These past two weeks have been hard. Really hard.
I had a migraine for two weeks straight. That was just awesome.
My heart was hurting.
But now- I'm doing much better.
Day #3(sort of) without a headache!
Haven't cried since Tuesday.
Sunday is youth Sunday.
Which means that the youth Praise Band (which I'm in!) will be playing in big church.
We had practice last night. I love it.
We're playing all our money songs, as Trent calls them. Cornerstone. Be Thou My Vision. Revelation Song.
I'm SO pumped.
Last night we were in practice and I was standing at my keyboard as we played "Great I Am."
I was singing at the top of my lungs, praising Him for being the Great I Am.
And it hit me.
I've been thinking about this time last year a lot lately, but last night- I thought about it differently.
I thought about the emotional wreck I was this time last year, the lack of trust I had in God, I wasn't playing in the Praise Band yet, Caroline and I weren't super close like we are now, everytime I heard "Great I Am" I sobbed.
I thought back to today.
I was standing on stage with Caroline, who has become one of my dearest friends, with Trent, who has basically adopted me as his little sister, with Becca and the rest of the band.
And last night I was thankful.
Because it was beautiful.
I was playing and singing with all that I had, praising Him. And this time last year, I couldn't have done that.
But now- I worship with all of me. I praise Him for being the Great I Am.
And even on days when I don't see it, He is Healer. He is the Great I Am. He is the only thing I will ever need.
And for the first time, I realized that this- this is beautiful.
The road He has me on, this journey, this heartache, this Joy in Him, it is beautiful.
It's a different kind of beauty.
But this healing He has brought me, it is indeed beautiful.
"When my sin is all that I can see,
Your grace remains the shelter that I seek.
And when my weakness is all I can give,
Your gentle Spirit gives me strength again.
And oh, the beauty of Your majesty,
On the cross You showed Your love for me...
You're beautiful, my Lord."
This life is full of beauty. May we always take time to find it, to find Him- our Beautiful Lord.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Friday, October 4, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
I've been wanting to write.
This Wednesday is the 24th. Of July.
One year from when she left us.
I didn't know what to write about.
Until yesterday night.
At d*groups when my youth pastor was speaking...
He said something that caught my attention.
"We know as a follower of Christ life won't be easy. We know the tribulations and trials are coming. But are we preparing ourselves for that? Are we getting to a place with our relationship with Christ that when trials come the first thing we think to do is go before the Lord in prayer?"
I couldn't help but think back to this time last year.
I had just gotten back from camp.
Paige was the FIRST person to greet me when I got off the bus. Even before my parents.
We were getting ready for SWTA together.
But...
What if I had been hearing the exact same thing my youth pastor said last night?
Would that have made a difference in my reaction to the next couple of days...
I was probably just thinking, "I don't need to prepare. Because that will never happen to me."
And then it did.
Tragedy hit.
And I questioned God endlessly. I ran to people- not to Him.
Would my life then have been different?
If I would have been preparing for trials...would my reaction have been running to Him?
It just makes me think.
And gives me motivation to prepare for anything else that could come my way.
Because this year has certainly been full of trials.
Constantly something else.
So I'm going to LISTEN this time.
And prepare.
And hold on to all the sweet memories I have of us from those last few days.
What a great comfort it is to know that He has already overcome.
This Wednesday is the 24th. Of July.
One year from when she left us.
I didn't know what to write about.
Until yesterday night.
At d*groups when my youth pastor was speaking...
He said something that caught my attention.
"We know as a follower of Christ life won't be easy. We know the tribulations and trials are coming. But are we preparing ourselves for that? Are we getting to a place with our relationship with Christ that when trials come the first thing we think to do is go before the Lord in prayer?"
I couldn't help but think back to this time last year.
I had just gotten back from camp.
Paige was the FIRST person to greet me when I got off the bus. Even before my parents.
We were getting ready for SWTA together.
But...
What if I had been hearing the exact same thing my youth pastor said last night?
Would that have made a difference in my reaction to the next couple of days...
I was probably just thinking, "I don't need to prepare. Because that will never happen to me."
And then it did.
Tragedy hit.
And I questioned God endlessly. I ran to people- not to Him.
Would my life then have been different?
If I would have been preparing for trials...would my reaction have been running to Him?
It just makes me think.
And gives me motivation to prepare for anything else that could come my way.
Because this year has certainly been full of trials.
Constantly something else.
So I'm going to LISTEN this time.
And prepare.
And hold on to all the sweet memories I have of us from those last few days.
What a great comfort it is to know that He has already overcome.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
A peak into her heart...
Ever since children's choir last week, my heart has been so heavy.
Why? You ask.
We were singing that song I wrote the blog post about, "Bring My Praise."
And a little girl came up to me (she's in kindergarten, sweet as can be, super cute, and lives with a foster family) tears filling her eyes.
"This song makes me sad," she said as tears ran down her cheeks.
I scooped her up in my arms and we went to the back of the room. She buried her head in my shoulder and her tears left stains on my shirt.
"Did you know Jesus loves to hear you sing?" I asked. She nodded. I rocked her for a few minutes, hugging her tightly, trying not to cry myself.
"Why does it make you sad?" I asked. I wasn't expecting the answer she gave me.
"It makes me think of my mommy and daddy. And I don't have one." She began to bawl. And my eyes filled with tears. Her little heart was so broken.
I just held her tightly and she continued to cry.
"Do you know how much Jesus loves you, sweet girl?" I asked. She just cried. And my heart continued to break.
