Be Anxious For Nothing

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The nail is driven farther into the drywall, as I put up old decorations on my new walls, furniture, and bed.

This is so crazy. At times I feel so overwhelmed. When I first arrived here at Biola I was so filled with excitement and hope and energy, and then a shift took place. I don't want to say "change" because I still have all those feelings, but a new feeling has settled in my heart. Anxiousness.

I start thinking, "What will my classes be like?" "Will I meet some close friends soon?" "I miss my old friends." "I need a job desperately."

I get so worked up in my head that I almost forget the real reason I'm here: God.

"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ" Philippians 4:6-8

As I walk on to campus this verse runs through my mind over and over. I'm depending more on God than I ever have since my father died. (And I think That's his plan) I'm trusting in him more than ever and there's still a lot to go.

This is going to be an amazing experience and I really can't wait to find my niche here, and have a group of friends. But for now, I'm trusting that the Lord will do what he always does for me. Love me, and take care of me. 

The best part of my experience so far has been singsporation. It's an hour long worship session every Sunday evening. It is amazing! whether you're shouting out at the top of your lungs, so none will fail to hear the Lord's name, or whispering to Jesus, the pure praise and worship is so amazing to be a part of. It really is something.

Beach Day was today! we went to beach 30 minutes away and had a blast! We played Savage Women. Ever heard of it? Neither had I, until today. The men gather in a big circle, sit down and interlock their arms and legs. Like the scene from Avatar, when Dr. Grace gets shot and all the blue people try to heal her body? Kinda like that. And then the women... simply go savage. They try to rip and tear the boys apart from each other. It was crazy! I ripped a few boys off with the help of my other lady savages, but then my finger got slashed open somehow. I didn't want to bleed all over everyone, so I decided to call it quits. Some girls went at it though. They literally looked savage; with sweat dripping down, hair all crazy, sand in their faces, and a look in their eyes that said, "I'm ready to kill." Let's just say, some of the boys will need therapy.

All in all it's been a great couple of days. And orientation isn't over yet!! I've met so many new people, and seen God at the center of all this, I can't help but have hope that I'll thoroughly enjoy myself these next couple of years.

Thank you, God, for all that you've provided me with.

"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath." Michael Caine.

-Grace

Wish Me Luck

Today's the day
The sun is shining
The tank is clean
I'm leaving for college!

(I hope you guys got that Finding Nemo Reference)

I'm leaving today when my mom gets home from work.

I'M LEAVING.

I'm sorry, it's just that it doesn't seem real. Even as we put all my possessions in the garage to await pick up. I've lived here for almost 13 years, I'm leaving behind my family and friends, and my home town.

But I'll be entering a whole new world, a place I never knew. (Aladdin reference) I'm so excited for all the adventures that are waiting to be had in Southern California! This weekend is going to be crazy, there's so much to do! I have to move in  to my dorm, Which means unpacking everything I packed last night, there are a whole bunch of orientation events to go to, and I get to meet my roommate. And bonus, I get to see Zach!!

As I'm writing this, I'm trying to put all that I'm feeling into words, but that's just not possible. I'm feeling... bittersweet. I'm feeling excited. Awed that this is really happening. Inspired by God. I know He's going to do great things with me at Biola.

I feel like life is beginning. My mom has done such a wonderful job preparing me for this and I know I'm ready.

Quick shoutout to my mom: You are such an amazing woman and I pray that when I'm a mother, I'm as strong, loving, and wonderful as you are. Thank you for these past 18 years, for all the advice, and all the love. You are amazing and we'll always be together, no matter how far apart we live.

This is really happening, huh? 

Good luck to all my friends who are also leaving our beloved little town. You guys are going to do great things, and I can't wait to hear about them!

This town and these people will always have a place in my heart, and I know I'll always be welcomed home. Thank you for all the laughs, heartaches, and memories, for they are what made me who I am today.

I have a long drive ahead of me, so I better get going.

"Saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it." Trey Parker

-Gracie

We're Gunna Party Like It's My Birthday!

Because It really is my birthday!

