it's so easy with a pen and paper

I'm not good with words. 

then, why in the world do you have a blog? 

Because I'm better at writing than I am at talking.

What is that supposed to mean? 

It means that when I do have a coherent thought I'd like to convey, I'd rather write it than speak it. 

Such as....

Such as telling someone how much they mean to me. 

Don't you tell people you love them?

Yeah, every day. But often, the words "I love you" don't seem to be enough.

Like an, "actions speak louder than words" kind of thing?

No, it's more like I show the love, but I can't really explain why I love someone. And for me, that's a pretty important step I'm missing! 

~*~

I talk a lot, but oftentimes my words don't contain much. At least, the ones that come through my mouth. It's so much easier to write down the reasons I love someone, and then never show it to them. That way I can let go of the pressure held on my heart by the guilt of just saying "I love you."

Maybe, now that this romantic thing is hyping up, I'll get a bit better at expressing why I love the people in my life. Until then, to all of you people who've made my life wonderful...

I love you.

Hopefully, I'll get to tell you why someday.

always yours,

-L

so....it's spring

Lovely sunshine is coming through the blinds. My windows are open, and the breeze is oh-so-sweet. Blossoms are falling off the tree right outside, reminding me of a scene from Narnia. It's one of those days where any sort of new, exciting thing could happen.

I have new Converse on my feet, that I've been saving for since last year. Relient K is stuck in my head {what could be better?}, and I'm anticipating a call later on today from my soul sister. After studying some chemistry, that is. Yay for Lewis structures and balanced equations! she said in a semi-sarcastic tone.

The Hunger Games is finally in theatres, and I'm crazy excited to see it with my Crew. I spent most of last night listening to Lecrae on YouTube, and am blown away by how powerful his songs are. He makes me want to go out in the world and scream, "I love Jesus!" to anyone who will listen.

 I'm back playing soccer at the private school, and am so thankful for the friends I've made there. It's funny how much happier you are when you have sisters in Christ around you. I've been writing in my journal a lot lately, which would explain for the lack of posts on here. Hopefully, I'll get back in my groove soon.

God is so good. And that's the most wonderful thing about this spring day.

"You touch my heavy heart, and when You do You make it light."

love always,

~Lily

I think this is what most call a 'testimony'

I grew up in what we Presbyterian's call a 'Covenant Home,' which is just a fancy way of saying I was brought up as a Christian. My parents are both strong Christians, I was homeschooled, my church was a big part of my life, etc. To me, God had always been there, and I couldn't imagine other people not knowing about Him.

Because I had a 'Covenant' childhood, I never had a moment where I truly gave my heart to Jesus. I guess it was just kind of expected that I already had, since my parents were Christians and I'd always gone to church. I do vaguely remember a night when I was seven, and I got out of bed, knelt, and told Jesus that if He came into my life, I would promise to be a good sister and daughter {oh, I was so cute back then}. But even that wasn't an actual giving up my life to Him.

Time went on. Two years ago I attended WorldViews Academy for the first time, and met other girls struggling with the same issues I was. I started blogging, and realized I wasn't alone in my trust issues with God. I made dear friends in Christ, who uplifted me and showed me how much He loves me. 

And somewhere between all of this, I found Him. Sure, I'd had Him before, but not like this. This was God showing me how deep His love is for me by being my Best Friend. Me, a sinful teenager, had a best friend in Jesus! It was almost too amazing to believe. 

But believe I did, and from 2010-on God made it even clearer how treasured I was to Him. When Mom-mom died, I turned to Him for comfort. When my soccer team fell apart, He became my Best Friend. When I thought I had no close friends on earth, He reminded me of Emily and brought me poncho pals and soul sisters. Whenever I felt hopeless and beaten down, He raised me up with a lyric and a loving touch.