I thought about this all night and I told several friends.
This sweet girl, who feels alone in this world, needs love. I'm thankful that I know this sweet girl receives so much love from her foster family. I see them in church every Sunday and I'm confident that she has love...but don't you just wonder what goes through her little mind?
There are so many children in foster care or in orphanages all around the world that don't get love. Their hearts are broken and they need Jesus. They need people like us to step up to the plate and love them. People like us who can show them God's precious, gracious, merciful love.
And it breaks my heart to know that there are children out there, just like this sweet little girl, who don't have mommies and daddies. Who don't have people on a daily basis to love them. Friends, their hearts can be healed. And there is so much we can do. If only we would just do it.
So, as I love on children in children's choir, and love on this sweet little girl, I challenge you to think about what you can do. So many children need love and after this peek into this little girl's heart...I've been
continually challenged to love. God keeps telling me, "This is what I want you to do. To love children, no matter what their circumstances."
So that's what I'll do for this sweet girl. I'll show her God's love. And I'll continue to tell her that Jesus loves her more than she can imagine. Because really...that's all that matters.
~Bailey
Why? You ask.
We were singing that song I wrote the blog post about, "Bring My Praise."
And a little girl came up to me (she's in kindergarten, sweet as can be, super cute, and lives with a foster family) tears filling her eyes.
"This song makes me sad," she said as tears ran down her cheeks.
I scooped her up in my arms and we went to the back of the room. She buried her head in my shoulder and her tears left stains on my shirt.
"Did you know Jesus loves to hear you sing?" I asked. She nodded. I rocked her for a few minutes, hugging her tightly, trying not to cry myself.
"Why does it make you sad?" I asked. I wasn't expecting the answer she gave me.
"It makes me think of my mommy and daddy. And I don't have one." She began to bawl. And my eyes filled with tears. Her little heart was so broken.
I just held her tightly and she continued to cry.
"Do you know how much Jesus loves you, sweet girl?" I asked. She just cried. And my heart continued to break.
I thought about this all night and I told several friends.
This sweet girl, who feels alone in this world, needs love. I'm thankful that I know this sweet girl receives so much love from her foster family. I see them in church every Sunday and I'm confident that she has love...but don't you just wonder what goes through her little mind?
There are so many children in foster care or in orphanages all around the world that don't get love. Their hearts are broken and they need Jesus. They need people like us to step up to the plate and love them. People like us who can show them God's precious, gracious, merciful love.
And it breaks my heart to know that there are children out there, just like this sweet little girl, who don't have mommies and daddies. Who don't have people on a daily basis to love them. Friends, their hearts can be healed. And there is so much we can do. If only we would just do it.
So, as I love on children in children's choir, and love on this sweet little girl, I challenge you to think about what you can do. So many children need love and after this peek into this little girl's heart...I've been
continually challenged to love. God keeps telling me, "This is what I want you to do. To love children, no matter what their circumstances."
So that's what I'll do for this sweet girl. I'll show her God's love. And I'll continue to tell her that Jesus loves her more than she can imagine. Because really...that's all that matters.
~Bailey
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Unending Love
It's been a while since I've written.
And a lot has happened I haven't posted about.
I'm in the Senior Praise Band for our youth group, we play every Wednesday night. And I love it. SO. Much. Getting to lead others in praise is an incredible feeling and responsibility.
We played this song last night...
It talks about His unfailing love...how His promises are the greatest comfort and how we can always rest in His peace.
It made me realize how much I take for granted the love of Jesus I receive. It made me long to be closer to Him.
It made me think...that through these months of pain, He's brought me joy. He's brought me through. He's given me friendships that I wouldn't have found otherwise. He's loved me continually. Even when honestly, I was too angry to love Him back. He's brought me new mercies every morning. So why shouldn't I praise Him and give Him all I have?
I've listened to it a whole lot today...and these words are the cry of my heart.
You don't even have to watch the video, just listen to the words...and let you heart soak them in as I did.
Enjoy it friends. And have a wonderful day.
~Bailey
And a lot has happened I haven't posted about.
I'm in the Senior Praise Band for our youth group, we play every Wednesday night. And I love it. SO. Much. Getting to lead others in praise is an incredible feeling and responsibility.
We played this song last night...
It talks about His unfailing love...how His promises are the greatest comfort and how we can always rest in His peace.
It made me realize how much I take for granted the love of Jesus I receive. It made me long to be closer to Him.
It made me think...that through these months of pain, He's brought me joy. He's brought me through. He's given me friendships that I wouldn't have found otherwise. He's loved me continually. Even when honestly, I was too angry to love Him back. He's brought me new mercies every morning. So why shouldn't I praise Him and give Him all I have?
I've listened to it a whole lot today...and these words are the cry of my heart.
You don't even have to watch the video, just listen to the words...and let you heart soak them in as I did.
Enjoy it friends. And have a wonderful day.
~Bailey
Monday, December 31, 2012
Bring it on.
I've heard it said that the four years in high school are the best years in your life.
I really, really, really hope that's not true.
Cause this year...well here's the low-down, good and bad.
We started with finishing my freshman year (and finishing driver's ed) - hallelujah that's over.
And throughout the year we had d*weekend, spring formal, Sonia's 4th birthday, the beach trip, my sweet niece was born...good gracious I'm smitten with her, so many fun things.
But in the midst of all that same summer time- the best of the year...or it was supposed to be at least.
Camp came first...which was pretty great.
Then came...yeah...Summer with the arts. One of the worst weeks in my life. Not until this summer did I ever imagine that would come out of my mouth.
