life is children

       I am currently reading a book called feathers from my nest by a well-known Christian author, Beth Moore. In this book, Beth reflects on items associated with her daughters who have both left for college. Symbolically, these items are "feathers from her nest," or more simply put, memories that happened while she was raising her children. I gave this book to my mom when I left for college because I could tell it was a hard time for her. After mom (slowly) read the book, she encouraged me to read it as well. Of course I don't have any children, and obviously I don't have children leaving the nest soon, but she said the novel also provides good guidance on how to raise a Christian based family. So here I am reading each chapter, and taking notes on how to raise my future family.

       For as many years as I can remember, the biggest thing I have ever wanted from life is children. I am a little on the far side of obsessed with kids. Growing up, anyone could tell you that I wanted 6 kids and that I was going to name my first daughter Bennlie. Today, not a lot has changed. I have lowered my vast number down to 4 (but secretly wouldn't mind if I had triplets on my fourth pregnancy). Reading this book makes me even more excited for my life when I start having kids. This passage I can upon really stuck out to me and made me realize how important children are.

       I cannot express enough how true it is that, "you could find a child almost anywhere you find a lot of life." In church this Sunday, the Pastor made a comment that we need to actually listen to kids when they talk. Yeah, the story they are telling might take twice as long as it should, but there really is meaning behind what they have to tell us. We need to take time to listen to people when they are talking. We get so caught up in going from one task to the next that we forget to enjoy the precious time we are currently experiencing. My challenge to you is to stop and really listen to someone when they are talking. To be engaged in the conversation, not just listen to bits and pieces. 

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

let go and let God

Anyone heard the song A Thousand Years by Christina Perri? If not, I strongly suggest looking into it. The lyrics can be found here: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/christinaperri/athousandyears.html. One of my good friends went to a wedding and this song played before the bride walked down the isle. The more I listened to the song, the more I fell in love with that idea. A Thousand Years is the perfect depiction of everyone's favorite part of a wedding... the bride walking to the man she will spend the rest of her life with. The first verse explains all that is running through the bride's head as she is getting ready to turn the corner. Once she sees her soon-to-be husband, all the worrying, strife, and thoughts suddenly clear her mind. The chorus simply explains that their love is going to last an eternity. Woah... when you really let that thought sink in, it seems crazy. But the exciting part is that everyone has someone they are meant to be with for the rest of their life. One single person out of the entire universe is meant to match with you. We all question how we know who it is, how we are to judge if he/she is the right one, or how we know when the time is right. But I am slowly learning that God has a plan for all of us. He will put that significant other in our life when we are ready. He will be the one to let us know when the time is right. As scary as it seems, we need to let go and let God take care of that aspect of our life. So my challenge for all of you is to pray for your future spouse (or current of course). If we don't know who he/she is, who cares! Praying that they are living a life on the narrow path isn't going to hurt. Praying that they fall in love with God before they fall in love with you will only help your future relationship. It only takes a small amount of time to pray... so what are you waiting for?

...don't forget to "trust in the Lord & He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:34

for starters

One of my favorite things to do is hear someone's story. And I assume most of you right now are saying... "I don't have a story." But I'm here to tell you this amazing news, you do have a story. Everyone has a story whether they think it is exciting or not. Each and every single one of us walk around with a book and we are constantly flipping through the pages writing the heart of this chapter storybook. So for starters, I am going to start out with my story.
I grew up in the country with 2 siblings and the world's best parents any child could ever ask for. We got to go on vacations all the time, spent our summers at the lake, and kept very active with the community and all it had to offer. I went to a very small school, and participated in every organization/club/sport possible. I am thankful every single day for getting that opportunity. I graduated with a class of 26 and friends that I will have for the rest of my life. I am now taking part in my second year of college and it has been such a great experience. My freshman year I went to school not knowing what exactly to major in (what college kid does anyway?). All I know is that I had 2 strong passions: children and baking. Between many prayers and conversations, I decided to do what I have always wanted to do... go to culinary school. I am currently attending culinary school right now but I can't say that it has been what I expected. Throughout the summer, I kept getting strong urges pushing me towards children. Next semester I am starting elementary education classes in plans to get my elementary education K-6 special education degree. I am just normal like every other 19 year old girl. I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for, and am surrounded by positive people all the time. But here's the thing... I can't help but think about what the future holds all the time (just as any other young lady does). This blog is dedicated to my future... to my future children, future husband, future occupation, future adventures. We are always so wrapped up in the fact that we aren't totally satisfied with our life right now, but what a blessing it is to know that the best days of our live haven't happened yet.