Apparently, another tradition in Romania is to play a game with your eggs. You try to crack the other person's egg and if you do you are the Egg King. Well, mine was disqualified before we even started. I dropped mine while painting it. Of course. Needless to say, Michael's won, mohawk and all.

I came home, and Titantic was on. What a perfect way to end the day! I love that movie! Did I do any of my other homework or study? Of course not. But, hey! It is the LAST week of classes! Finally!

Basically, what started as a bad day, ended up to be one of the best days in awhile. This was definitely an Easter to remember! Thank you Jesus for conquering the grave! :)

It's Friday....

It’s Friday,

Jesus is praying.

Peter’s a sleeping.

Judas is betraying.

But Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday,

Pilate’s struggling.

The council is conspiring.

The crowd is vilifying.

They don’t even know

That Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday,

The disciples are running

Like sheep without a shepherd.

Mary’s crying.

Peter is denying.

But they don’t know

That Sunday’s a comin’!

It’s Friday,

The Romans beat my Jesus.

They robe Him in scarlet.

They crown him with thorns

But they don’t know

That Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday,

See Jesus walking to Calvary.

His blood dripping.

His body stumbling.

And His spirit’s burdened.

But you see, it’s only Friday

Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday,

The world’s winning.

People are sinning.

And evil’s grinning.

It’s Friday,

The soldiers nail my Savior’s hands

To the cross.

They nail my Savior’s feet

To the cross.

And then they raise Him up,

Next to criminals.

It’s Friday,

But let me tell you something,

Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday,

The disciples are questioning

What has happened to their King.

And the Pharisees are celebrating

That their scheming

Has been achieved.

But they don’t know

It’s only Friday

Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday

He’s hanging on the cross

Feeling forsaken by His Father,

Left alone and dying.

Can nobody save Him?

Ooooh

It’s Friday

But Sunday’s comin’!

It’s Friday

The earth trembles.

The sky grows dark.

My King yields His spirit.

It’s Friday

Hope is lost.

Death has won.

Sin has conquered,

and Satan’s just a laughing.

It’s Friday.

Jesus is buried.

A soldier stands guard,

And a rock is rolled into place.

But it’s Friday.

It is only Friday

Sunday is a comin’!

I may go crazy....

I live in Buc Ridge, apartments on campus through housing. Well, you would think for the amount of money I pay by semester they would be pretty quiet, right? WRONG. Like right now, for example, I am hearing my upstairs neighbors run a marathon. For real, guys? It's almost 11 at night calm it down. I guess that's better than hearing my downstairs music in my room at 2 in the morning. Basically, I'm ready to move out. I can honestly say that I have never been so ready for a semester to be over before. I don't know if it's because it's almost time for me to move into my new apartment which is off campus or what, but I am ready for summer. 

The countdown begins... 

I only have 3 tests, a presentation, two papers, and 3 finals left till I'm home sweet home. Thinking about all I have to get done this week and next is enough to send anyone into a mental institution. Next week is "dead week" which is also known as "hey, we're going to cram everything and anything into this week and make everything due this week!" So, this may or may not be my last blog for awhile. 

Just to put things into perspective for ya....I went to Barns and Noble Saturday for 4 and half hours working on homework. Today, I was there for 3 hours studying. I don't know what it is about Barns and ?noble, but when I am there, I am in the zone. I can get so much done. When I'm in the library, I fall asleep. When I'm in my apartment, I get distracted. Barns and Noble is just my study place. No joke. I do feel bad though. Every time I go, I never buy anything. I'm pretty sure the people that work there know me as "the girl who just comes here to study and never buys anything." Haha. 

On the plus side, I am finally starting Crazy Love. So far it's amazing. I went to the VA yesterday and sat under a tree and read for like 2 hours. It was so nice to just relax and read. I'm on chapter 4. I love it, so far!

Trust.....

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"

Proverbs 3:5

Wow. Ok. Do you ever have those moments when you feel like God kinda slaps you in the face? Not literally, but you know what I mean? Like, he says, "HEY! LOOK!" And, all of a sudden you're like WOW! Well, that most definitely happened last night at The Well. 

Some of you know I have a A LOT of financial struggles right now. Well, I have tried everything in my power to fix it. I have been to the bank. I have been to the financial aid office. I have basically been everywhere. No joke. Last night at The Well, the message was about Jesus' entry to Jerusalem just a couple of days before the cross. God is a magnificent planner. Jesus' entry was extremely planned. 

For example, Jesus entered on a donkey. Luke 19:29. It had been prophesied that the Messiah was going to ride a donkey in Zachariah 9:9. Just think about this donkey for a moment. Luke 19 tells us that it had never been ridden before. Now, it was going to carry Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus, the man who was carrying all of your and mine sins on his shoulders. WOW! Next,  Jesus entered the city on Lamb Selection Day which was the families would pick out a lamb to sacrifice for the Passover. John 1:29 tells us that John called Jesus the Lamb of God. Final point, Jesus entered from the East. It had been prophesied that the Messiah would come from the East. DOUBLE WOW! 

