A Little Bit of Hope - A Start to Advent

    Christmas is coming! Its time to start preparing and getting in the Christmas spirit! Get out the lights, put up the tree, and start blaring Christmas music! These are some of my favorite Christmas traditions. And the church has its traditions for the Christmas season too. The most popular is advent.
    Advent is a season of five Sundays during the Christmas season in which you prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of Christ. It is represented by lighting candles that hold their own symbolic meaning. The first Sunday of advent was celebrated last week, November 28th. The candle of hope was lit.
     Below is what was read on Sunday morning at my church.

 

1^st Sunday – Hope

On this first Sunday of Advent, we begin by lighting the “Candle of Hope.”  By putting one’s hope in God is to refuse to place one’s final confidence in the created order.  Although automobiles will break down and our homes will need repair, our never changing God is our rock, our refuge, and our fortress.

Our hope is in God, and in the Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit; that all three have proven their worthiness of our trust.

 As we light this candle of “hope,” let us always remember that Christ will fulfill all of God’s promises to us.

 (Light the HOPE candle)

 Let us pray, Loving God, thank you for the hope that you offer through your son Jesus Christ.  Fill us with your Spirit of hope and allow us to convey that hope to others as we take each step for You.  We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

"Rest in God alone, my soul,
for my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I will not be shaken."
Psalm 62:5-6

Clean and Funny?

     Stand up comedy has been my favorite form of entertainment for a while. I will watch YouTube videos for hours and laugh until my ribs hurts.  My only issue is that some of the big names in comedy will say some pretty inappropriate things. They may be really funny, but inappropriate.

     I was on the lookout for some videos that could make my family and friends laugh without all the perverted humor. This was kind of difficult, but I did have some success.



Joe Wong: (12:48)

Michael Jr: (2:37)

     God wants us to laugh and enjoy life.
Proverbs 17:22- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
     It is encouraging that, even as a Christian, I can enjoy a good stand up comedy show and keep my mind out of the gutter.


Lilly's Corny Jokes:

1. What do you call a smart blonde?
A Golden Lab

2.Why did the chicken cross the playground?
To get to the other slide

3.Why did the pirate have trouble with the alphabet?
He always got lost at "C."


If you have suggestions for some clean comedy, post a link in the comments!

Blessings! :)

*ALERT!! HUNGER GAMES NERD!*

My craziness is about to take flight with Mockingjay wings.

BECAUSE MOCKINGJAY PART TWO IS COMING OUT!!

 

 

On Friday, November 20th, the fourth and final movie in the Hunger Games Series will be released in theatres.

I have been a fan since 7th grade, when I got my hands on the first book. This was one of the first fiction books to draw me in and actually make me feel something (I didn't read the Harry Potter Series until later *winky face*). After I finished the first book, I forced my friend to read it. She wasn't much of a reader at the time, so I told her, "just read to page 16. I promise you'll be hooked!" She didn't believe me but she promised me she would read. 16 pages later, she came to me saying "you were right. oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhh mmmmmmyyyyyyy ggggggoooosssssshhhhh," in a typical 7th grade voice.

We both read all three books in less than a month and would have detailed and dramatically expressive lunch room conversations about what we have read. I am not exaggerating when I say that we had the whole lunch table actively engaged in Hunger Games discussion for a good 4 months. EVERY DAY!!!

For those of you who don't know about the Hunger Games Trilogy, they are dystopian novels written by Suzanne Collins. The three books are:

 

1. Hunger Games

2. Catching Fire

3. Mockingjay

 

 

Basically, the main character, Katniss Everdeen, fights against her horrible government while deciphering teenage emotions, all beginning with a sacrifice for her sister.

I really encourage you to read the books. The movies are great (except the first one, but don't get me started on that) but the books are soooooo much better!! I can't wait untill Friday!!!

And on an unrelated note... I just had to post this picture.... cause it's truth.

 

#AmplifyFFA

It was dark and early when the bus, full of FFA members, rolled out of the high school parking lot at 6:00am. We were all tired, but excited.  We were headed to Louisville for the 88th National FFA Convention.

At 8:00am, the members of our chapter entered the first session and learned, from our national FFA officers, what it meant to "Amplify" and boost our impact in the community. By 10:00am, we had listened to the great motivational speaker, Dr. Rick Rigsby, and were inspired to grow in our character. By 10:30am, we were truly beginning a day at convention.

Some of the chapter members before session

FFA members from across the nation find their seats for session.

We visited booth after booth learning about agriculture and speaking with college reps. FFA members from all over the nation were running around, creating a sea of blue jackets.
 My bag was overflowing with free items and my stomach was full of candy and free samples of food from across the country. (The Wisconsin cheese and Florida orange juice were my favorites!)   

