Message in the Milkshake

This post isn't going to be long. It isn't a long rant (although I have a few, if you wanna know just ask ;)). I just wanted to share something small that encouraged me in a big way. 

So yesterday, I was feeling like I had everything together for the day. I had a plan. I was going to work out at this time, do homework at this time, watch the bachelor at this time, and actually get to go to BED at a decent time, which is one of the things I desire most. 

Anyways, I became stressed after the bachelor (yes, I emotionally invest myself FAR too much in that show), and then got some other news that upset me. Then I went to a study group in the library to work on my statistics homework. I thought I was almost done and it would only take an hour. 

Wrong.

Long story short, we stayed until the library closed, and then got up early when the library open. *For the record, I didn't even turn it in completed.* It was the MOST frustrating thing. 

After the leaving the library, I felt like I had lost control - I was overwhelmed with stress and frustration. 

I decided I deserved a milkshake to help me drink down my despair. 

I trudged into the gas station in my sweats, looking like a complete bum, and went to the milkshake sections, to grab my plain ol' chocolate milkshake.

And then, there it was, a sign from God: A Double Fudge Brownie Chocolate Milkshake: Limited Edition. 

I literally squealed with delight. 

I grabbed one and opened it, and the lid read:

Call me crazy, but God was literally speaking to me through this milkshake. He was saying, "Hey, it's gonna be ok - I got you! You are going to get through this! I got you!"

My strength was renewed for the night, (not to mention the shake was AMAZING).

You may think I am being ridiculous, but remember: do not limit the way God can speak to and encourage His children. He's done crazier things before, like...walking on water or making a virgin conceive....

I know that You are for me.
I know that You are for me.
I know that You will never,
forsake me in my weaknesses

I know that You have come now,
even if to write upon my heart.
To remind me who You are.

These are lyrics from Kari Jobe's "You are for me"

God's right here, holding me, even if I feel out of control. Sometimes I do a bad job of remembering that, so sometimes it's necessary for God to speak directly to my heart - through a milkshake ;)

Antidote to Grouchiness.

Two nights ago, I was just mad at the world and everyone in it. I can't exactly tell you why, cause I'm not exactly sure myself. It was probably a lot of little things. But hey, I'm a human being, a FEMALE human being, so it's to be expected that I can experience extreme moods that don't make any sense.
(unfortunately for me, and Parker, these happen more often than not)
Anywho, it was late at night(or should I say, in the early morning...) after Spring Sing rehearsal and I was exhausted and decided to vent to Parker about why everyone in the world is stupid. As I was texting him a list of things that were annoying me, a voice in the back of my head was saying "You know, there are people in the world, in the city you live in, who didn't eat anything today. You are being really petty right now." But I tried to block that voice out because "I needed to vent or I would explode." 
After I got done venting and Parker was needed to stop texting so he could go to sleep, he told me to lay everything at the Cross.

Grr. It's so much more fun to wallow in my narcissitic problems.

So while I was taking a shower before bed, I began to list things that I was thankful for. I couldn't help but smile. The scowl lines on my forehead disappeared, and I became aware of how truly blessed I am. Here's some of my list:

Well for starters AND enders, Jesus listens to me as I go on complaining, and when I am done, He still loves me just the same. 

Following that, my boyfriend also listens to me and loves me, even when I am being a "moody girl." I am SO blessed to have someone so patient in my life.

My wonderful family. Families can't be perfect, but I have to say, mine come pretty darn close!

OC. I love being at a school where teachers can just decide to pray in class when they feel like it.

My friends. Gosh I love my girls and my life would be so boring and dull without them.

Those of you reading this may not have an awesome boyfriend who listens to you. Your family may be not much of a family. You might not be in school right now. But there are still ENDLESS things for you to be thankful for. My list goes on:

Puppies. God didn't have to make them, but He did. I don't know why, maybe because he knew the immense joy they bring to people such as myself.

The breath I just took.

Chick-flicks.

The taste of mint chocolate...yumm :)

Flowers. I love flowers. They are just so beautiful and colorful and there are so many kinds!

Chick-fil-a breakfast.

Starbucks.

Music. Music speaks to me and for me when I can't adequately speak or listen.

Pictures. I love reminiscing on memories captured in photos.

The map that comes on my iPhone. I would be so lost without it, literally.

My hair color. It's natural too ;)

Texting.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie. 

And the list goes on. But like I said, I begin and end with Jesus. His gift of grace that is in His salvation is noncomprehendible, immeasurable, and unequal in value to anything else. I hope and pray that if you are reading this, you come to know this Savior of mine :)

That's what I got for now. Feeling blue? Just try listing things you are thankful for and see if you can stay grouchy for long :)

New Year, New Vision

**DISCLAIMER**Ok first item of business, I realize I haven't blogged for a long time. But I never claimed to be a "regular blogger," just whenever I feel I have something that needs to be blogged about. And now I do, so I hope you are blessed by it :)

So.....

As we all know we have just celebrated the beginning of a new year. I have never really been a fan of "New Year's Resolutions," because I feel like they are just something people think they should do. Many people, myself included, set goals that they never finish. I think deep down many people don't really want to change. For example, bazillions of people set a weight goal, and don't meet it or give up. I think many people make this because other people are doing it, or they are pressured by society. Or a goal to do more Bible studies - because "that's what good Christians do." They aren't stirred to change, just feel like it's a good idea.

Now don't get me wrong, I think its good to work towards goals, and the New Year is a good time to start fresh. I just think some people don't truly want what they say they want because they are not stirred deep down...  

Well, I have been stirred.

For the past couple of months, God has been stirring up something inside of me, and it has to do with the way I love. I'm not just talking about the way I love Parker, but especially him. God has been showing me the attitude I have: and that is to give back only what I get. And I have a problem with this kind of loving. Here's an example: If Parker were to say we are going to do something at a certain time, then I would be ready at that time and be excited to do whatever we were doing. And then that thing never happens or happens much later than what he says, it makes me upset, and also makes me feel like I am not a priority and should just be put into his schedule when he "has time." (I know that's not the case, but that is how I feel).

So then, when HE wants to hang out and is ready, I want to make him wait or feel "unimportant" like he made me feel. 

And for the past couple of months, anytime of have this feeling of "I'm only giving what I am getting," God presses on my heart and I feel like this is not the way it should be. 

But the kind of love I am talking about, it's not natural. There is no way that I, a mere human, could love other messed up humans like that. 

That kind of love, well it's supernatural.

Luckily, we have a supernatural God who works supernaturally through us :) 

I have been thinking these things for awhile, and I came across this passage:

⁸ Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰ Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

 ¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. ¹⁴ Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

This passage was exciting to me because I said the ONLY debt we have is to CONTINUALLY LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Continually. 

I want this passage, Romans 13:8-14, to be my vision for this year. I want to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me and through me and love with a more Christlike love. 

Also, the second part of this passage really put something else into perspective to me: and that is we are a year closer to the coming of Our Precious Lord and Savior. HOW EXCITING!!!!!! A whole lot of people need the love of Jesus this year. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so love like Jesus and share His Good News today. 

It's gonna be a good year, I can feel it :) Be a blessing this year.

Our God is good, all the time :) 

PS- I turn 21 in 8 days - crazy!!
PPS- Food for thought: