Am I Ready?

This is the last week of my high school career. I only have 2 days left with the class that I grew up with. For the past two months, I have been so ready to leave high school, the drama, the homework, and ready to move on with the next chapter of my life. I was positive that not a single tear would fall from my eye, but that was proved wrong this week. Every now and then, I find moments that I realize will not exist after high school. With every moment, I realize how truly fortunate I am to have the friends, teachers, and environment that I do. The bonds and impacts of high school are stonger than I knew them to be.

Is there an option where schoolwork stops, but the social part of school continues? Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with where God is taking me and what my future holds! I am truly blessed! But can I take my friends with me? I'm sure they would love Tennessee and my roommates! : )

Even though I know, good and well, that my future holds new relationships, insiders, and bursts of laughter, I will truly miss my classmates - my brothers and sisters in Christ. Good luck to every single one of you! I know that God has a plan for you and will take you far!

For underclassmen, this is my advice: No matter how you view school, do not take it for granted. Stress and frustration will kick in - it's guaranteed! - but don't view it as that. See it as a challenge to keep your character, values, and smile. Trust me...it's easier said then done! If you keep who you are in focus, you will overcome the challenge and will face another one. But the best part is, you don't do it alone. For me, I had 25 people who could understand and come along side of me and say, "I know exactly how you feel, let's pray." For you, the number may be bigger or smaller, but it doesn't matter. Find someone and tackle the challenge like the team you are!

(by the way this advice is for me, too! Because I will be an underclassmen...again! haha!)



Mother's Day!!

Today is Mother's Day and it's just been me and my mom all day. My dad had to work today and my brother is still in school out in New York. So we have had the day to do whatever she wanted! I honestly don't know where I would be without the support and love from my mom. She has always been there for me with words of wisdom and guidance to help me. I am truly blessed with such a loving and supportive family.
Thanks for all you do, Mom! I love you : )

Freedom Is Not Free

I voted for the first time today! I was excited all day to finally be able to use the rights that have been given to me. My dad helped me find my way to the check-in table and explained to me what the ballot was going to look like and said, "Now vote for who you want! It's that simple." So, I walked over, went through the pages and pressed the red button to make it official. And, of course, got my sticker!

As I voted, the men and women that sacrificed so much ran through my mind. Whether they know it or not, their valor and selflessness have impacted me (and others) in a great way. I love having the freedom to have a say in what is going on in the country. Even if the results are different than what I think they should be, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to express my beliefs by voting for people who share my beliefs.

The freedoms we have and use so often without thinking, are not free. I want for the upcoming generations to have the same opportunities that I have now. That is one of my many reasons to join the military and support those who fight on behalf of the American people.

Today was a learning experience, fun and memorable. But most of all, it was yet another chance for me to reflect on all the many blessings in my life.

Not So Simple Runnin'

This morning, my brother's girlfriend and I ran the One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon. We were all excited and ready to go! We found our corral and waited to start the race. We did awesome for about 10.5 miles, but it was at that point when I felt like I was going to pass out. You see, the weather was perfect in the morning and then it got super hot towards the end of the race. Because the heat and the sweet Gatorade handed out, I was physically forced to stop running and walk. I was bummed to say the least, but that didn't stop me! I ran the last tenth of a mile and crossed the finish line. But my running partner finished all 13.1 miles! Woohoo!

Even though I trained and thought that I was set to go, the race was much harder than expected. With the added heat and just getting over another cold made the running much more challenging. Running is not always as simply as it seems!

I guess my lesson from today is to keep pushing yourself until you know that you can't go any further. The pain and heat definately set in before mile 10, but I kept pushing through (thanks to some encouragement). Realizing to make the best of the situation and do my personal best is something that can always be improved. I can honestly say that I gave it my everything - therefore, I don't have to do it again!

More than anything - I had a lot of fun making memories with a dear friend and looking forward to many, many more! : )

A Little Bit 'Bout Me

I'm a senior in high school and there is only 20 days until I graduate! While graduating is fun and exciting, there comes a lot of changes and decisions to be made. Usually, I'm not the kind of person to post things on the internet, but with all the changes coming my way, I thought I would start a blog to "journal" the upcoming events and to keep in touch with my family.

My goal for this blog is to share my upcoming experiences with you. After graduating, I will be preparing myself to leave for college. My plan is to go to a private school in Tennessee to study nursing with Army ROTC. But before I go on and share my experiences with you, I need to tell you some things about me.

The first thing is that my family and I are really close. We do almost everything together! Secondly, I love to be outside. I love to run, work in the yard, or just sit outside and read a book. It's so calming to be out in the fresh air! The next thing about me is that I love music! I love to listen to music and play music myself. I have played the piano for 11 years and my goal for the summer is to learn to play the acoustic guitar. I guess we will see how far I get with that!

While those things are nice to know, the most important thing in my life is Jesus Christ. My faith is the foundation of everything I do. He has saved me with His grace and has freed me from all my sin. He has guided me through many difficult times in my life and encouraging me through His word. Psalm 62:1-2 says, "Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."  So simply speakin', God will always be by my side no matter what changes come my way!