This is the face of a girl who knows how much her Savior loves her. The face of a girl who can now say, with confidence, "I have a friend in Jesus." The face of a girl who knows Christianity isn't about rules or  modesty or boredom or guidelines----it's about a relationship with Him who died on a cross for her. And that is the most wonderful relationship in the world.

it's moments like these that count

Awkward: 
finding a song you love, going to check out the rest of the band's music---and finding a curse word *sighs*
feeling like a pig 'cause you're the only one who took two cookies
wanting to wear makeup, but not wanting to actually put it on
wishing summer were here when it's only March
completely forgetting it's a new month and not changing your calendar
being caught up with Doctor Who and having to wait until next fall for new episodes
realizing what a sucker you are for sad movies
your Pandora ♥


Awesome:
Christmas lights strung up in your room
lotion that smells like an exotic place
soft and cozy blankets
getting your friends and brother interested in Doctor Who 
seeing special people at Chick-fil-a
talking with a dear friend for only ten minutes, but it making your entire day
getting a hug from the little boy you babysit
your Pandora ♥

because I love ponchos....and my pals

Some girls have loads of friends, from every aspect of their lives. They always have someone to talk to or hang out with, and they get tons of 'likes' on their Facebook statuses.

I used to envy these girls, with their epic social lives. I was dissatisfied with the friends God had given me, even though they were fabulous in their own ways.
*cue wake up call from Heaven*
This a post on three of the truest friends I've ever had; friends who've shown that no matter what, they'll be there for me. Friends I probably don't know I don't deserve, yet God has given me anyway.

My poncho pals

Otherwise known as Boo, Yeti, and Wazzy. Their real names are Hannah, Lydia and Emily; those are just their code names{long story, don't remember how it started}. Hannah and Lydia joined our church about eight months ago, when their daddy became our pastor. Even in that short amount of time, it feels like they've always been a part of my life. And, of course, Emily's my bestest best friend. We all mesh perfectly {we're four peas in a pod} and they are some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Hannah is absolutely hilarious, Lydia's wittiness has no comparison, and Emily is one of the sweetest {yet sarcastic} girls I know. We've had many a sleepover filled with movies, ridiculous videos, and way too much soda. These three girls have kept me sane by doing insane things, from making hot kool-aid {I don't recommend it} to performing this song at our co-op.
We have so many inside jokes, it's not right. We even came up with names for certain boys in our lives *evil chuckle* Needless to say---I'd be a pretty boring person if not for my poncho pals.

And now, in honor of my poncho pals....here is a video of me dancing. In a poncho. That Lydia and Hannah's little sis, Naomi, made. We each got one, but we all have different prints. In case you can't see, mine has smiling cupcakes *giggles*

Sorry it's so small, and that I'm a horrible dancer. God obviously gave me skills that do not include dancing. *chuckles*

love always,

~Lily

of cute things, an itch, and beautiful randomness

1. I have so many dreams for the future, but the most earnest I have is to travel. I've said it a million times, and I'll say it a million more! There's an ache inside of me that won't be satisfied until I visit someplace new. London, Paris, Munich.....I'd even go for Nashville or New York. It really doesn't matter, so long as I go to a place I've never been before.

I wish people still used film cameras

2. So I have this new obsession. It's an interesting obsession, and sometimes mindbending too. I am, of course, talking about Doctor Who. This is the closest I've ever been to becoming a fangirl. Or, as some people say, a Whovian. *chuckles* I'll introduce y'all to this amazing show some other time. For now, though....

I can't wait to write my Doctor Who post :)))))

3. I've been sixteen for about three months now. 'Tis a strange feeling, telling people I'm sixtten years old. When I look in the mirror, I don't see someone who will be graduating highschool in two years. I don't see a girl who can take her driving exam this summer. I don't see a girl who is old enough to get an actual job. When I look in the mirror, I still see myself at age eleven, when my world was happy and I could still be a little girl.