On Tuesday I woke up and it was a normal day...until I found out she didn't wake up. She was gone. And my life changed forever.
I lost my mentor, one of my best friends, my big sister...I lost such a big part in my life, and so did do many others. And each day, I just find I miss her more and more...and it really hasn't gotten too much easier.
This year has been exhausting, and for once, I'm ready for it to be over.
This year has been the hardest year of my entire life, there have been more tears, more pain, more suffering, than ever.
But surprisingly, I've grown closer to my Savior than ever. I have so many questions...but I'm so much closer to Him...I still am angry, confused at what happened this summer...but I love Him so dearly.
So 2013- all I've got to say is...
Bring. It. On.
I really, really, really hope that's not true.
Cause this year...well here's the low-down, good and bad.
We started with finishing my freshman year (and finishing driver's ed) - hallelujah that's over.
And throughout the year we had d*weekend, spring formal, Sonia's 4th birthday, the beach trip, my sweet niece was born...good gracious I'm smitten with her, so many fun things.
But in the midst of all that same summer time- the best of the year...or it was supposed to be at least.
Camp came first...which was pretty great.
Then came...yeah...Summer with the arts. One of the worst weeks in my life. Not until this summer did I ever imagine that would come out of my mouth.
On Tuesday I woke up and it was a normal day...until I found out she didn't wake up. She was gone. And my life changed forever.
I lost my mentor, one of my best friends, my big sister...I lost such a big part in my life, and so did do many others. And each day, I just find I miss her more and more...and it really hasn't gotten too much easier.
This year has been exhausting, and for once, I'm ready for it to be over.
This year has been the hardest year of my entire life, there have been more tears, more pain, more suffering, than ever.
But surprisingly, I've grown closer to my Savior than ever. I have so many questions...but I'm so much closer to Him...I still am angry, confused at what happened this summer...but I love Him so dearly.
So 2013- all I've got to say is...
Bring. It. On.
Monday, October 22, 2012
I just love them...
So... in less than a month...
Sweet baby girl will be here...
And oh my word, aren't they just the cutest?
Love them so much. And can't stinkin' wait to meet sweet Harper!
This joy the Father is gifting me with through them is just priceless. So, so, thankful.
~Bailey
P.S. Jessica over at The Making of M.O.M. took these pics...how lovely :)
Monday, October 1, 2012
On her 16th :)
To my best friend....
In the whole world...
On her 16th birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE YOU!
More than Beauty loves Beast.
More than Mickey loves Minnie.
More than Donald loves Daisy.
More than Cinderella loves Prince Charming.
More than Jasmine loves Aladdin.
More than Sleeping Beauty loves Prince Phillip.
More than Flynn Rider loves Rapunzel.
More than Bo Peep loves Woody.
More than Ariel loves Eric.
More than Simba loves Nala.
I just love you :) And I'm so thankful for you!
~Bailey
In the whole world...
On her 16th birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE YOU!
More than Beauty loves Beast.
More than Mickey loves Minnie.
More than Donald loves Daisy.
More than Cinderella loves Prince Charming.
More than Jasmine loves Aladdin.
More than Sleeping Beauty loves Prince Phillip.
More than Flynn Rider loves Rapunzel.
More than Bo Peep loves Woody.
More than Ariel loves Eric.
More than Simba loves Nala.
I just love you :) And I'm so thankful for you!
~Bailey
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Somehow....
Sunday night we stood behind the stage and held hands as we prayed.
We then walked onto the stage, took our places and began to sing.
The heaviness of missing her lifted, just for then, as I began to praise my creator.
I sat at the piano, playing and singing passionately to the One who is, "mighty to save..." to the One that can, "move the mountains."
I was able to worship my Creator for who He is, without thoughts crawling back into my mind.
I was able to think, "She has the best seat in the house...I bet she is so proud...I can hear her saying, 'God, God, come look at these kids! Look what they are doing for you! See her, yeah, that's my Bailey,'" without feeling sad.
Somehow...it seems when I open my heart for worship...I feel free. And happy. And I can miss her without being sad.
At the end of our worship night we walked off stage and as I was hugged and praised for what we had done...I thought..."This wasn't for me. I didn't have fun because people were here to see me play piano or my brothers and my friend play guitar...I had fun because my Creator loves me enough to let me worship Him and lead others in worship to Him!"
Because somehow when I'm in God's presence, worshiping Him, I can smile. I can be happy. I can feel comforted. I can feel her.
And I smiled that night. And I laughed, as I have done many times these past few months, but this time...my heart was just...it was just different.
Because somehow in God's presence...I can feel Him moving easier. I can feel Him surrounding me. I can feel Him loving me...and saying, "Paige saw you tonight. She loved it. I loved it so much more. Because you are mine, and you worshiped me tonight with no hesitation. You didn't care what others thought. You were worshiping me with your whole heart. And I love you dearest child."
When I'm worshiping- God feels closer. And because God feels closer- Paige does too.
And when Paige feels closer, somehow...I can feel God's love so much more.
I can really smile. I can really laugh. I can really have fun- when I feel His love.
And I'm doing it. More and more each day. Not every day. But it's happening. Happiness- it's there. Joyfulness- it's there. They may be hard to find...but somehow, even when you can't see it, they are there.
God's love- it's there, each and every day.
So smile. So be happy. So love others.
Because somehow- even through our sins and our horrible attitudes, God loves us each day. And he wants us to smile and be happy and to love others.