So I guess you can figure out that this post will be about me, you can skip this one if you don't care about the stories of a silly 18 year-old girl.

For those of you who are still tuned in, thanks! It's good to know I'm cared about, especially on my birthday!

For those of you who haven't caught on yet, It is my 18th birthday today. I am officially one year older, but not necessarily one year wiser. Most people on their birthday say, "It doesn't feel any different" but to me, it does. I feel like so much has happened since my last birthday. I secured my first job. My other half became a Marine. My Grandpa passed away. I got accepted into the school of my dreams. I had the greatest senior year a girl could ask for. I made the best yearbook ever! (with God's help) I got my wisdom teeth pulled! I floated down the river while on Vicodin (that was fun!). I received many scholarship awards. I graduated from high school. I got to see my Grandma from Florida! I went white water rafting. I saw Zach for the first time in 5 months and we went to the ocean with his family. Now I'm preparing for my next adventure, college! And through it all I laughed, I cried, and for the most part, I took naps.

Last year, God was so good to me, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for me in the coming year. We could play the guessing game forever, will I enjoy my classes? What will happen with Zach and I? What will my new friends be like? Will I get to go on a mission trip finally? Will I study abroad? Will I succeed with journalism? In a few short months I'll know the answer to most of these, but for now, all I can do is trust in God and wait. Maybe this year I'll be gifted with an abundance of patience!

"It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting." Elizabeth Taylor

-Gracie

Belle

       Hey, so here's the deal. I'm a 17 (almost 18) year old girl, and my favorite movie has always been, and still is to this day, Beauty and the Beast. I can't tell you why, but as a child I was transfixed with this film. It held more magic for me than Ariel, Cinderella, and Snow White had combined. A while back, as I was filling out college applications, one of the essay prompts asked me who my role model was. I could've written something predictable, and said that my mom is my role model, (which she is) but she convinced me to write about Belle. I didn't get in to the college, but I felt it was a pretty good essay, so I've decided to share it with you:

 

As a child I grew up watching Disney movies. The stories are almost always the same, girl meets boy, girl falls in love, tragedy strikes and the boy fixes everything, boy and girl get married and have a happily ever after ending. One story, however, stuck out in my mind as different, the story of Beauty and the Beast. I used to watch this movie over and over so that to this day, my mother knows every line of every song.  Belle is a special girl, unlike the other Disney princesses, she didn’t need to depend on a man. She  influenced my childhood and has impacted my journey into adulthood.

Belle always has a book in her hand, she possess brains, beauty and independence; there is more to her than meets the eye.  She has inspired my own reading habits (I never leave the house without a book) and her uniqueness taught me how to go about achieving my dreams.  She is inquisitive, compassionate, and always kind towards others.  I’d like to think that I am the same. She taught me how to have confidence in my own abilities.

Belle never once considered marrying Gaston for his good looks or his “charm”.  She always knew that she deserved better.  I follow her example by not settling for anything less than what I know I am capable of or what I know I have earned.  Belle has always struck me as a very kind, loving girl and as a role model to me.  She has taught me how to think and act as an individual and by her example, I know situations aren’t always what they appear to be and that happiness depends on your outlook of the situation.

 She has taught me that anything can happen if you’re willing to let it and that sometimes, good things really do come to those who wait.

It might seem strange to be inspired by a Disney character instead of a great work of art or a prominent historical figure, but as a child I was drawn to Belle. Looking back I’m grateful that this Disney princess was present in most of my childhood to inspire me on a daily basis rather than a onetime school lesson. I still find Belle’s character inspiring to this day.

 

The moral of this story is that there are lessons to be learned even in children's stories. In fact, I think children are a lot smarter than adults in some cases. Children know how to listen, (that doesn't mean they always do...) they absorb information like a sponge, and they know how to just be themselves. They don't care about what others think of them, because they're busy being cute little kids! Jesus tells us to be child-like in our faith because kids have a blind trust.