4. I like cute things. Cute things make me happy. And isn't this panda bear cute? He reminds me of Winnie the Pooh, which reminds me of my childhood, which reminds me of Disney, which reminds me that Beauty and the Beast will be in theatres very, very soon. *happy dance*

6. I'm amazed at how wonderful God is, right when I need Him to be. I have had many a bad day where I've though, "This is officially the worst day of my life." But then, He sends something or someone to brighten the fog that's hung over me. So thankful for His love :)

7. I've learned to really like hugs. I suppose it all began at World Views, when I hugged my girls good-bye about a hundred times. And now I've come to expect hugs from most everyone I see! Only girls, of course---hugs with guys are icky. Boys have cooties, ya know *giggle*

finger hugs are really cute too

I hope 2012 is going well for you, my dears. It's been great for me so far, and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us all.

love always,

~Lily 

'cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break even

These lyrics are so, so true. This past year brought me a lot of heartbreak. People I had once trusted turning on me. Old friends forgetting about me. People I cared about changing, 'till I didn't even know who they were. The fancies of 'first love' fading away.

And as every hit came, I thought to myself, "Surely, this will be the last one. Surely my heart cannot take any more pain!"

But of course, it all kept coming. Little things, big things, things that hardly even matter---they all hurt.

With God's neverending love and grace, I got through the hardest times. With special Bible verses, He calmed my soul. By giving me true friends, He healed the cracks in my heart. And by playings the right songs at the right times, my Father soothed the pain I'd been holding inside. He showed me true love, of all kinds, that will never leave me.

For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High, he will not be shaken.

--Psalm 21:7

And for a while, I was okay. I began to move on from my past and live in the present. But by various means, the moments of heartbreak started coming back. A picture from last year, an old blog post, and a chance meeting kept on reminding me of the hurt I'd been through. So, being the stupid human I am, I let the wounds that were finally healing began to reopen.

Yet even while I was torturing myself with old pains, Jesus opened His arms and engulfed me. I realized things that hurt me hurt Him too--- and that's just not cool. Jesus already endured the pain of the cross to save me; I shouldn't give Him more oppurtunities to hurt. Dwelling on past things is sinful, and I really need to stop.

I decided this not too long ago, so I'm still struggling to forget what I've been through. I'm still trying to get past my hurt feelings and mentally forgive what former friends did to me. God still has to remind me that my heart has been made new by His healing, and that it will be made perfect once again.

It's a learning process....but with soul-sisters, poncho pals, and amazing song lyrics, I'm getting there. (:

love always,

~Lily

sing along to my stereo

 starting from top: Owen and I watching Doctor Who {new favorite television show}; funky socks with my poncho pals {Lydia, Emily, and Hannah}; spaghetti at three in the morning {fun stuff}; Pride and Prejudice in my basement {with sparkling cider and Spaghetti O's}.

As you all can tell, the past two weeks have been cram-packed full of fun and relaxation. Christmas is a time for me to sit back, take a deep breath {or ten} and enjoy the life God has given me.

I did, however, accomplish a few things during this break:

-have a four hour phone conversation with Anna 
-finally catch up with Doctor Who
-buy/wrap presents for my family members
-drink lots of tea {from a special little teapot :)}
-organize my bedroom
-update my design {I love it}
-come up with ideas for blog posts

I hope you all had a wonderful, beautiful Christmas. I won't be back 'till 2012 {eep} so have an amazing time celebrating the new year. Oh, and don't forget to laugh---laughing is healthy *wink wink*

love always,
Lily

singing, "Merry Christmas, here's to many more"

There's something about this time of year that makes me feel different. Christmastime. It's my favorite time of the year. And, contrary to popular belief, it's not because of the gifts, my family or even the music. Those details just add to the whole Christmas experience.

No...it's not any of that. Christmas is special to me because it's the only time when people all over America are singing the same music. Because people are more cheerful. Because decorating my Christmas tree is the highlight of the year for me. Because my Savior was born.
Super cliche, right? What would a Christian blog be without the author saying, "Oh, my favorite part about Christmas is Jesus' birth."

But this is one of those rare times when I enjoy being cliche. 'Cause it's true! Celebrating the birth of Christ is the reason I feel so happy right now. Christmas has always made me feel safe, cozy, and loved. It's the only month out of the whole year I am truly myself. And it's all because Jesus became a baby, born in a lowly cattle shed, who's mother was Mary. God in the flesh. His Son, come to save us all. Is that amazing, or what?