AND- Paige would be the one encouraging me, even through this hard time, to find joy. To find happiness. To continue to choose to feel God's love. Because that's who she was.
So I'm going to be like her.
I'm going to choose to miss her...but while I search for joy. And for happiness. And continue to choose God's love.
And if bad days happen...that's okay. And I've accepted them. They're part of the process. But after that...I'm going to continue to search for joy, happiness and God's love.
What will you choose this day?
~Bailey
We then walked onto the stage, took our places and began to sing.
The heaviness of missing her lifted, just for then, as I began to praise my creator.
I sat at the piano, playing and singing passionately to the One who is, "mighty to save..." to the One that can, "move the mountains."
I was able to worship my Creator for who He is, without thoughts crawling back into my mind.
I was able to think, "She has the best seat in the house...I bet she is so proud...I can hear her saying, 'God, God, come look at these kids! Look what they are doing for you! See her, yeah, that's my Bailey,'" without feeling sad.
Somehow...it seems when I open my heart for worship...I feel free. And happy. And I can miss her without being sad.
At the end of our worship night we walked off stage and as I was hugged and praised for what we had done...I thought..."This wasn't for me. I didn't have fun because people were here to see me play piano or my brothers and my friend play guitar...I had fun because my Creator loves me enough to let me worship Him and lead others in worship to Him!"
Because somehow when I'm in God's presence, worshiping Him, I can smile. I can be happy. I can feel comforted. I can feel her.
And I smiled that night. And I laughed, as I have done many times these past few months, but this time...my heart was just...it was just different.
Because somehow in God's presence...I can feel Him moving easier. I can feel Him surrounding me. I can feel Him loving me...and saying, "Paige saw you tonight. She loved it. I loved it so much more. Because you are mine, and you worshiped me tonight with no hesitation. You didn't care what others thought. You were worshiping me with your whole heart. And I love you dearest child."
When I'm worshiping- God feels closer. And because God feels closer- Paige does too.
And when Paige feels closer, somehow...I can feel God's love so much more.
I can really smile. I can really laugh. I can really have fun- when I feel His love.
And I'm doing it. More and more each day. Not every day. But it's happening. Happiness- it's there. Joyfulness- it's there. They may be hard to find...but somehow, even when you can't see it, they are there.
God's love- it's there, each and every day.
So smile. So be happy. So love others.
Because somehow- even through our sins and our horrible attitudes, God loves us each day. And he wants us to smile and be happy and to love others.
AND- Paige would be the one encouraging me, even through this hard time, to find joy. To find happiness. To continue to choose to feel God's love. Because that's who she was.
So I'm going to be like her.
I'm going to choose to miss her...but while I search for joy. And for happiness. And continue to choose God's love.
And if bad days happen...that's okay. And I've accepted them. They're part of the process. But after that...I'm going to continue to search for joy, happiness and God's love.
What will you choose this day?
~Bailey
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Dad
To my daddy on Father's Day 2012,
I love you more than you can imagine.
Thank you for the example of Christ you are to me and to so many others.
Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for loving Amanda like your daughter, because without that I wouldn't have my big sister.
Thank you for buying me special treats and taking me to get a milkshake after a horrible day of school.
Thank you for buying me and my best friend tickets to Taylor Swift.
You're the best, seriously.
And sadly you have raised my standards so high(which is a great thing) I don't think I'll ever find a husband- and then I can blame it on you!
Even though your little girl is growing up quite quickly right before your eyes, please know I will always love you with an unending love and will always, always be your little girl.
You will be the best "papa" to lil' Land- I'm sure of it.
I love you.
~Bailey Elizabeth
Happy Father's day everyone.
I love you more than you can imagine.
Thank you for the example of Christ you are to me and to so many others.
Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for loving Amanda like your daughter, because without that I wouldn't have my big sister.
Thank you for buying me special treats and taking me to get a milkshake after a horrible day of school.
Thank you for buying me and my best friend tickets to Taylor Swift.
You're the best, seriously.
And sadly you have raised my standards so high(which is a great thing) I don't think I'll ever find a husband- and then I can blame it on you!
Even though your little girl is growing up quite quickly right before your eyes, please know I will always love you with an unending love and will always, always be your little girl.
You will be the best "papa" to lil' Land- I'm sure of it.
I love you.
~Bailey Elizabeth
Happy Father's day everyone.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Summer thoughts...
I find it incredible that while we are struggling it brings us so much closer to God, and how much more aware we are of other people's difficulties. Don't you?
This past semester, there were tears so many days, all I could do was rely on God to bring me through each day. I had to remember daily this was the plan He had for my life, and everything had a purpose.
And when exams were over and I finished my bible study...I wasn't making time for God, wasn't giving it as much importance as before and most importantly wasn't continually thanking Him for bringing me through such a tough semester.
Yesterday, well actually this has been brewing in my little mind for quite some time, I realized, God brings us through such tough times so that we will grow stronger in Him and grow closer to Him- and after that struggle is over CONTINUE to grow closer to Him.
And so this summer...I'm going to do whatever it takes to grow closer to God. To make sure that when I start next semester I have the fruit of the spirit flowing out of my mouth. To make sure that I continually have the right attitude about school, knowing that God is and always will be by my side.
To make sure that I will always remember this summer, the summer of 2012, as one of spiritual growth and nearness to my Savior. To be able to look back and know that God changed my heart forever this summer, that I grew closer than ever to my Savior and will be ready next semester for whatever challenges he places in front of me.