Now, the people in the city thought that Jesus was coming to save them from the Romans, not save them eternally. Could you imagine how Jesus felt? Here He was, coming to save His people completely and they were too worried about what was going on in the city and not what He was actually doing. The scriptures actually says Jesus wept over the city. 

This got me thinking.....if Jesus wept over the people not getting the big picture of why He was there, He probably is sadden when I don't see the picture and doubt or get frustrated or worry about things that don't go my way. I have the hardest time trusting God with the simplest things, especially here recently. I honestly feel like that is one thing God is really teaching me right now to just trust in Him. I feel like He's telling me, "Stacie, I've got this. I love you. I'm not going to let anything go wrong. Trust me with it." And, I'm basically telling Him, "No. I got this," which totally breaks His heart. 

So this is my challenge to you and especially myself. Trust God with everything. He sees the big picture. Not us. Thank goodness. It's going to be rough. It's not going to be easy, but He will take care of us! 

 "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Exodus 14:14

Sidenote: If you are going to be on ETSU's campus tomorrow night, come to the amphitheater for The Well's Concert of Worship! It's going to be an amazing night!  

Technology....

I find it hilarious that my dad calls me about the simplest things Like right now, I am trying to explain to him how to open an e-mail with an attachment. Something so simple, right? Apparently not.

I love him, but come on....this is literally a 30 minute conversation about how to open a file. Oh my geeze. Isn't it crazy how something that we think is so simple can be so difficult to someone else?!

Anyways! Yesterday at church, we had two missionaries come from Mexico and talk about the boy's home that they have started there. I was interested. As some of you know, I feel like God is really calling me to have a career in medical missions. I e-mailed the lady right after I got home to talk to her about possibly interning with them next summer! I feel like this is a major door God has opened for me! I'm excited to see what God has in store for me coming up. Like I mentioned, this will be next summer simply because of funds and stuff, but I definitely think it may be a possibility that I will be going to Mexico for the summer of 2012!

www.shmius.org   <--- Check this out!

Oh goodness....

Basically, this week has been horrible. Have you ever just been in one of those moods all week and you just can't get over it? Like nothing seems to go your way? You fall, you run out of gas, you realize you did a paper wrong, you don't a paycheck like you thought you would......something along those lines? Well, that's been this week. Luckily, tomorrow is Friday and even though I have to work all weekend, I'm so happy this week will be over.

Out of all the bad stuff this week though, there has been some good. Like, I think I have a solution to my financial problems with all this extra nursing stuff I have to get. I'm really liking my job so far. Day Without Shoes went good. We have a Toms Club on campus! Guess who's a new member?! And, The Well Wednesday night was absolutely amazing!

You know those moments when you're worshiping and you just get completely lost? Well, I most definitely had one Wednesday. I couldn't even begin to tell you all the songs we sung. I was so into them. It was amazing. I definitely needed it. I've noticed that regardless of how my week is going, Wednesdays are always my good days of the week. :) My absolute favorite days of the week for sure!

YOU make beautiful things out of dust....

Last night was The Well's annual fundraising ban was Splendor much like the ministry team retreat at the beginning of the year. The key verse was Isaiah 61:3 "......They will be oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor."

At the banquet, there was a video that had been made with interviews from some of us. It was so encouraging to see some of friends on the video being so transparent and real with the people there about some of the things they have went through and where Christ has brought them. Then, my faced popped up on the screen. It said "Being lukewarm and striving for acceptance from the world.....Now, I know I am strong in Jesus and strive for Him!" I would've never thought last year that I would be saying that. As some of you know, I became a Christian at a very young age basically because that's what everyone else was doing. I never knew what it meant to really have a relationship with Jesus. I would go to church and everything but I would live my own life. I thought going to church was just something I was supposed to do. In high school, I started to going to my old church back home and I remember recommitting my life. I still was completely living my own life though. I never really understood what was the big deal. I just knew I was going to Heaven. I was content with that.

When I came to ETSU, I went down the wrong path my first semester and some of my second semester....parties, clubbing, etc. I figured I'm in college, I'm away from home for the first time.....I'm going to live it up. I would still go to bible studies on Mondays and go to The Well on Wednesdays, but again I would just go because my friends were going or something. I never cared about anything else.

February 2010 was when I hit rock bottom. My grandmother passed away. Then, a week later my stepfather passed away. I was so angry. I was depressed. I lost faith. I would not go anywhere. I just wanted to go home. I wanted to quit. I thought there was no point in trying so hard anymore. I didn't understand why this happened to my family. It was one obstacle after another. I thought my family would never be happy again. I stopped hanging out with friends and going to The Well and bible study.  Luckily, God has placed some amazing friends in my life that were encouraging me and showing me Christ's love through their actions. They would push me to go with them.