So look at me now
It's finally Christmas and I'm home
Head indoors, to get out of this weather
And I don't know how
But the closest friends I've ever known are all inside
Singing together
Singing, "merry Christmas, here's to many more."

Be merry. Be joyful. Open presents, sing carols, drink loads of hot chocolate.....and thank God for the most precious gift of all.

merry Christmas,
~Lily

I'm not who I was

When I started this blog on April 17, 2010, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. 
 I wrote rather nonsensically for almost six months. From unschooling, to a Saturday filled with movies and food, to really random posts, I talked about every topic under the sun. Then I started following other blogs, and realized I could do better than just the silly posts I used to do. I began thinking harder about my posts; planning the words out in my head before creating a post.

It was about a year ago, in December, when my blog became more popular. I would get 8-10 comments a post, and the girls who commented soon became friends. We had a little circle of Christian girls who wrote to lift up their fellow bloggers. Little by little, I felt like I'd finally found a place where I belonged.

But then....something changed. 2011 came, and with it a multitude of blessings. I became close to two special girls from blogging, who have since turned out to be two of my best friends. Emily and I were inseperable, and the kids from my co-op turned out to be amazing friends. Summer brought even more friends, from my WorldViews small group to the new pastor's daughters. And one day I realized something: I wasn't lonely anymore.

And that is the real reason I created this blog: I felt alone in my wishes, dreams, and thoughts about life. I felt like, somehow, God meant for me to start Snatched from the Wind for some reason other than just writing about everyday life.
I have met so many beautiful, wonderful people through blogging. They're sisters of the heart; girls who go through the same things I go through; girls who believe the same things I believe.

It's been almost two years....and I've changed. I'm not blogging to make friends anymore. I'm blogging for me.

I express a thank-you to all the followers who have stayed with me, even these past months when I haven't been posting as much. I promise, with the start of the new year, you'll have many more things to read. (:

yours forever,
Lily

a blogger party would be nice, right?

Since starting this blog, I've learned a lot of things.

1. People enjoy random things

2. People enjoy learning about other people

3. Drama exists even on the internet.

4. You don't have to meet a person to be best friends

5. Obsessions can be good things

6. God uses Blogger to spread His love and joy.

But most importantly, I've learned what it's like to have true friends. Or, as I like to call them: soul sisters. You know, the girls who love the same music you do; who crush on the same celebrities you do. The girls you feel like you've known all your life; the girls who leave sweet comments and write uplifting posts. The girls you have a crazy connection with, even if you're totally different people. And, especially: the girls who love Jesus as much as you do.

These are the types of girls I've met through blogging. And even though I haven't met any of you, I feel like you're my sisters.....sisters in Christ, that is. ;)

I've always wanted to organize a big, huge, over-the-top party for all you beautiful girls. We would come together and talk, laugh, sing, and worship God. We'd take lots of photos and discuss all sorts of different things. We'd actually get to meet our fellow bloggers and take some inspiration from it all. 

Now, I'm sure some of you are saying, "Sure, that sounds wonderful....but it's just too good to come true."
well, I let you in on a little secret: it isn't. 

See, in my mind, what I just wrote above is what Heaven is going to be all about! Fellowshipping with other Christians, praising the Lord with them, and spending all of eternity getting to know them. Just think: we're going to have forever and ever and ever to talk to each other, relate experiences, and become best friends.

So yeah.....that's what keeps me going when I feel like most of my Christian friends live far away: we're gonna have all of eternity to be together. And that, to me, is the best thing about blogging.

This is the best thing/the best thing that/could be happening/and I think you/would agree/the best thing/is that it's happening/to you and me.

--Relient K

the will to dream

Some of my dreams are realistic. But then there are the others, the ones that might never come true. This post is about those unlikely dreams. Some are silly, some serious.....but they're all deep from within my heart.

1.Work at Disney World.

