note to self...

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22

Jesus loves us all

God speaks, so listen

God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it. He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in bed. He whispers in their ear and terrifies them with his warning. He causes them to change their minds; he keeps them from pride. He keeps them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death. Or God disciplines people with sickness and pain, with ceaseless aching in their bones. They lose their appetite and do not care for even the most delicious food. They waste away to skin and bones. They are at death's door; the angels of death wait for them. "But if a special messenger from heaven is there to intercede for a person, to declare that he is upright, God will be gracious and say, `Set him free. Do not make him die, for I have found a ransom for his life.' Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again. When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing. He will declare to his friends, `I sinned, but it was not worth it. God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.' "Yes, God often does these things for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may live in the light of the living.

Job 33:14-30

birthday/mine is today

The greatest birthday gift I recieved today was the assurance that I am going to Israel! Apparently all the airline junk is all worked out and its a sure thing. What a relief.

Getting a car radio/cd player was also a huge plus :)

Oceans 12 came out today- i havent seen it yet but I totally cant wait until i do!

I'm out.
Peace to your mom...

Undecided

So I've been trying to be more open and willing to look at colleges- here and away... I know my deadline is real soon, but i also know that it doesnt have to be. Its just a little crazy sitting at lunch with some girls and they are all talking about what colleges theyve been accepted to and may be going... and I havent even applied yet. I know thats totally my fault- I've obviously been putting it all off- for way too long now. I just need guidance...

I will be turning 18 in 3 days and will be semi-officially an adult. The sad thing about this is that I am completely dependant and dont know how to do anything on my own. I definitly dont feel like an adult at all. I feel like I should still be a freshman in highschool- I basically have the same mind-set about my future as I did then, which is completely pathetic. Maybe its just the fact that I'm so content with my life right now(for the most part). And its so hard to think about doing anything else but go to school at Mason for like 6 or 7 hours everyday- thats all I've known for 13 years. Change is crazy. It will be good for me, Iknow, but I hate the thought of it right now.

I already know what you'd (whoever is reading this) may say or what advice you'd give-- which is probably the same as usual since this undesired topic of college comes up so involuntarily often. But if you think you've got something I havent heard yet, go ahead and take your best shot. I'll love you for it anyway:)

I dont want sympathy- I definitly dont expect it anyway. I just need prayer.

Faith is believing in the things unseen

So today I went shopping with my parents. Not as bad as it could have been- some of the time was fun. Somehow, as my dad and I were waiting on my mom as she was chatting with someone (not unusual), we got on the topic of college. My dad said that he thinks maybe it would be good for me to get away because he thinks they (my parents) are "getting" to me. So basically he senses my sparatic irritation with my mom...which actually happens more often than not. I've been so reluctant to think about college and I partially decided on Raymond Walters just as a "settlement" or decision just to get away from having to make big changes, I guess. Maybe I just needed my dad's "ok" to feel better about leaving them. I'm so incredibly dependent though, it's discusting. I'm still debating, but seriously contemplating going away- which the idea I absolutely loathed just a few months ago. Money is also a big issue for me- but I realize (with many people to tell me) that God will take care of it if it's supposed to be. Just like Israel! I never thought I would ever be able to go but I've already recieved like $900 in donations! I absolutely still cannot believe that.
Oh and please pray that I CAN go to Israel because of checks being lost/airlines may be booked... I dont konw whats going on but please pray about that.

Anyway... I love you... have a wicked awesome relaxing weekend. You need it.

Hebrews 11:1,3
What is Faith? Its the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. Its the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we can't see it up ahead... by faith- by believing in God- we know that the world and stars- in fact, all things- were made at God's command; and that they were all made from things that can't be seen.

power

Philippians 1:20-24 (Living Bible)

For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that will cause me to be ashamed of myself but that I will always be ready to speak out boldly for Christ while I am going through all these trials here, just as I have in the past; and that I will always be an honor to Christ; whether I live or whether I must die. For to me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying- well, that's better yet! But if living will give me more opportunities to win people to Christ, then I really dont know which is better, to live or die! Somtimes I want to live and at other times I dont, for I long to go and be with Christ. How much happier for me than being here! But the fact is that I can be of more help to you by staying!
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I've been really into praying lately. It's been so awesome. Every day I have like 4 or 5 different people in mind to pray for- and I write them on my hand or something so that every time i remember throughout the day I will pray for them. What is more of a blessing than praying for someone? (besides being prayed for). I encourage anyone that may read this to think more seriously about prayer and how powerful it really is. Think of all the unsaved, and the many that may be lonely or just need encouragement or a friend to talk to. Never forget to pray for them! Even the people that seem like they've got it all together need prayer. Nobody is perfect. Thank you Lord for allowing us to come and talk to you!