I gave in one Wednesday and went with them. That particular Wednesday was about lukewarmness. I never really understood what it meant. I knew I wasn't lukewarm, but it turns out I was the definition of lukewarm. That night I officially really recommitted my life to Jesus and decided that from now I wouldn't strive after worldly things and acceptance from people I would strive after Jesus!

I have lost some friends. I have faced trials. But, I know that God is in control. He sees the whole picture, not me. I still struggle, by no means am I perfect. But, God is teaching me daily to just trust and rely on Him and not my own ways.

So, anyway. Last night's main song was "Beautiful Things" by Gungor. If you haven't heard this song, check it out. The simple truths in it are amazing and so encouraging. I think it definitely describes each person that talked or was on the slideshow or the video last night. God is making us beautiful through Him. He is making us new. We were dust. But, He makes us into something beautiful. While I look back on my life before Christ, I realize now just how hard He was pulling at me through friends, mentors, everything. It's amazing! So, I just want to say in closing thoughts.....God can make anything new. He strives toward you. Trust in Him. He is more satisfying than anything else, I know from experience!

"All around, Hope is springing up from this old ground.

Out of chaos life is being found in You.

You make beautiful things.

You make beautiful things out of the dust.

You make beautiful things.

You make beautiful things out of us!"

So close, yet so far away....

This past weekend was probably one of the best weekends of my life. No joke. I got to thinking that this may be a preview of what summer is going to be like! And, if that's the case.....WOW!

The Delta Saints

For everyone that knows me, you guys know that I love love LOVE concerts! There's just something about being there hearing the songs, front row, everyone pushing towards the front, your ears ringing afterward.... I just love it. I couldn't begin to count all the concerts I have been to in the last year. I know that last summer I went to...15ish something like that. Now, these aren't typical concerts like you would hear on the radio, they're mostly just some local bands that no one has ever heard of before or something like that, but those are my absolute favorite. Friday night was the first concert of what I like to call "concert season." Sarah and I went to see our friends The Delta Saints. That's another reason why I love local concerts, you can always meet the band afterward and hang out. That's how we met The Delta Saints. If you like bluesy, roots rock music, you should check them out for sure. Well, anyway the show was FANTASTIC and we hung out with them before and after. I loved it.  I didn't love the fact that I didn't get home till 6 in the morning, but it was so worth it.

My daddy's birthday cake! 

Happy Birthday! 

Like I mentioned in my last blog, my dad's birthday was Saturday. I had plans to wake up early and drive home at 10ish. That didn't happen. My dad called me at 11:30 and was wondering where I was. Well, I was most definitely still in bed, so I hurried and got ready and left for Seymour. I met my dad at home and we decided to go to Downtown Grill and Brewery for his birthday dinner. I was absolutely ok with that choice! I love that place! So, we went there and some delicious food. Then, we decided to walk around downtown Knoxville for awhile. Somewhere I basically live during the summer. Haha. Well, it started raining. And, of course neither of us had an umbrella, so we ended up running into Coolato Gelato. If you've never been there, GO! It's amazing. We shared birthday cake and strawberry gelato and a root beer! YUM! We left Coolato and headed for my older sister's house. My sister has 4 kids. The oldest is only 9, so it is always chaos when we go over there. My sister had the idea of all us playing Rock Band. Never play Rock Band with 4 little kids, learned that the hard way. It was fun nevertheless. We brought all the kids in the kitchen and brought my dad his birthday cake while the kids sang or shouted "Happy Birthday." After cake and ice cream, we decided to head home. I was going to meet some friends later that night, and my dad was going to go to bed since he had to work a double the next day. So, I picked up Sarah and we headed to the Cereal Bar in downtown Knoxville to meet Rachel, Gabi, Chris, Brendal, and Rachel's friend, Wesley, basically the gang that always hangs out in the summer. I love going to the Cereal Bar. It's so chill. None of us got cereal, but we just love to hang out in there. It reminds me of a big living room. It was so awesome to just be with my friends back home and roaming the town. Everyone wanted some gelato, so we walked to Coolato. (Yep, I went there 2 times in one day) We hung out there for forever and headed back to the car. Everyone said their goodbyes and Sarah and I headed back to her house for a night of Just Dance 2. My workout for the weekend.

This picture was so dark, so I had to lighten it a lot! That's why it looks so weird! 

