SB '11

I have finally made my decision regarding Spring break

I am not going...

After a very emotional week of going back and forth on what to do,

Crying in frustration and confusion,

I have done what is best for myself.

I weighed the pros and cons,

I talked it over with someone whose advice and opinions matter a great deal to me,

But most importantly I prayed about it.

I don't think I would be making this decision if it wasn't God's plan for me.

I know I'm going to look at pictures and feel totally left out,

that will be the worst part.

But I trust that God has my best interest in mind.

I have full faith that He will make this Spring Break a wonderful week for me in His own way.

Who knows, maybe I'll be going to Washington DC and New York City... ;)

Here are a few pictures from Spring Break last year. It was AMAZING.

The group at Baytowne Warf

BFF

Most fun we had ALL week. Going around and stealing road sighs... Beach signs... And whatever else we could find. At 2:00 AM of course.

Best. Picture. Ever.

Words can't even explain...

I will Definitely miss this :(

Colton Burpo: Glimpses of Heaven

Isaiah 40:28-31

²⁸ Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Phone Call

The other night, I received a phone call from a friend I haven't talked to in quite a while. I don't know why she called, perhaps God just gave her a feeling that she needed to, but I'm glad she did.

Ali and I used to be the best of friends in middle school and the early years of high school. Unfortunately we grew apart. We let jealousy and pettiness ruin our friendship. It's something I wish had never happened; we were extremey immature. Thankfully both of us have grown. We have matured into beautiful people. I admire Ali for who she has become. She has turned into an amazing person. She puts the Lord and her family above everything else, she works hard, and she has a determination to carry out God's will.

She and I are more alike now than we ever were when we were besties.

Ali, I hope you read this. I hope you know that your phone call the other night was a blessing and I am so glad we had a chance to catch up. Please call me anytime because I miss you and would love to hear from you!
Love always,

Uno Who ;)

Photo shoots were our favorite

Untitled

Things have not been going my way lately.
I have been stressed over schoolwork,
Negligent in my Math work (not intentionally of course),
I have felt unhappy for no reason at all.
I've felt unwanted, ignored, and alone...
I let small things bother me to the point of tears,
My self image depresses me.
And I've stressed myself out about Spring Break plans.
To go or not to go... That truly is the question.
A question that I cannot find the answer to...

I pray for patience, joy, and answers to my questions every night.

I know that in time, my life will fall into place.

For my joy comes from Christ,

This I know for certain.

However, I am unhappy,

And nothing I do seems to change that.

I don't mean to be depressing,

And I don't mean to make it sound like I'm miserable.

But this is how I feel.

My couch and a cup of tea are my new best friends

When We Are One

I love this so much. So beautiful.

Vday

Happy Singles Awareness Day...

I feel as if Valentine's Day is the most pointless day of the year. People spend so much time, money, and thought trying to put together perfect plans and gifts for a day that Hallmark created to make money.

Did you know that this 'holiday' is second to Christmas in gifts purchased and cards sent? That seems a little ridiculous to me.

Sunday in church, I was told the story about St. Valentine and his work in marrying couples when it was against the law to be married.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl — who may have been his jailor's daughter — who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.

This precious story about love is often forgotten in the midst of the Hallmark holiday. I personally think Valentine's Day is more than just love for your significant other, but love for your friends, family, and everyone important in your life. It's a day to tell someone you love and appreciate them.

Not to mention watching sappy movies and making fun of them, acting hilariously bitter towards the PDA couples on the quad, and going on a date with your best friends. That's how I celebrate ;)

Redeeming Love

Redeeming Love has to be the best book I have ever read. It's an amazing story of the love God has for us and the things He can do in our lives. It's a story of strength, love, and trust in the trials and tribulations God puts in our path. It's a story that will make you examine your faith, life, and the love you have for not only your Savior but everyone in your life. I recommend it to everyone, even the men ;)

"Love the Lord your God and love one another. Love one another as he loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. Stand against the darkness and love. That's the way back into Eden. That's the way back to life" -Francine Rivers

A Thought...

Sometimes it's ok not to be ok.

Con Brio Memories

Yesterday, I went to the Albertville Diamond Classic Show Choir Competition to support my high school show choir Con Brio. It brought back SO many good memories! Being in show choir was one of the highlights of high school for me. I met some of my best friends there :) Going to competitions was always a blast and the amazing feeling you get after performing a show beats anything else. I loved performing with Con Brio and I must say I miss it!

Sophomore year- 'Sway'

Senior Year- My favorite show!

'Freeze Frame'

If I could I would fill this entry with all of my favorite pictures but that would take up a little too much room!

My Amazing Mother :)

I love my Mom's voice.

This song is beautiful and I listen to it every now and then. You can just tell who my Mom is singing to and I admire her so much. Best voice teacher I've ever had ;)

You Good?

Last week while visiting the circus, I stood in the very spot where I met Carrie Underwood in back in June. Here's what happened on that awesome day.

Before the concert, a few of my friends and I stood outside Carrie's tour bus waiting for her to walk into the BJCC. Sure enough, out she came ready to sign autographs and meet her fans. I, unlike Allie, did not cry and hyperventilate. (She's a HUGE fan). Carrie signed my ticket and even said it was nice to meet me. I know that sounds crazed fan-like... Haha but I'm very proud! As Allie cried of happiness and tried not to pass out, Carrie even asked her, "You good?" Which to this day Allie is VERY proud of :)

Carrie signing my ticket. No zoom. She really is right in front of my face.

My ticket :)

Opener