Lord,
Use me. Strengthen me. Help me grow in you. Shine your love through me in the words I speak. Help me love you more than I have ever loved you before. Show me your unfathomable love and help me grasp that in every area of my life. Lord, help me love you with an unconditional love, so that I will be prepared for wherever you are going to take me.
~Bailey
This past semester, there were tears so many days, all I could do was rely on God to bring me through each day. I had to remember daily this was the plan He had for my life, and everything had a purpose.
And when exams were over and I finished my bible study...I wasn't making time for God, wasn't giving it as much importance as before and most importantly wasn't continually thanking Him for bringing me through such a tough semester.
Yesterday, well actually this has been brewing in my little mind for quite some time, I realized, God brings us through such tough times so that we will grow stronger in Him and grow closer to Him- and after that struggle is over CONTINUE to grow closer to Him.
And so this summer...I'm going to do whatever it takes to grow closer to God. To make sure that when I start next semester I have the fruit of the spirit flowing out of my mouth. To make sure that I continually have the right attitude about school, knowing that God is and always will be by my side.
To make sure that I will always remember this summer, the summer of 2012, as one of spiritual growth and nearness to my Savior. To be able to look back and know that God changed my heart forever this summer, that I grew closer than ever to my Savior and will be ready next semester for whatever challenges he places in front of me.
Lord,
Use me. Strengthen me. Help me grow in you. Shine your love through me in the words I speak. Help me love you more than I have ever loved you before. Show me your unfathomable love and help me grasp that in every area of my life. Lord, help me love you with an unconditional love, so that I will be prepared for wherever you are going to take me.
~Bailey
What are some of your summer thoughts?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Counting down....
I'm counting down the days....
Until school is out...that is six.
Until the pool is open so we can spend long days there just hanging out.
Until Summer With the Arts 2012, which is going to be incredible(thanks to the wonderful Paige).
Until I get to spend unending hours with my best friends giggling and talking...and giggling and talking some more.
Until I can work on my book for hours on end.
Until my 15th birthday and I get my permit...speaking of that I FINISHED DRIVERS ED!!!!!!
Until we know if baby Land is a girl or boy...which is around 26ish days...not that I'm excited or anything :).
But...I'm also trying to savor each day and find the little treasures and things the Lord brings me through each day.
And each day the Lord is bringing me more joy than I ever thought could be possible. It's been great. Especially now that my favorite college students are home and they just drop by for a few hours and we all talk and laugh and have a great time, fun times.
And yes, I'm counting down the days until each of the things above happens, but more importantly I'm searching and seeking daily the things God brings me each day to bless me and bring me joy.
What are you most excited about this summer?
~Bailey
Until school is out...that is six.
Until the pool is open so we can spend long days there just hanging out.
Until Summer With the Arts 2012, which is going to be incredible(thanks to the wonderful Paige).
Until I get to spend unending hours with my best friends giggling and talking...and giggling and talking some more.
Until I can work on my book for hours on end.
Until my 15th birthday and I get my permit...speaking of that I FINISHED DRIVERS ED!!!!!!
Until we know if baby Land is a girl or boy...which is around 26ish days...not that I'm excited or anything :).
But...I'm also trying to savor each day and find the little treasures and things the Lord brings me through each day.
And each day the Lord is bringing me more joy than I ever thought could be possible. It's been great. Especially now that my favorite college students are home and they just drop by for a few hours and we all talk and laugh and have a great time, fun times.
And yes, I'm counting down the days until each of the things above happens, but more importantly I'm searching and seeking daily the things God brings me each day to bless me and bring me joy.
What are you most excited about this summer?
~Bailey
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Let's be honest here...
Alright dear friends, I have a confession.
I seem to have one of these about this time every year...but they are always good!
I believe last year's was about Taylor Swift...this year...well...
It's about...
Pinterest.
The craft encyclopedia. The best place to find quotes.
And- well, fantasy football for girls to be honest.
I am quite obsessed. So on many days when I could be writing a nice blog post for you all, I am spending excessive amounts of time on pinterest. But don't worry- I'm not leaving you in the dust, I will still be writing here, because I love it so very much. It's like my diary...I can tell you all what I am feeling and what I am doing and I love it!
But folks...pinterest is addicting, just throwing that out there.
But I have been working on narrowing down my pinterest time because honestly it has been taking away my writing time but more importantly, Jesus time. So I have spent much less time on there the past few days.
However, I still love it...and highly roccomend it to any of you crafty folks out there.
And that is my confession for today...do you have any confessions to make?!?
~Bailey
I seem to have one of these about this time every year...but they are always good!
I believe last year's was about Taylor Swift...this year...well...
It's about...
Pinterest.
The craft encyclopedia. The best place to find quotes.
And- well, fantasy football for girls to be honest.
I am quite obsessed. So on many days when I could be writing a nice blog post for you all, I am spending excessive amounts of time on pinterest. But don't worry- I'm not leaving you in the dust, I will still be writing here, because I love it so very much. It's like my diary...I can tell you all what I am feeling and what I am doing and I love it!
But folks...pinterest is addicting, just throwing that out there.
But I have been working on narrowing down my pinterest time because honestly it has been taking away my writing time but more importantly, Jesus time. So I have spent much less time on there the past few days.
However, I still love it...and highly roccomend it to any of you crafty folks out there.
And that is my confession for today...do you have any confessions to make?!?
~Bailey
Thursday, May 17, 2012
I found it...
While we were at the beach, and since we have gotten home I have read my bible daily, but it has felt the same everyday- and nothing has really been different.
