there's that word again

wait. 

It's a word most Christian girls hear every day. Wait for the right guy. Wait for your first kiss. Wait to give it all to your husband. Wait just a little longer, and it'll all turn out okay.

Now, before you roll your eyes and exit this page, hear me out for just a second. Or two, depending on how fast you read.

Up until about a month ago, I was that girl who groaned at the idea of waiting. I understood the importance, and knew I had no choice....but my heart and mind were growing impatient. Waiting for one's Guy is tough! Especially when it seems like most of your friends have found boys who could {quite possibly} be their Guys.....or when you think you've found the perfect Guy yourself.

Then things happen, words are spoken, times are had---and you find that waiting actually isn't that bad. In fact, waiting for wonderful things to occur is sometimes the best part of the experience.

It never goes like I thought it should and that's a real nice thing
'cause the Lord is good,
so I believe that the lesson I'll embrace is wait /// Fike

 

I laugh, remembering when {not so long ago} I felt like my imagination thought up the most perfect scenarios ever. Uh, that would be a negative. My own imaginings versus what turned out to be God's plan is like comparing fire and water. Yeah, that was a lame comparison. Anyways....

*waves hand in air* I'm living proof that waiting actually benefits you. And, hopefully, I'll be sharing my own 'testimony' on waiting, love, and stuff like that. But until then, please remember: when you put your trust in the One who loves you unconditionally, there's no doubt about everything fitting perfectly into place.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

pour out your hearts to Him,

for God is our refuge /// Psalm 62:8 

yours always,
-L

and so the controversy continues

So, like, this is me. Talking to you all. In one of the most non-accents you can have *chuckles*
Sorry if I seem a bit nervous at some points, or drift off into random conversation....I'm like that in real life, too.

WORDS: Aunt, Route, Wash, Oil, Theater, Iron, Salmon, Caramel,

Fire, Water, Sure, Data, Ruin, Crayon, Toilet, New Orleans, Pecan, Both,

 Again, Probably, Spitting image, Alabama, Lawyer, Coupon, Mayonnaise,

Syrup, Pajamas, Caught

QUESTIONS:

What is it called when you throw toilet paper on a house?

What is the bug that when you touch it, it curls into a ball?

What is the bubbly carbonated drink called?

What do you call gym shoes?

What do you say to address a group of people?

What do you call the kind of spider (or spider-like creature) that has an

oval-shaped body and extremely long legs?

What do you call your grandparents?

What do you call the wheeled contraption in which you

carry groceries at the supermarket?

What is the thing you change the TV channel with?

Yeah, so that's it. If you decide to do this challenge, be sure to put a link to your post in a comment! I love seeing how different everyone's accents are. (:

love always,
~Lily

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

it's inside, it's inbetween

After that rather soul-bearing post, I'll bet most of you are expecting me to go on and on about how love makes me feel, what it's like to be in love, and how there's nothing like romantic love.

but that's not what I'm writing about.

Last night, God opened my eyes to what true love is. And to be honest, it's not the answer I was expecting.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

~1 John 4:7-10

And there you have it. Love isn't just a feeling; love is an action. Love is an Almighty God giving His own Son to the world, that we might be saved from an eternal Hell.

Love isn't just having romantic feelings for one special person. Love is showing kindness and compassion to every person on earth, no matter the status of their health, wealth, or social life.

Love isn't just kisses and hugs. Love is doing what's best for a person, even when you don't necessarily benefit from it.

Continuing on in verse 19: We love because He first loved us.

Without God, there's no such thing as love. God is love! Love and God go hand-in-hand. You can't have one without the other.

This is what I'm learning, right now, as a teenage girl: it's okay to have 'lovey' feelings for a guy....but you have to also remember that love isn't just a boy-and-girl thing. It's a human thing. Which means we're supposed to love everyone, just as God loved us. Our love should be everywhere, just like God's is.

And that's what true love means to me.

"and oh, how He loves us.....oh"

 For the past week or so, God and I have been having a rocky time.

Check that: I've been having a rocky time. I've been wondering a lot about my future lately, and I have tons of questions......but not really any answers. Being the slight control-freak that I am, I like knowing what's coming; I like being prepared. But for things like college, jobs, and love, I have no idea what's coming.

I felt especially far from God on Sunday. Watching the memorial services on TV and seeing the grief-stricken faces on the 9/11 families made me almost angry with God.

