Around this time last year, I was getting ready for a trip to Myrtle Beach with my mom, Karl, and his parents. The trip was only four days including travel time. Also around this time we were making potential plans for us and Karl's family to take a trip to Arkansas because I wanted my grandma to meet her future grandson-in-law. When we arrived in Myrtle Beach, I was so excited to be physically near Karl again; to feel his warm hugs and sweet kisses that I had long been waiting for. But I regret not appreciating or taking advantage of the short time I had with him. My thought process was, "well, I'm going to get to see him again in Arkansas in a few months." The trip went by quicker than I thought, so when it came time to saying good-bye, I felt awful. I regret this because not only did it make Karl feel like I didn't want to spend time with him -but the trip to Arkansas never worked out. April 10th will now mark one year since I've seen him.
I also regret not getting my permit and liscence. I know I wouldn't have a car of my own to drive, but at least I would be able to use my mom or dad's vehicle to go where I need to go instead of being picked up and dropped off all the time.
Although I still sometimes think back on these things that I wish I would have done, I've forgiven myself for having not. For me, a life of regrets is a life of misery - I can't move on with my life if I'm still living in the thoughts of "I wish I would have done that." I can't change past mistakes, but I can make sure not to make the same ones in the future. For the Lord said in Isaiah 43:18, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
30 Day Writing Challenge - Day 1
http://danacreative.blogspot.com/2011/01/30-day-writing-challenge.html
Day 1: Something to look forward to this year.
At this point - a lot of things. With it now being April, I look forward to Minnesota's weather hormones being in balance. The snow is melting and spring is in the air, or so it seems. Just the thought of warm(er) weather excites me.
I look forward to spening as much time with my family as possible before I get married. I hope to visit my darling grandmother in Arkansas this summer, preferably on Independence Day as we always do. Then we're praying that God will provide a way for us to visit my other grandma in Tennessee. I look forward to being baptized with my dad this year, as it will be my very first baptism. I've been asking the Lord to restore my relationship with my dad, and He's been giving me a lot of great ideas for activities him and I can do together to make that come to pass.
Last but not least, I look forward to marrying the love of my life. Three years of saving ourselves for each other and living 1,200 miles away from each other means extreme anticipation and excitement for this day to arrive. I look forward to starting a life of my own, taking my music to a whole new level, and sharing the gospel through the music God has given me. I simply look forward to stepping out of the old life and entering into the new. Not to say that I'm jumping for joy because I'll be leaving my family, but I foresee new beginnings coming about in this marriage God has ordained.
All in all, I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me this year. :)
Day 1: Something to look forward to this year.
At this point - a lot of things. With it now being April, I look forward to Minnesota's weather hormones being in balance. The snow is melting and spring is in the air, or so it seems. Just the thought of warm(er) weather excites me.
I look forward to spening as much time with my family as possible before I get married. I hope to visit my darling grandmother in Arkansas this summer, preferably on Independence Day as we always do. Then we're praying that God will provide a way for us to visit my other grandma in Tennessee. I look forward to being baptized with my dad this year, as it will be my very first baptism. I've been asking the Lord to restore my relationship with my dad, and He's been giving me a lot of great ideas for activities him and I can do together to make that come to pass.
Last but not least, I look forward to marrying the love of my life. Three years of saving ourselves for each other and living 1,200 miles away from each other means extreme anticipation and excitement for this day to arrive. I look forward to starting a life of my own, taking my music to a whole new level, and sharing the gospel through the music God has given me. I simply look forward to stepping out of the old life and entering into the new. Not to say that I'm jumping for joy because I'll be leaving my family, but I foresee new beginnings coming about in this marriage God has ordained.
All in all, I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me this year. :)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I Wish Someone Would have Told Me...
http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/
This prompt that I chose was kind of tricky... I probably would have been able to write more if the prompt was, "I wish I would have listened when they told me.." but, I was able to come up with a few things.
Prompt #134: Begin with "I wish someone would have told me..."
This prompt that I chose was kind of tricky... I probably would have been able to write more if the prompt was, "I wish I would have listened when they told me.." but, I was able to come up with a few things.
Prompt #134: Begin with "I wish someone would have told me..."
- I wish someone would have told me that God was going to put me to the test from time to time. Maybe then I would have been more prepared for those tests.
- I wish someone would have told me that sooner or later my brother and sister were going to grow up and be different than they were when they were little. Maybe then I wouldn't have been so shocked at who they became.
- I wish someone would have told me not to be too trustworthy toward everyone. Maybe then I wouldn't have gotten hurt as much.
- I wish someone would have told me that even close friends don't always stay in your life. Maybe then I wouldn't have relied on them so much.
- I wish someone would have told me NOT to keep my iPod in my back pocket. Maybe then it wouldn't have fell in the toilet.
- I wish someone would have told that that cup had medal on it before I put it in the microwave. Maybe then I wouldn't have set the microwave on fire.
- I wish someone would have told me that saving money is difficult when you have coupons. Maybe then I'd have more money.
- I wish someone would have told me that middle-school was going to suck. Maybe then I wouldn't have cut school so much.
- I wish someone would have told me that I was the temple of God before I decided to cut myself. Maybe then I wouldn't have this scar on my leg.
See what you can come up with! :)
How to Get Along with an Enemy
www.creativewritingprompts.com
Prompt #129: Write a light-hearted piece on how to get along with an enemy.
To get along with an enemy, first and foremost, you need love. Not the kind of love that society represents, but the kind of love Jesus had and still has for those who reject Him. Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Not only are we supposed to love our neighbors, but we're also supposed to love those who have wronged us. And not only are we supposed to love them, but we are to pray for them as well.
Moreover, forgiveness is required to get along with an enemy. Holding grudges toward one another only intensifies the strong feelings of hatred between the two of you. Think hard about whatever happened that lead you two to become "enemies." Is it worth dwelling over? According to Jesus, nothing is worth holding unforgiveness toward someone. He says in Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
In addition to loving and forgiving your enemy, acts of kindness will help. Proverbs 25:21-22 says, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." There is no reward for treating your enemy poorly. Even if your enemy doesn't do any of these things in return, that just means YOU are the bigger and better person. Not in a boastful way, but in a way that is pleasing to God.
Prompt #129: Write a light-hearted piece on how to get along with an enemy.
To get along with an enemy, first and foremost, you need love. Not the kind of love that society represents, but the kind of love Jesus had and still has for those who reject Him. Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Not only are we supposed to love our neighbors, but we're also supposed to love those who have wronged us. And not only are we supposed to love them, but we are to pray for them as well.
Moreover, forgiveness is required to get along with an enemy. Holding grudges toward one another only intensifies the strong feelings of hatred between the two of you. Think hard about whatever happened that lead you two to become "enemies." Is it worth dwelling over? According to Jesus, nothing is worth holding unforgiveness toward someone. He says in Mark 11:25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
In addition to loving and forgiving your enemy, acts of kindness will help. Proverbs 25:21-22 says, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." There is no reward for treating your enemy poorly. Even if your enemy doesn't do any of these things in return, that just means YOU are the bigger and better person. Not in a boastful way, but in a way that is pleasing to God.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Creative Writing Prompts
So there's this website that I "stumbled upon" (literally... www.stumbleupon.com) and it has really sparked my creativity. I love to write but I don't always know what to write about... that's what this website is for. www.creativewritingprompts.com gives you ideas as to what to write about. I've found it quite interesting, and fun. There are over 200 prompts to choose from - check it out and see what you think! I will be posting one of the prompts I chose shortly...
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