I didn't go to church last Wednesday or Sunday- and I missed it- terribly.
As I stood in youth last night, worshipping God with all that I had- it hit me.
I figured out what I was missing.
I was missing that fellowship with other believers, knowing that they were thinking the same things, they were going through the same struggles as I was. It was the best thing ever.
I have never loved my church, and those in it more than I did last night.
People always tell you how important it is to have those there who will strengthen you- but it won't hit you until God moves in your heart. Like He did in mine yesterday night.
I realized how important it is to have that group of believers around you strengthening you, encouraging you...and I felt the difference when I walked in the church doors. And even though I already knew it was important- it just hit last night, more than it ever had before.
Knowing people that love God the way I do, having them there for you, makes the difference in the world.
So thank you to all of those in my church, not only in my youth group, but in my whole church who are always there supporting me and encouraging me to do my best.
These people mean the world to me, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them beside me as we walk the journey Christ has laid before us together.
~Bailey
I didn't go to church last Wednesday or Sunday- and I missed it- terribly.
As I stood in youth last night, worshipping God with all that I had- it hit me.
I figured out what I was missing.
I was missing that fellowship with other believers, knowing that they were thinking the same things, they were going through the same struggles as I was. It was the best thing ever.
I have never loved my church, and those in it more than I did last night.
People always tell you how important it is to have those there who will strengthen you- but it won't hit you until God moves in your heart. Like He did in mine yesterday night.
I realized how important it is to have that group of believers around you strengthening you, encouraging you...and I felt the difference when I walked in the church doors. And even though I already knew it was important- it just hit last night, more than it ever had before.
Knowing people that love God the way I do, having them there for you, makes the difference in the world.
So thank you to all of those in my church, not only in my youth group, but in my whole church who are always there supporting me and encouraging me to do my best.
These people mean the world to me, and I couldn't be more grateful to have them beside me as we walk the journey Christ has laid before us together.
~Bailey
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Have I ever told you?
Have I ever told you about my best friend in the whole world?
What a great friend she is to me?
How she always cheers me up and has just the right words at just the right time?
How funny she is? What a great taste in music and books she has?
How we can laugh at each other and we don't care? And how much fun we have together?
We've cried together...laughed together...shopped together...told secret's together...she's introduced to every good chick flick on this planet.
And I am so thankful for her. So, so, so, so thankful for her.
Emily Grace- I love you like a sister. I can't wait until we're in each other's weddings. And hold each others kids. But for now- let's be teenagers and laugh at each other and talk for hours on ends and watch movies and be girls. And be best friends for the rest of our lives. I love you.
~Bailey
Thursday, November 10, 2011
And then we saw her...
We saw her face for the very first time. I remember it vividly, we were rushing around the house getting ready to leave for classical and we had been anxiously awaiting the email with her picture. With my hair still wet, and my dad had just pulled out to go to work, my mom got the email, the one holding the picture of our precious little girl. We all starting freaking out, my mom called my dad and told him to turn around and come home. When he got back, we stood around the computer and slowly opened the email. "Sonia Uwamahoro, April 14, 2008" And then we saw her face. Two years ago we saw her face and we all said, "She is beautiful, but look how mad she looks!"
The little girl I had prayed for almost my whole life, there she was. 18 months old, tall, just like her big sissy(who is now 5'8"), beautiful, but she looked so mad. You would not think my little sister is the same little girl in this picture. She is now probably one of the funniest people you will ever meet, she loves our dogs, she is full of life, talks all the time, she loves our whole family, makes a new friend wherever she goes, and she really just loves life all together. I could go on and on about how much I love her...but for now this will have to do. As the months of November and December go by you will get to experience the two year celebration of having Sonia Grace with us through many stories and pictures!
Sonia Grace- I love you more than you can imagine, I can't wait to see what God will do in your life as you grow up. I will be there for you no matter where God takes us. Love- Bailey.
The little girl I had prayed for almost my whole life, there she was. 18 months old, tall, just like her big sissy(who is now 5'8"), beautiful, but she looked so mad. You would not think my little sister is the same little girl in this picture. She is now probably one of the funniest people you will ever meet, she loves our dogs, she is full of life, talks all the time, she loves our whole family, makes a new friend wherever she goes, and she really just loves life all together. I could go on and on about how much I love her...but for now this will have to do. As the months of November and December go by you will get to experience the two year celebration of having Sonia Grace with us through many stories and pictures!
Sonia Grace- I love you more than you can imagine, I can't wait to see what God will do in your life as you grow up. I will be there for you no matter where God takes us. Love- Bailey.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Not Just a Number
"147 million is just a number to most people, but when you see their faces and know their names, they become something more than just a number to you." David Platt: Secret Church 2011
Today is Orphan Sunday. A day to remember all of the orphans in the world, those precious children who don't have parents. And you know what? There are 147 MILLION children. 147 MILLION, do you get that? Kids- who don't get to live a childhood because they don't have people to love them constantly, and some of them are taking care of themselves. It is proven that if every family in the U.S. adopted a child from somewhere, THERE WOULD BE NO ORPHANS. NONE.
Do you see why I want to go to Uganda, so I can show children the love of a family? Today I was talking with a young mother in church, we were talking Wednesday after church about the book "Kisses from Katie". I told her Wednesday, "Can't you see me doing that? With all of those chocolate skinned children, teaching kindergarten and loving on kids in orphanages all day long." She jokingly replied, "And you can save a couch for me when I come visit you!" This morning, she came up to me and said, "I just wanted to tell you that after I pulled away I thought of something. No matter where you go I will be so proud of you. When I read 'Kisses from Katie', I could vividly see Christ shine in Katie's life, and I can see you serving somewhere because I can see Christ shining in your life too, and I just wanted to tell you that."