The next few days consisted of me moping around, mad at myself for being angry with God {I think that made sense}. Then, on the way to classes yesterday, one of my favorite songs came on....and these lyrics hit home, big time.

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, 

I am a tree,
bending beneath the 

weight of His wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions 

eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just 

how beautiful You are,
And how great Your 

affections are for me. 

I could have kissed David Crowder's fuzzy, bearded face for writing those words above. That last stanza: and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me---wow. 

God loves me, even when I'm angry with Him. His love toward me will never change, even when my fickle feelings do. Another part of the song is this: if His grace is an ocean we're all sinking. 

We really are all sinking in the ocean of God's grace. He has no obligation toward us bratty, silly humans....and yet, He still loves us.
Isn't that amazing?

happy September days....at the beach

Got back from the beach today. Yes, it's September.....my family is kind of crazy {in a good way} and so we really only go to the beach after Labor Day. Don't ask.....just better to go with it. ;)

My family is in the other room, watching the Saints vs. the Packers. Not quite sure who I want to win, as I'm still stinging from the Super Bowl.....*sighs* We'll just leave it up to God, eh?

I got a bad sunburn on my back, but hey----c'est la vie.....or at least, mon vie. Being part-Irish pretty much much means I get a sunburn whenever I step outside.

Classes start on Tuesday.....and I am freaking out!!!!! So much work....yet, I can't wait to see all my friends. :) I have a love-hate thing with my co-op: hate the work, love my friends. *shrugs* I guess it's that way with everyone.

Couldn't stop listening to this song while I was at the beach. It reminded me how much I love Adam Young's voice. His voice harmonizes so nicely with Rachel's! And, of course, the video just about makes me cry.

Just finished some delicious chocolate milk, made with love {sort of} by my younger brother. He's taller than me now, so I can't call him my little brother.....but at least I can punch him now. ;) ahhhh, I'm so evil.

so yeah....life is fine, God is great, and my sunburn really hurts. And I know I said no more random posts! But hey, I'm a random girl. Y'all are cool with that, right?

^^^^^soooo in love with this song.

love in Christ,

~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

Don't want to be a model, they can't eat anyway

With everything going on in Hollywood these days, it can be so hard for a 'normal' teenage girl to feel beautiful. I mean, c'mon! We're surrounded by pictures and tv shows that portray drop-dead-gorgeous, skinny, rich girls. Everywhere we look, whether it be movies, television, or magazines at the check-out lines, we just can't get away from it all.

Everything in media screams at us to be just like those girls on the screen or the magazine cover. If we just do what they say, dress like they dress, talk like they talk, and act like they act, we too will be beautiful, have lots of boyfriends, and live the perfect life. Well, BarlowGirl and I have a beef with that.



Clothes aren't what they used to be
They don't seem to fit you and me anymore
Modesty is out the door
Flaunting what we've got and more is in
Yeah it's in
They're saying
Don't ask why just wear what we say
You'll look like a model if you'll only obey
To get the attention, just do what we say
Pay so much for clothes so small
Was that shirt made for me or my doll?
Is this all I get?
I looked so hot but caught a cold
I was doing just what I was told
To fit in
We're saying let's ask why
Don't wear what they say
Don't want to be a model
They can't eat anyway
That kind of attention will fade with the day
So I'll stand up and say
Clothes that fit are fine
Won't show whats mine
Don't change my mind
I'll be fine.
--Barlow Girl, 'Clothes'

Remember, girls: we're Christians. The world judges us by the way we dress, act, talk, or whatever!
We have to remember that our bodies are God's temples......and while we shouldn't completely hide our beautiful bodies, we also should not be sharing it with all the world.

Here's a verse I love:

1 Peter 3:3-4 - "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

God knows we're beautiful. He made us that way! But He wants our natural beauty to shine; not our clothes or jewelry or whatever.
Now, I'm not telling you what to wear. It's up to you to judge what is modest and what isn't. But when you're stuck and can't discern between modest and im-modest, think on this: If you were to meet Jesus in that outfit, would you be embarassed or proud to show Him your outfit?

Love always,

Some smushed together days

M'kay.....so, I definitely missed a few days. And I'm seriously sorry 'bout that!!! It was Emily's birthday on Saturday, and yesterday was pretty busy too. So, without further ado----my {missed and current} days.

Day Nineteen and Twenty: A talent of yours {plus a hobby}
These two things are pretty well connected.....so, here's my talent and hobby: laughing, and making people laugh.