That's what I need in my life. I need to have more trust in what the Lord has in store for me. He's gotten me into Biola, He's given me amazing family and friends, He's provided for me in so many ways, and yet, I still worry about my future.

This Sunday, as I was sitting among my church family, the message spoke to me. Our pastor was saying that often times we ask God to fix all our problems and we pray and focus all our attention on, what we think, is the mountain in front of us, instead of the God behind us. Our God can not only move that mountain, but he can equip us so that we may climb to the peak. We just need to focus on Him, and what He can do, instead of what we want Him to do for us. Instead of aligning Him with our will, we need to align ourselves with His will.

It seems painfully obvious as I sit here and write, but sitting in church, I had an epiphany. I need to wait on His timing. I can't ask Him to put me on a different path if this is where he wants me.

I'm not sure how I went from Beauty and the Beast to Gods plan for me, but there it is, Belle just inspires me!

"It's know no wonder that her name means beauty / her looks have got no parallel / But behind that fair façade / I'm afraid she's rather odd / Very different from the rest of us / She's nothing like the rest of us / Yes, different from the rest of us is Belle. " Villagers

-Grace

 

The Low-Down

Man, oh man... It's been so long since I've written that I feel guilty as I start to type. I have a good reason though! Trust me on that one.

Last week Zach came home for 10 days! He got some leave after his MOS school (Job School). It was wonderful! We hadn't seen each other in 5 months, it was amazing to have 10 days with him.

Well actually, it started out a little.. shaky.

His flight came in at 11:00 p.m. and I went to go pick him up (he was surprising his mom). I parked in the small short-term lot and waited for him outside the terminals. Longest 20 minutes of my life. Finally I saw him making his way towards me, but he was going too slow, so I ran to him. It was the greatest feeling I've ever experienced; being held by him. And yes, I might've teared up a little bit.

That's all fine and dandy, but once we get out of the building, I realize something. I have no idea where I parked my car.

Great.

We searched for a good 20 minutes before locating it one lot over from where I thought it might've been. I was so focused on getting TO the airport, that I didn't even think about getting HOME from the airport. Not even home an hour and already we had our first adventure!

After that, the rest of the vacation went pretty smoothly. We visited Mt. Shasta, had breakfast at our favorite bird-themed café, took a trip to the ocean with his family, and just enjoyed each other's company for the first time in a long time:)

At the ocean we went tide pooling! If you've never gone tide pooling, put it on your bucket list! We saw sand crabs, muscles, anemones (Nemo's home!), and thousands of hermit crabs! I discovered a family of starfish. (I don't think that they were an actual family, but there were three or four of them in the same general area, so it counts.) We went rock climbing on the cliffs (let me just point out that everyone else did it in tennis shoes, while I climbed with sandals on!). And had a wonderful lunch overlooking the ocean and all the kayakers. It was such a great day!

 Here's some pictures from our fabulous week!

 



The ocean!

Man, It was cold!



That outdoorsy couple!

All too soon our time was up. He drove down to Pendleton Sunday afternoon and is in the process of checking in and everything as I type. I'm not too sad though:) Biola and Camp Pendleton aren't too far away, so we'll get to see each other on weekends (after I finish studying, Mom).

Snap back to reality, oh, there goes gravity... (for my Eminem fans) Sorry, Back to reality and every day life with out Zach by my side, I have two weeks and a day until I move out and leave for college! It's so crazy! I turn 18 in a week and in one more I leave. I've been searching Pinterest for packing lists, organization tips, and cool decorating ideas, I've already made one of the things I found.

It's a canvas that I painted purple/blue, then put stickers on it, painted over them with red/orange/yellow/pink and then peeled the stickers off and whaa-la! It was so much fun that I'm going to make my roommate one, another one for me, and one for a good friend of mine! ...I'm going to need a lot of stickers...

So there you have it, an update on my life. Even if you didn't want one. I will be getting back to regular blog posts, and hopefully they won't be all about me anymore. I'm sure you're getting rather tired of my narcissism. The world is a big place, I'll try and write more about important things that everyone can relate to. Just a heads up.

"Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?" Richard Bach

-Grace