Taking a fun picture at the University of Tennessee booth

By 4:30pm, my feet were hurt from walking in my black dress shoes all day and I was exhausted... That is, until the hypnotist show began! It was probably the funniest live show I have ever seen (maybe second, behind last year's show). I laughed and danced and by 7:30pm, I was ready to walk into the last session. My "crew" and I danced to the opening music and clapped along with others to congratulate the Stars over America award winners.

Rocking it out before the last session

The chapter sung as we walked back to the bus at 9:30pm. I boarded with a smile, enjoying the last bits of a great day.

This is National Convention.

#AmplifyFFA

My XC Experience

In a nutshell... (the LARGEST nutshell in the history of the world!)

My Cross Country career started in 4th grade. My mom was a great runner in high school and my cousins were the stars of the current team. I wanted to be like them... but I "couldn't." I thought I stunk...so I quit.

In 5th grade, a boy in my class was talking about how good of a runner he was on the XC team. He announced his mile time to everyone and I flippantly told him that I was faster. He replied, "maybe you used to be, but you quit."  Man oh man I was angry. With competitiveness coursing through my veins, I inwardly committed myself to the next season.

My memories of 6th grade are blurred. However, I do remember that, because I was driven, I improved so much from 4th grade. I begged my coach to let me run varsity (3.1 miles/ 5k), unknowing that 6th graders couldn't. The team atmosphere was also very good. It was a large team and we all encouraged each other.

7th grade year was my best year yet! I was goal oriented and driven. I was able to compete with the middle school boys and some of the high school boys. I ran varsity all season and beat my PR (personal record) almost every race. The team was still large and encouraging. This was the first year I loved cross country.

Some of the middle school girls after a race

Because it was my last year to be eligible for middle school races, my coaches registered me for 4ks throughout my 8th grade season. It was upsetting because I knew it would hurt my 5k time, but I was able to place highly and medal most middle school meets.

Me with my runnin' cousins!

9th grade was the beginning of terrible. I entered the season encouraged. I was officially a part of the varsity team and I could not run middle school.  I came close to a PR when I ended my season early with a leg injury.

This wouldn't have been so heart-wrenching if there was a team to be surrounded by. Our large number of runners had dwindled to less than 10... and no one enjoyed being around each other.

The absolutely disgusting and slimy team atmosphere carried into my 10th grade year. No one on the team had the drive to run. Our terrible runs matched our terrible attitudes. I didn't know if I would come back for my last two years.

Oh, the effort...not. Apparently I was "dying."

Before I made the decision to quit, I decided to pray. I asked God to help me love running again. I asked Him to help the team to enjoy running and being around each other. I knew God could do these things, but I had NO idea how it could happen... until it did.

It all happened so fast! We got a new coach, several people from the last year's team quit, and several new kids joined. Our new coach is attentive and willing and, when we have a day off or a weekend without a race, the team comes back saying, "oh I missed you guys!"

Varsity Girls! (The boys don't really like pictures)

My only issue in this junior season is another leg injury. *Starts to cry.* During a race on a bad course...

Yes..this sign is ACTUALLY from the "bad course."

 I started limping and it felt like something tore in my leg. After the race, I tried to walk correctly and I found it impossible. It felt better the next morning and, because I had sinus issues and a hurt leg, my coach told me not to go to practice. The next day, Thursday, was hard workout day. After warming up, my leg felt fine and I had a good practice. However, when I was cooling down, I heard something in my leg pop. I freaked out and stopped running for a bit; then I slowly finished the last half. Luckily, for some unknown reason, practice was called off for Friday. (Two days off in one week... and right before a race... whhhhaaaaatttt??? This never happens!)

When I woke up Saturday morning, my leg felt stiff. I limped during the warm up and was hoping that, like Thursday, it would feel better after it got warm. I told coach that it was sore and she told me to only do what I could handle. I started the race and felt great up until the 1 mile point. I kept trudging until I got to a hill (the ONLY hill in the entire race!) and it hurt REALLY bad. But, I was NOT going to stop on a hill! People would be like, "Oh, she is so sissified that she won't even run up the whole hill!" Oh no! I got to the top of the hill. I ran. And cccrraaackkk, just below my knee. I stopped. I cried. I trudged myself across the tall grass to find my coach. I think my pride was hurt more than my leg. I have NEVER dropped out of a race before. It was an ugly cry that just wouldn't stop. I couldn't control it! The tears just kept coming!

I went to the physical therapist after a week of limping like a zombie. I began to do exercises and my leg felt 75% better. I was released to run very easily for short distances. I did okay at first but then I started overcompensating for my bad leg and limping. It hurt again.

A couple days ago, I found out I have a stress fracture.

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

That's how I feel.