2. Have Adam Young sing Vanilla Twilight at my wedding.

 3. Have Brandon Heath sing London at my Sweet Sixteen party.

 4. Open a bookstore that looks like this with Bleah.

 5. Get these bookshelves installed in my bedroom.

 6. Ride a dragon {preferably a Nightfury}.

 7. Meet Edmund Pevensie/Skandar Keynes.

 8. Have my dream guy propose to me right here.

 9. Take a roadtrip around America in one of these.

 10. Find the wardrobe and go to Narnia.

 11. Host a huge party to meet all my blogging buddies.

12. Have this as my wedding set

13. Travel in Mom-mom's footsteps.

14. Write a book that eventually becomes a classic

15. Have a double wedding with Anna {her and Peter, me and Edmund}. 

16. Raise a family in this cottage.

17. Act in a movie

18.  Go to a concert with all of these acts, each playing my favorite songs.

and

19. Be the First Lady

20. Know that I made a difference in someone's life

And there you have it. The dreams that make me who I am. Perhaps none of these dreams will come true, but I am thankful that God gave me the gift of dreams.

Also, visit Jocee's post on dreams  and Bleah's posts on dreams. Both girls' posts helped me think of this post.

a little update on life

1. I'm still not tired of summer yet!!! Usually, a few days after Independence Day, I'm ready for autumn to be here. But, somehow, this has been a rather magical summer for me, thanks to camp, friends, and books......and I'm not ready for it to be over yet.

I'm rather envious of her hat/bracelets/dress.

  2. Speaking of camp.....ahhh, there are so many things I could say!! The speakers, the campus, the food, the friends......it was the best week of my life, period! And {dare I say it?} even better than last year. *gasps* And, while I did a whole week's worth of posts on camp last year, I'm not going to now. That week was something special, that I can't exactly put into words. God showed me quite a bit that week, for which I am eternally grateful.

Thank you, Lord!!!

3. Music has been a big part of my life lately. Taylor Swift, Relient K, and Tenth Avenue North are dominating my playlists. I'm so thankful to God that He gave us musicians and their lyrics! I know I'm not the only girl who draws inspiration, encouragement, and {this is cheesy} love from songs.

Music speaks to my heart.....

 4. Soccer is going pretty well right now. I'm still adjusting to my new team, but it's nice to have a chance to make new friends!!! Plus.......the US women's soccer team is in the World Cup final!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahhhh, so incredibly exciting!!!! Let's go, ladies!!!

you go girl. :D

5. I don't think I told you guys......but I got my driving permit!!!!!!!!! I finally passed a few weeks ago, and have been hitting the road ever since. ;) It drives my brothers crazy, and my parents are kinda stressed, but personally I think I'm a fabulous driver. *wink wink* Driving is scary, but exhilarating....like most things in life, I guess. I can't wait to get my license!!!

I wish that were me. ;)

6. A lot of people I know have been traveling. Canada, France, Italy.....England. *sighs wistfully* I don't begrudge them their wonderful trips...but I do wish I could be with them!! I feel like, somehow, I belong in Europe. Weird, right? I mean, I'm an American girl, through and through---this beautiful country will always have my heart and my loyalty. And yet, something about Europe still calls me. Hopefully, someday, I'll fulfill that calling.

a fitting description of me.

 7. I'm trying to teach myself how to play guitar. It's......interesting, to say the least. I had no idea it would be so hard! 'Course, I also don't really have a how-to-play-guitar book yet, so that could be part of the problem. :D If any of you lovely girls know how to play-----leave a tip in a comment!! I could really use it. =D

not to be a nit-pick....but that nail polish does NOT go with her outfit.

8. There is something I'd like to admit: the week before I left for camp, I was actually considering stopping this whole blogging thing. I was feeling uninspired, and kind of down. I've never considered myself a really 'popular' blogger, and I felt like I couldn't give my followers the sort of stuff they would want to read.

But after camp, I felt rather rejuvenated! So, I'm still here----and I don't ever plan on leaving. :) 

....thank you for being there <3

9. I usually try to stay away from this issue on my blog.......but guys are just killing me!!! Can I get an 'amen' on that, ladies?!? There are so many great guys out there, but how in the world am I supposed to see past them to My Guy; the man God has reserved for me? *shakes head* I wish I were a Disney princess, who knows exactly who her Prince is and knows that, in the end, they'll be together. Right now, I'm stuck not knowing who I'm supposed to be with and if we'll ever be together. 

thought this was pretty cool....

