Autumn {fall}

Autumn reminds me of change. 

Autumn reminds me that some things needs to die, fall, or be put away for a season.

Autumn reminds me of how I'm really falling. 

Autumn reminds me that I need to fall in love with my Saviour more each day.

Autumn reminds me that I need fly in love and not fall in it.

Autumn reminds me that I need to be patient..prepared to endure.

Autumn reminds me that I am broken. 

Autumn reminds me that life is beautiful and that I am redeemed.

Autumn is an end and beginning.

 

What I've learned

[me and the sis]

I'm gonna be completely honest with you.

This past week and a half has been a complete struggle.

A lot is going on and i've been having some trouble, but i'm getting through it! :)

What I've really learned is that you have to surround yourself with loving people.

But loving people that won't sugar coat things and will tell you the truth. 

People that will be there for you and encourage you.

And people that put up with your stupid drama.

Most of all, surround yourself with people of your same beliefs and values.

You know what else I've come to realize? The road to redemption is here.

I don't know about you, but i'm going down this road.

In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace Ephesians 1:7 NIV

DIY - Change the world

As I finish my transaction at JCPenney the cashier asks me, "Would you like to donate to our (I don't know the name) charity?". Me out-loud, "Oh well how much is it?", Me thinking, "You know I just bought all this stuff and now they want me to donate money to their charity? Gosh I mean what do these people think? I'm a millionaire or something?" The cashier then replies, "Only .17 cents." "Oh well sure! I can totally afford that." And then I walk away with my purchases feeling like the All-American-Hero because I've donated .17 cents.

I've just described a scene that millions of Americans encounter all the time. That includes me. You know what I'm talking about. Now there's nothing wrong with this, but do you really feel satisfied about helping other people around you? I'm not saying you have to donate all your money! Or any money at all. I'm not even talking about changing the whole world people! So what is it that I'm talking about exactly?

I've found that true satisfaction of helping people comes when I get "down and dirty". Okay so maybe you don't actually have to get down (what does that even mean?) or dirty. But how is it that we can change the world? 

Simply this, go to the boys & girls club and volunteer. Go to your local elementary school and help them plant a tree (okay so this actually requires getting a little dirty). Go to your local trailer park (don't go alone) and give out toys, give out food. Put on a clown show. Hey, have a face-painting party!

What I'm trying to say is that as great as it is to sponsor a child in another country, don't forget you have a community that you're a part of. I'm not telling you that you to stop sending money to orphans because in the Bible it does say to care for the orphans, but have you actually looked to see the poverty where you live? Maybe you have to travel 15 minutes to really see poverty. I guarantee you that it's there. You can change the world by changing your community and by doing much more than only giving your money. Plus you'll be healthier, happier, more satisfied, changed, and active.
Those benefits are pretty awesome!

So go out and do something. Don't just sit there. Change the world:)

confessions

When I started public school this past March, everything changed.

My schooling

My friends

My life.

Does this mean I got rid of my old friends?

My old life?

Of course not!! 

As they say, Old friends and gold and New friends are silver.

Or something along those lines. 

but to be honest...I've been resistant. definitely not open.

it's been a struggle. it's been really hard

to embrace these new friends and life.

but it's for the best.

Because this is now who I am. 

And isn't that what life is all about?

What I'm always singing about?

Change