But, on the bright side, I won't be on crutches long and I will probably get to run at the regional race! (Lord willing!) With my supportive team and my friends and family telling me to keep on my crutches, I know the healing process won't take too long. I know there is a reason that this has happened to me. Through this whole situation, I have remembered the verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

"Rejoice always!

 Pray constantly.

Give thanks in everything,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus"

Even through the injury, XC is bliss. God answered my prayers and I just want to praise Him. I love to run. I love my team. My team loves to run. My team loves each other. I love cross country. I love God!

Love to Run...Love XC

Cross country could quite possibly be the weirdest sport ever. In broad terms, these athletes run... all the time. Their goal is to run a 5k (3.1 miles) as fast as they can.

 

Sure.. I love to run. However, my love of cross country does not just come from the long runs and hard workouts. I love cross country because I have to push myself, as an individual, past my own limits.  Because setting a personal record is the best feeling after a hard race. Because I actually enjoy the annoying, loud screams and yells of encouragement. Because my team is a second family, and being around them makes me smile. Because at the starting line, when the nerves begin to take over, team prayer and encouragement brings everything back under control. Because even though everyone controls their own run, you run for your team... they need you.

Because underneath my own weakness, pain, tears and injuries, I am strong, and I love to run.

 

Maybe only XC runners can understand...

 

 

 

 

Running XC is a "scattering flowers" passion. Stay tuned for a "canoe eating" connection!

Blessings,

Lilly

 

In Awe

                                   

To hear an oriole sing May be a common thing, Or only a divine. It is not of the bird Who sings the same, unheard,  As unto crowd. The fashion of the ear Attireth that it hear In dun or fair. So whether it be rune,  Or whether it be none, Is of within; The “tune is in the tree,” The sceptic showeth me; “No, sir! In thee!” ~Emily Dickinson Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina  Painted Hills, Oregon Red River Gorge, Kentucky Tathra Beach, Australia Banff National Park, Canada

 "The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky proclaims the work of His hands."

Psalm 19:1

"For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse."

Romans 1:20

Scarlet to Snow

Forgiveness can be the hardest thing EVER.  However, when you get down to the root of your anger and let it go, forgiveness is freeing. 

I have had a rough time with forgiveness. There have been several instances that I have felt that people have wronged me. I felt that I was above these people and that they did not deserve to be treated well. In some situations, I didn't even realize that I was treating others so badly. 

Over the course of months, God has brought these feelings of hardness and hatred to my attention and urged me to seek reconciliation. From experience, I will tell you that I have NEVER been in more terrible situations. It is terrifying to open yourself up and say, "I'm sorry," or, "I forgive you." But, then again, doing the right thing is not always easy.

After the gut-wrenching apologies or acceptances, all the weight  from a situation is released from your heart and will leave you floating on air. God knows our hearts so well, and that is why He commanded us to forgive. 

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Ephesians 6:37

Forgiving or asking for forgiveness from others is as necessary as asking God for forgiveness. Our sins and wrongdoings upset God. However, our holy God is forgiving.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9

 "He adds:

I will never again remember

their sins and their lawless acts."

Hebrews 10:17

"Compassion and forgiveness belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against Him"

Daniel 9:9

“Come, let us discuss this,”

says the Lord.

“Though your sins are like scarlet,

they will be as white as snow;

though they are as red as crimson,

they will be like wool".

Isaiah 1:18

When we confess our sins to God, he throws them away and NEVER remembers them again. 

Forgive others and ask God to forgive you of your sins so that you will be transformed from scarlet to snow.

Blessings,

Lilly 

Light Up the Dark

"Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
 - Mother Teresa

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."
 - Proverbs 12:25


"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
  - Mark Twain

"Therefore, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."                                                                      
- Matthew 5:16                   

 Life is absolutely full of ups and downs and twists and turns. Life can be enjoyable, and, at other times, life can stink. In those stinky phases, (no, I am not talking about B.O.) don't be afraid to put a little optimism in your cheerios and let a light of kindness shine in you! On some days, the bag of optimism can be a little hard to lift, but have a positive mindset for yourself, and a willingness to spread a few smiles! This will not only positively influence your "stinky phase," but it will also spread some optimism into the lives of others as well. 

A great example of kindness shining through the dark are some of the children I met in Nairobi, Kenya, June 2013.

These kids are dirt covered and live in filth, they are never guaranteed enough food to eat (many kids that are fortunate enough to go to school only have a meal during the school day, which is in session 3 days a week...), they drink dirty water, and have raw sewage running through their streets, along with the chickens and pigs and mounds of trash.

However, these children wear the brightest smiles! They may be in poverty, but that does not dictate their willingness to work, learn, or play. They have a smile and an optimism that can cheer up a burdened heart.

Cheer up someone's heart with a kind word and a smile, today! Also, be thankful for those who have cheered up your heart. :)

Blessings,

Lilly