I definitely agree with that quote. Laughing is a favorite pastime of mine....and anyone who makes me laugh is my friend. ;)
I can laugh in pretty much any situation, and I find laughter lightens many an awkward situation.


not my image---but I do love it. (:

 I also love making other people laugh!!! Whether it's a funny joke, a silly comment, or simply a shared look, seeing other people burst out into laughter because of me makes me happy. And, apparently, I'm pretty good at. I am so thankful that God has surrounded me with people who love to laugh, and who can always make me laugh too.



Day Twenty One: Something you do differently than other people

Hmph....well, there are quite a few things I do differently than others people. But one that I've been told is really weird is how I put my hair up in a ponytail.

again...not my image

It all started back at soccer camp last year. My roomate/friend, Jen, and I were getting ready for breakfast. I started to put my hair up and found Jen staring at me. "What's up?" I asked, and she was like, "I have never seen anyone put their hair up like that."

*laughs* Looking back, I guess it is a pretty weird way. I shall now explain with a little video.

Note: If you have trouble hearing me, you can plug your earphones into your computer. Oh, and forgive the bad quality. *shudders*

Haha, weird, right? If anyone else makes their ponytails like this, please let me know----I'd love to meet a fellow ponytail-er. *giggle*

Ah, it feels good to be all caught up again. I can't believe this challenge is almost over!!!! It's been really fun....and, if you care to join in on the fun, just go over to Bleah's  blog and link up!

Love always,

Day 16: sheesh, so many personal questions!!!

Goodness, this challenge includes quite a few personal questions! But hey, I signed up for it......so I shouldn't really complain. *sighs* I've noticed that, lately, I've been complaing quite a bit about little things.....I definitely have to work on that.

Day Sixteen: A song that makes you cry

But I still miss you

All the times we spent together

To hear you talk about the weather

I always prayed you'd get well soon

I wish my prayers came true

I know Jesus has the answer

And He's way bigger than the cancer in you

But I still miss you.

The first time I heard this song, I thought "Wow, Hawk Nelson totally put my thoughts in to a song!"

I still miss Mom-mom, and I always will. But I know she's healthy and happy again in Heaven....and I'll see her there someday.
 
What's a song that makes you all cry?

Day 12: So many to choose from {once again}

Okay, so even though my wedding is still a long way off, I do like to think about it. That includes what music I'll have played.

Day Twelve: A song you want played at your wedding

M'kay, so I have a few songs I want played.....

For my first dance with my husband



I first started singing this song when I was three.....and I've never even seen the movie! *laughs* Isn't that weird? But whatever, I think this is a super romantic song and I so want it played. (:


For my dance with my dad



While this isn't the most tradtional daddy-daughter-dance song, it still has a special place in my heart. Dad's favorite band is Rush {they sing this song}, it's called Rivendell {which is from Lord of the Rings} and it's a peaceful song {which all first songs should be, I think}.


Of course, I'll have to keep my husband's likes and dislikes in mind.....and by the time I get married, my choices might have changed.
I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, eh?
Your soft-song-loving blogger,

A little late....but better than never!

Okay.....so, a few of my best bloggy buddies {Bleah, Anna, and Jess} are doing this challenge....and even though I did a thing similar to this last year, I couldn't resist joining in on the fun!!!

Day 1: A favorite song.

Day 2: A favorite movie.

Day 3: A favorite book.

Day 4: A favorite band.


Day 5: A favorite quote.


Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.


Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without.


Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life.


Day 9: A photo you took.


Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago.


Day 11: A photo of you taken recently.


Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding(or was played).


Day 13: A guilty pleasure.


Day 14: A vacation you would like to take.


Day 15: A person you admire.


Day 16: A song that makes you cry.


Day 17: An art piece.


Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive.


Day 19: A talent of yours.


Day 20: A hobby of yours.


Day 21: Something you know you do differently than most people.


Day 22: A website.


Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.


Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love.


Day 25: A recipe.


Day 26: A childhood memory.


Day 27: A physical feature you love.


Day 28: Hopes, Dreams and plans you have for the next 365 days

 
Day one: a favorite song
 

Oh look.....Relient K. *giggles* I've kind of been on a Relient K tear lately. I'm especially loving this song....it relays a message that we all should listen to: we should give and love until there's nothing left.
Jesus did that.....so shouldn't we?


Love always,

Is it for God.....or the world?

