Howdy 2012! Good-bye 2011!

As I sit on my bed with my netbook on my laptop, I remember the good and the bad of 2011. I remember in February of 2011 saying good-bye (not forever) to my older sister as she went to serve our Country. I remember praising God for her safe return home and heroism that she displayed. I remember spring semester in 2011; it was tough and I thought that it would never end. I remember my younger sister’s graduation and how proud I was and still am to see her in your graduation robe walking on the stage to receive the ticket to the next step in life. I remember my seven day challenge during spring break, and I knew from then on that our Father in Heaven is faithful. I remember going to my favorite band’s concert with my cousins and siblings. I remember the heart breaks as I was lead away from old friends, but God restored me with the gift of new friends. I remember seeing my baby sister playing a tiger in Seussical the musical and how proud I was to see her love for the stage develop. I remember in September where I celebrated my 21^st birthday; another day of a blessed life. However; I also remember in the same month the struggles from the doctors that still are going on today. I remember the Diabetes Walk, Harvest Festival, and all the other volunteer work that did this year. But most of all, I remember Your faithfulness, Your love, and Your peace that covered me. 

Out of all the lessons that were taught this year, I learned a very amazing one: God’s beautiful faithfulness. I learned that through the storm, He is still here. I learned that no matter what happens today, God will guide you through it. I learned that no matter how far you run or try to hide, He is still holding your hand. 

I have been blessed by so many wonderful things and extremely thankful for from the year 2011: my new blogging buddy Elizabeth, my family, my school, my old and new friends, my bed and blankets, my house, my chores (just don’t tell my parents. Haha), the Bible as I completed my goal of reading the Old Testament this 2011 year, my new brother-in-law, my experiences, the trails and pains, the medical staff, my room, the sunrises and sunsets, and everything that God has done in my life. 

I cannot wait to see, taste, feel, and experience what’s in store for me in 2012. I pray that you are encouraged to continue seeking God. He is our Abba!

Imagine the Gift of Love!

 

Imagine the Gift of Love:

Christmas of the Past, Present, and Future!

The past has been a world full of disappoint and sorrow, but God has never left my side. I use to be a huge brat. I always expected the biggest and most awesome presents in my sight. I know that I had to go through this because God was teaching me about His love. Christmas was more focused on the presents that people got me than the family and the birthday of my Savior. 

The present is my recovery years. I am learning so much about what Christmas really is. This year I made a list of all the presents that I wanted to get for my family and I priced everything. It really helped me focus on the thought of the gift instead of what it is. I am so joyful because not only did my family carry on our traditions; we also really taped into our Savior’s birth. Jesus is so amazing because He has given me a spiritual healing. 

The future is looking bright. I cannot wait for the next few Christmas’; I am excited to see what God will do. 

Happy Birthday, Jesus! I love you!

Purple Snow!

It has been six months where I have been trying to figure out what I should write for this blog. You see, my mommy said that I should write a blog called purple snow, and I have finally come up with something to write.

            On June 6^th, 2011 my mommy and I were driving in Riverside to go turn in our Early Childhood Studies final. While we were quickly approaching the college, my mommy noticed these light purple flowers falling from the trees. She claimed that it looked like purple snow. It was unique, special, and very out of the ordinary. I did not understand what God meant by those purple flowers, but I do now. 

            These last few months have been particularly hard for me. Between school work piled up and the unnecessary necessary doctor visits, I have become a stranger to my own body. I have been changing. I have lost a lot of weight (not on purpose) and also lost strands of my hair. But underneath it all, I am still the same.

            My purple snow is my thyroid glands. Weird, huh! But it is unique, special, and very out of the ordinary. It may be causing me a problem now, but when I look from afar I see the beauty in it. Not only am I growing to trust God, but I am learning that who I am is changing. It may have happened so quickly and took me by surprize, but God is calming me.

 

(Christmas photos. From left to right: Keely-younger sister, Julia-baby sister, me, and Coby- baby brother)

            I wish I had a picture of these purple flowers falling off the tree. I leave you with this: no matter what you are going through, remember that it is beautiful. God is holding your hand through it all. You may not be able to see what is on the other side, but trust in God for He will show you the way.