Sunday, I woke up late, of course. And hurried to get ready and make it to church at Knoxlife on time. Knoxlife is an  amazing church. It's in downtown Knoxville in a coffee shop, but it will be moving to the Bijou in May! It's so contemporary and most definitely not like your average church. I love it. I have grown so much there. The messages are relevant to what I'm going through every time. I felt bad though, because right after church I had to leave and come back to Johnson City to study anatomy alllllllllllllll day and night. I didn't have time to hang out and chit chat or grab lunch like I always do. Well, I made it back to Johnson City and studied and studied and studied some more. A bad way to ruin a GREAT weekend.

Last summer, after Sundown! 

I realized that summer is only 5 weeks away. That is so close, yet so far away. As I look at my calendar, all I see are tests, papers, presentations, appointments I have. I can honestly say that especially after this "preview" weekend of what summer is going to be like this year I can not wait! I'll be home for half of May and all of June. Sarah and I move in our apartment in July. Random road trips, concerts, swimming, I just can't wait.





On a serious note, some of you know Jessica Loveday. Her brother was in a very serious car wreck last night. He had to be air lifted to a hospital in Knoxville. I don't really know all of the details, but I do know that they need our prayers, the whole family and the medical staff. Please remember them!

Happy Birthday!

Because I don't want to study and I'm a great procrastinator, I'm going to write this to my daddy. Tomorrow is his actually birthday, but I probably won't have to time to do anything this weekend. Stupid anatomy test.

Anyway. My daddy's birthday is tomorrow! I'm really excited and I want to take this time to just tell everyone just how amazing my dad is. :) My dad is my absolute bestest bestest bestest friend. No lie. He is always there for me and is always encouraging me and supporting me. I don't know where I would be without him. He is probably the only person who knows me better than I know myself. I tell him everything. That may sound weird to some of you seeing how normally girls are closer with their moms than dads, but as many of you know I did live with my dad growing up and such which made us super close. Not to say we don't have our moments when we get in arguments, because we most definitely do, but we always tend to just get over them. Normal father-daughter arguments such as he talks too much or asks too many questions and just gets on my nerves. Haha. We're pretty much the same person. We think the same way about things. We like the same foods, etc. etc. We're both super stubborn. We both love to be right, which causes most of our fights. But, in the end, I know he is one of the people I can always count to be there for me. He has never disappointed me, and I don't think he ever will. I love to go home and hang out with my dad more than anything, or when he comes up here and we go out to eat and don't really do anything but sit in my apartment afterward and watch TV. Haha. It doesn't take a lot to entertain us, obviously.

Not much to entertain us! 

He is my number one supporter. When I have a problem or get super stressed out at school, I call him first thing. He always brightens my day. Then, he'll send me little cards in the mail, even if he already sent the same one before and forgot. Haha. He is my wake up call every morning, even when I know he doesn't have to be at work early and I have class early he'll call and make sure I'm awake. I couldn't tell you the number of times his calls have saved me from missing class. I talk to him every day about everything. Sometimes our conversations are short, sometimes they are super long and we'll talk about everything. My day seems off if I don't talk to him at least once in a day,  whether that be my wake up call or at night before I go to sleep.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

 Well, I realize I'm just rambling now, but my last thing I want to say is HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the greatest dad and bestest friend ever!!!! Thank you so much for everything you do for me! I love you so much! And, I can't wait to see you tomorrow!

I forget how big I'm blessed...

Have you ever just had a moment when you realize just how blessed you are? I mean I know I am blessed without a doubt, but sometimes it seems that I forget or I just think that I deserve certain things. When in reality, I don't deserve anything. Random thought for the day. I honestly feel like that is something God is really teaching me right now. "In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I'm blessed!"

Anyways. Last night was The Well (for those of one who don't know what The Well is....it's a campus ministry that I have went to since freshmen year. 500 college kids gathered together to worship and learn more about JESUS! It's awesome!)
 Back to my story, last night was The Well, like I said, and we have been in a series called Word Play which is basically just about how important our words actually are. I've noticed I complain or grumble A LOT. I honestly don't know why I do, but I feel like if I complain it makes me feel better in a way? I don't know. But, as I was thinking about how much I complain these past couple of days, I was thinking about how it effects people around me.  I know when I'm in a good mood and someone is just complaining the whole time, I eventually get in a bad mood too. On the opposite side, if you are always in good spirits and in a good mood, it rubs off on people. Last night, James said that the person we are talking to should be lifted up as a result of your conversation. Wow. Talk about feeling convicted big time! I felt I had been smacked in the face. Haha. My life is not horrible. I don't get why I complain so much and all the time. So, here is my challenge to myself and all who read.....let's try our absolute hardest to not complain the rest of week.

I caved...

So, some of my friends have told me lately to get a blog and start blogging, here ya go.... Haha. I basically want to do this to share what's going on in my life, my thoughts, etc. I can't promise it will be the most interesting thing, but I'm sure it will have some entertaining moments. :)