Everybody wants to get ahead. It's a pretty common thing. We all want to do well in school, do well at a sport or musical instrument, and make a life for ourselves.
But have we ever thought why we're doing all that we do? Is it for our benefit? Is it so people can look at us and say, "Wow, she's doing so well!"??????? Or are we doing it for God's glory?



People change and plans get changed and
Everything changes but You
Everybody moves around and
Everything gets pushed around but You
You always stay the same, stay the same
I want to finish last
Last in the world's eyes
No matter what I do
I will be first in your eyes
I am running in this race and
I am pressing onwards towards the finish line
You have promised me a better life
Far beyond this world, far beyond this place and time
I want to finish last

Last in the world's eyes
No matter what I do
I will be first in your eyes
--'Finish Last' by Stellar Kart

When I first heard this song, I was like Okay, I get what they're saying: the only opinion that matters is God's. But I don't want to completely fail in life!

Then, it dawned on me: God wants us to do well in this life. He loves it when we get an A+, or score a goal, or get a really nice job. After all, he gave us the talents to do all those things!
What I think Stellar Kart was trying to say in this song is: Do well in life, but not to impress people. Do it because you want to glorify God and make His name great.

Your-song-deciphering-blogger,

It could stay this simple....

*wipes away tear*
Another Taylor Swift song that made me cry a bit..........these lyrics are becoming pretty clear to me now. I do sometimes wish I didn't have to grow up; that I could be fifteen forever.
But, God has a plan for my life....and He's got one for yours too. So, think fondly of the past, but remember that God made you so you would grow up.

Your-sniffly-blogger,

So long, 'till next year

Just for a final 'good-bye' to Christmas....and 2010.....



Oh, yeah: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
Welcome, 2011. (:

~Lily

I'm in awe

I totally do not know where or when I first heard this song......but I love it.





What if I climbed that mountain, what if I swam to that shore

What if every battle was victorious then would you love me more
Would you love me more
What if I were everyone's first choice, what if I went farther than before
What if I stood high above the rest then would you love me more
Would you love me more
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
Why you do, why you do, I'm in awe of you, ooh
What if I ignored the hand that fed me, what if I forgot to confess
What if I stumbled down that mountain then would you love me less
Lord would you love me less
What if I were everyones last choice what if I mixed in with the rest
What if I failed what I passed before then would you love me less
lord would you would you love me less, oh no oh no oh no
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
You do you do you do
What have I done to deserve your son sent to die for me
What can I give I want to live give me eyes to see
In a world that keeps changin' there's one thing that I know is true
Your love is stayin' there's nothing else I'll hold onto
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
Why you do
You say I belong to you apart from the things I do
You say I belong to you I'm in awe of why you do
I'm in awe of you
I'm in awe of you
The way you love me, the way you do
The way you do , the way you love me, you love me , you love me
The way you do the way you do the way you love me,
the way you love you love you love

-'What If' by Jadon Lavik

ps--sorry if two videos in the same day was too much....but I just had to do this one too!!!!

Merry Christmas to you, too!

My dad showed this to me......and I was amazed. These guys are real pros!!!!




Seriously! Was this planned? or was it just a really good coincidence? What do you guys think? And would you ever do anything like that?

If it meant bringing good cheer to a crazy, hectic mall, then I would most certainly get up there and start singing! But only if I had some other people with me.....my vocals aren't the best. ;)


HALLELUJAH!


~Lily

ps--And, if you want to see a better view *darn this skinny layout* just click on the video and watch it on YouTube.

A new favorite song...

TobyMac never ceases to amaze me...........his songs are so different, yet so good!
Here's my new fav by him: Hold On.

Prayer.............................and goofiness

I know I said I would show you all the remaining pictures from Awakening Fest, but.....................I had forgotten about my MRI this morning. So, instead, I'm going to ask you all to pray that the test goes well and that nothing is wrong up in my attic. ;)

But, just so you aren't bored, here's a little something we filmed last night.

I love my dog. He's so smart!! *wink wink*

And the way my little bro can whip out like 20 clap push-ups? Amazing.

Steve Martin - King Tut (Live 1979)

Very interesting, no? Apparently, before Steve Martin became a successful actor, he was a comedian! My mom says she and her sisters practically memorized his comedy albums. LOL!



















Mom just showed me this a few minutes ago----I figured my blogger friends would get a kick out of Steve Martin in his, 'old days.'