I just love her. And you know what? Africa was not in MY plan, I have always loved children, but I had always wanted to go to college and get married and have kids and homeschool them. But, that's my plan, not God's. His plan may be for me to go to Africa and teach and adopt kids, but I'm not totally sure yet. What this young mom said to me, encouraged me to keep praying, keep asking God to shine through me and that his will would be done in me.
Not at all am I saying I am perfect, because I'm not, at all. But, If more families in the U.S. would be willing for Christ's will to be done in them, than there would be so many less orphans in the world, and that means that there would be more children being loved by a family.
And now, on Orphan Sunday, waiting for God to tell me what to do in life, I can pray for all of those families, that 147 million wouldn't be just a number. That 147 million would be faces and names of precious children who are in need of love, and who long to be loved.
Would you join me in praying that people would be awakened to the will of God in their live's, and that God would make 147 million not a number, but names and faces?
I'm sure all of the orphans in the world would appreciate it. ;)
~Bailey
Today is Orphan Sunday. A day to remember all of the orphans in the world, those precious children who don't have parents. And you know what? There are 147 MILLION children. 147 MILLION, do you get that? Kids- who don't get to live a childhood because they don't have people to love them constantly, and some of them are taking care of themselves. It is proven that if every family in the U.S. adopted a child from somewhere, THERE WOULD BE NO ORPHANS. NONE.
Do you see why I want to go to Uganda, so I can show children the love of a family? Today I was talking with a young mother in church, we were talking Wednesday after church about the book "Kisses from Katie". I told her Wednesday, "Can't you see me doing that? With all of those chocolate skinned children, teaching kindergarten and loving on kids in orphanages all day long." She jokingly replied, "And you can save a couch for me when I come visit you!" This morning, she came up to me and said, "I just wanted to tell you that after I pulled away I thought of something. No matter where you go I will be so proud of you. When I read 'Kisses from Katie', I could vividly see Christ shine in Katie's life, and I can see you serving somewhere because I can see Christ shining in your life too, and I just wanted to tell you that."
I just love her. And you know what? Africa was not in MY plan, I have always loved children, but I had always wanted to go to college and get married and have kids and homeschool them. But, that's my plan, not God's. His plan may be for me to go to Africa and teach and adopt kids, but I'm not totally sure yet. What this young mom said to me, encouraged me to keep praying, keep asking God to shine through me and that his will would be done in me.
Not at all am I saying I am perfect, because I'm not, at all. But, If more families in the U.S. would be willing for Christ's will to be done in them, than there would be so many less orphans in the world, and that means that there would be more children being loved by a family.
And now, on Orphan Sunday, waiting for God to tell me what to do in life, I can pray for all of those families, that 147 million wouldn't be just a number. That 147 million would be faces and names of precious children who are in need of love, and who long to be loved.
Would you join me in praying that people would be awakened to the will of God in their live's, and that God would make 147 million not a number, but names and faces?
I'm sure all of the orphans in the world would appreciate it. ;)
~Bailey
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Ten years ago...
Ten years ago, it was a normal day.
Ten years ago, people were driving down the road going to work.
Ten years ago, something happened that changed our country.
Ten years ago, planes hit the twin towers.
Ten years ago, firetrucks raced down the road.
Ten years ago, families were destroyed.
Ten years ago, our country grieved.
Ten years ago, more than 3,000 people died.
Ten years ago, people were sitting in a coffee shop, when they were shocked with the news that the twin towers had been hit by several planes, killing everyone in the planes and almost everyone in both of the buildings.
But, ten years later, our country is stronger.
Ten years later, we have healed from this.
Yet we have not forgotten this day, but honor the people from our country who sacrificed their lives and fought for us that day.
Ten years later, after much, LOVE, FAITH, and most importantly, GOD, we have healed from this.
Ten years later, we stand stronger as a country, because that is how one nation under GOD, responds from a tragedy like this.
~Bailey
P.S. You need to watch this video, it was the inspiration for this post: The skit guys, 9/11
Ten years ago, people were driving down the road going to work.
Ten years ago, something happened that changed our country.
Ten years ago, planes hit the twin towers.
Ten years ago, firetrucks raced down the road.
Ten years ago, families were destroyed.
Ten years ago, our country grieved.
Ten years ago, more than 3,000 people died.
Ten years ago, people were sitting in a coffee shop, when they were shocked with the news that the twin towers had been hit by several planes, killing everyone in the planes and almost everyone in both of the buildings.
But, ten years later, our country is stronger.
Ten years later, we have healed from this.
Yet we have not forgotten this day, but honor the people from our country who sacrificed their lives and fought for us that day.
Ten years later, after much, LOVE, FAITH, and most importantly, GOD, we have healed from this.
Ten years later, we stand stronger as a country, because that is how one nation under GOD, responds from a tragedy like this.
~Bailey
P.S. You need to watch this video, it was the inspiration for this post: The skit guys, 9/11
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Those Days...
Sometimes you have "those days" where everything does not go the way you wanted it to.
Today was one of those days. Physical Science is a bomb, and I hate it. Having to vacuum. Things not going on very well with your siblings, when you are really trying to love them and show them that. School seems like it is never going to end. It was just one of those days...
But, then I begin to ask my self why these days have to happen...
Why I have to struggle loving my brothers?