Okay, I think that's it. Hope this post didn't bore y'all too much.....I have a big one coming soon, so -radio voice- stay tuned!!!

love you girls,

~Lily

I love candy.....the taste it makes me feel so DANDY

I love this video by Christ August. 

 
 I hate it when ants crawl on my bare feet.

I love watching the Scripp's Spelling Bee.

I hate how some kids are so darn smart.

I love free smoothies and delish Chick-fil-a sandwiches.

I hate saying good-bye to friends.

I love days that just ooze with the feel of summer.

I hate the heat that comes with aforesaid days.

I love having funny friends.

I hate it when politics intrudes on youth sports.

I love having television shows come back.

I hate cliffhangers for books/movies/tv shows.

I love songs that just make sense.

I hate guilt.

I love finding a rap song that speaks directly to my heart.


I hate the thought that I may never see Europe.

I love this quote, 'cause it's so true:

love y'all,
~Lily

so much is going on, I can hardly take it in

I seem to think better in little snippets and pictures....so here ya go. ;)

1. I left the soccer team I've been on since I was nine. Things with the coach weren't going well, a few of my friends were leaving too.....and it was just time. I cried a lot last week, but I'm okay now. I got picked up by another great team, that has a friend from wayyyy back on it. I'll never forget my old girls, nor the times we've had together----but it's time for a new chapter in my life to start.

and He's already started to heal my heart. :)

2. On Tuesday, I went to Kings Dominion for the first time!!!! Abby and Brittany {teammates from the Christian school I played for} invited me....and I'm so glad they did! They actually managed to get me on three rollercoasters. *shakes head* Yes, I gave into peer pressure.....and yes, I did actually have a lot of fun. But don't worry: I did not let them get me on the Intimidator, the Drop Zone, or the Crypt {isn't that a scary name anyway?!?}. No matter how hard Abby and David pushed, I was not getting on any of those rides. Not even a pinky-promise could get me on the Crypt...first time I've ever broken one too. I think it was worth it, though.

Anyway, their youth group is so much fun, and I hope I get to hang with them all sometime again this summer.

rode this bad boy SEVEN TIMES......booya ;)

3. On the way home, Abby and I were discussing Disney characters and stuff like that. Well, she decided that I am like Wendy from Peter Pan. When I wasn't too excited about that, David pointed out that I'm more like Mary-Jane from Spiderman. Thoughts?

Mary Jane....but I don't have red hair.

Wendy....but I don't have curls and my eyes aren't blue.

 

Oh well, I suppose Wendy and Mary Jane aren't the worst characters ever....I penned David as Mowgli from The Jungle Book {'cept with clothes} and Abby as Sally from Cars. *cracks up*

4. Once again, I'm getting the itch to travel. I wish I had my license so I could hop in the car, pop in a good cd, and just drive. I just need a change from my everyday life......

"imagination's taking me away!"

5. I finally got to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides last weekend!!! Oh my word, I totally loved it. And, surprisingly, I didn't miss Will and Elizabeth too much.....thanks to this lovely couple.

 

PHILIP WAS A MISSIONARY!!!!!!!!!! And while he wasn't the most sound missionary ever, he still brought a better light to Christianity for the movie. I eventually learned to like Serena, even if she did *spoiler alert* almost cause Philip to die. Downside: the mermaids were really scary. Just sayin'.

6. The best thing about summer is the freedom to read whatever and whenever I want! Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, and C.S. Lewis have been dominating my reading chair lately. I'm so thankful for the library---without it, I would most certainly be broke from buying new books.

 

7. I'm having a serious longing for Disney World. It's been a year and a half since my family last went....and not being in the happiest place on earth is starting to tax me.Whenever I'm at Disney World, I can forget all the outside troubles and worries of normal life, and just be happy. I seriously want to be there right now.

it deserves to be bigger than everything else *giggles*

that's all for today, folks. love you!!

your slightly-crazy-blogger,

~Lily