Why Physical science was ever invented?
Why school takes so long?
Why the Rainbow vacuum was ever invented?
Why can't I have a good attitude on days like this?
Why you have to have sinus headaches days in a row?
Why God lets you struggle?
So many why's, and I'm not quite sure about the answers to any of the questions, which frustrates me. But I know over time God will reveal the answer to all of these "whys". And on these days, I just have to tough through it, and know that next day I get to start over, and most of all remember that because God loves me I have a responsibility to love those around me even if I am having a bad day. Then I can listen to Taylor Swift or Hillsong United, make cards, and text Paige(thanks Paige), and then I am mostly all better.
I just have to remind myself, that even though there are so many unknowns, I do know one thing. God loves me, and lets me struggle so I want to fix those problems even more. And that also means I have to have a good attitude and love those around me, even when I don't want to.
And because he loves me so much, I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
~Thanks for reading my nonsense~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~
Today was one of those days. Physical Science is a bomb, and I hate it. Having to vacuum. Things not going on very well with your siblings, when you are really trying to love them and show them that. School seems like it is never going to end. It was just one of those days...
But, then I begin to ask my self why these days have to happen...
Why I have to struggle loving my brothers?
Why Physical science was ever invented?
Why school takes so long?
Why the Rainbow vacuum was ever invented?
Why can't I have a good attitude on days like this?
Why you have to have sinus headaches days in a row?
Why God lets you struggle?
So many why's, and I'm not quite sure about the answers to any of the questions, which frustrates me. But I know over time God will reveal the answer to all of these "whys". And on these days, I just have to tough through it, and know that next day I get to start over, and most of all remember that because God loves me I have a responsibility to love those around me even if I am having a bad day. Then I can listen to Taylor Swift or Hillsong United, make cards, and text Paige(thanks Paige), and then I am mostly all better.
I just have to remind myself, that even though there are so many unknowns, I do know one thing. God loves me, and lets me struggle so I want to fix those problems even more. And that also means I have to have a good attitude and love those around me, even when I don't want to.
And because he loves me so much, I can do all things through him who gives me strength.
~Thanks for reading my nonsense~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~
Sunday, August 28, 2011
I'm a Writer...
It all started when I was about 8 or 9 years old, I started writing little stories. The ones I remember were about a mystery in a lighthouse, and another about having many surprises while Trick-or-treating. I would start some stories, but never finish them, in fact I still do that sometimes and I have got to break that habit. One was about a mirror that was shattered and it contained a treasure map, another was a journal of a girl traveling the Oregon trail with her family.
I really started getting serious about my writing at the beginning of my second semester of 8th grade(last year). We had to write a short story- I was thrilled, this was not an assignment it was fun! My story took me 3 weeks to complete and was 10 pages long. This story was called, "The Choices of Love" and it was about a girl(set in the 1700s) who was a teacher and...well I'm not going to tell you because I think I'm going to post it here bit by bit.
Anyway, after school got out I wrote another story called, "Finding Love", being completely different than my other story and giving lots of perspectives and experiences that I have been through personally. I might post that one too.
Now, I am currently working on a story(after school, not as an assignment), which is also completely different than the other two, and I am considering using a self-publisher to publish my story! Eek...exciting! I feel that this story is going to be my best one yet, now it will take a long time to write this one, but I am so excited to see how it turns out in the end! When my mom read the 12 pages I have so far, she said to my dad, "She does this for fun and as a relief from her school day. It's just crazy, I think if she worked at it that she really could become a writer!" That made my morning when my dad told me that on the way to church!
It would be a 1 in a million chance, but my dream is to have a book published, and I believe that if I work hard enough to achieve this goal then it very well could happen. And having the though of being a well known author makes me so very happy.
So this blog is one of the ways that I write...I write to you about many things. Things from my family, to friends, and alot of random that you probably don't care about, but I just love to write it down.
I have a passion for writing.
I use writing as I decompresser after school, I will write 3 pages of my story after school each day.
I love to write, because I was born a writer.
~Your Author~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~
I really started getting serious about my writing at the beginning of my second semester of 8th grade(last year). We had to write a short story- I was thrilled, this was not an assignment it was fun! My story took me 3 weeks to complete and was 10 pages long. This story was called, "The Choices of Love" and it was about a girl(set in the 1700s) who was a teacher and...well I'm not going to tell you because I think I'm going to post it here bit by bit.
Anyway, after school got out I wrote another story called, "Finding Love", being completely different than my other story and giving lots of perspectives and experiences that I have been through personally. I might post that one too.
Now, I am currently working on a story(after school, not as an assignment), which is also completely different than the other two, and I am considering using a self-publisher to publish my story! Eek...exciting! I feel that this story is going to be my best one yet, now it will take a long time to write this one, but I am so excited to see how it turns out in the end! When my mom read the 12 pages I have so far, she said to my dad, "She does this for fun and as a relief from her school day. It's just crazy, I think if she worked at it that she really could become a writer!" That made my morning when my dad told me that on the way to church!
It would be a 1 in a million chance, but my dream is to have a book published, and I believe that if I work hard enough to achieve this goal then it very well could happen. And having the though of being a well known author makes me so very happy.
So this blog is one of the ways that I write...I write to you about many things. Things from my family, to friends, and alot of random that you probably don't care about, but I just love to write it down.
I have a passion for writing.
I use writing as I decompresser after school, I will write 3 pages of my story after school each day.
I love to write, because I was born a writer.
~Your Author~Bailey~Psalm 56:3~
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