11-26-11: One Amazing Year

Well, hello again! I hope y'all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!!
I cannot even begin to comprehend that 2011 is coming to a close in just a little more than a month, it doesn't seem real! How can time fly so fast? Part of me is glad, a new year brings joy and exciting times, but most of me is sad... I've had a fantastic year and I don't want it to end!
I started out 2011 by making a promise to grow closer to Christ, and I think I've done just that. I turn to Him for everything, I cannot get enough of his word, and I want to shout His glory to the ends of the earth! I love my Savior so much, I could be labeled crazy or insane!
2011 brought happiness and sorrow if I'm honest. I had an incredible summer, filled with VBS, hanging out with friends and my second Teenserve mission trip. But, in September I attended a funeral for a 14 year-old boy, who passed from cancer. I experienced trials, some small and some not-so-small, but God stood by me the entire time. I cannot thank Him enough for that.
As Christmas is right around the corner(how crazy is that?!?!), part of me wants to cry, and not because the year is almost over, but because I'm already seeing the way the world views this amazing season. Commercials filled with, "you need this, you need that" and Santa Clauses everywhere. Now, don't get me wrong, I love that ole' Saint Nick as much as the next, I even saw him at the mall earlier this week, but we need to remember that this is CHRISTmas, and it is a season of giving, not receiving.
One of my favorite Christmas songs is by the Go Fish Guys, and it is called "Christmas with a Capital C". I'm obsessed with it really, it is embarrassing :) Comedian Brad Stine has a little intro in the song, and speaks through-out the song too, it is funny, and yet so true.

10-30-11: The skit guys

Hello :)

So in youth group quite some time ago we watched this video I'm about to share. I fell in love with the message and it hit me so close to home it was unreal. I recently found the video online, and immediately wanted to share it with you.



The lines that hit home the most:
Man: "I let you down so many times God."
God: "No my child, you were never holding me up. I hold you up with my victorious, righteous right hand. Never the other way around. In this relationship, I hold you up."

What do you think of the video? Did it touch you too?
Have a fantastic week, and don't forget... God doesn't make junk. He makes masterpieces.

9-11-11

Today is bitter-sweet for me.
A close friend of mine turned 18 today, and entered his senior year at high school this past week. it is strange how time flies too fast.
And then, on a more obvious note, today is the anniversary of 9/11... my heart aches for the victims' families and friends, I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. My condolences if you fall into this category.
I don't exactly remember what happened ten years ago today, but I do remember the events of the aftermath. A lot of fear, a lot of worry, and not a lot of hope. Security reached a new high, fights broke out in the middle east, families were shattered at the loss of loved ones, but most of all... it seemed like the entire country, at least for awhile, was shocked to a silence.
Several years have passed now, ten to be exact, (which doesn't exactly seem possible btw) but there is still one thing that came from this horrid event makes me tear up every single time. A famous song, but a famous musician who goes by the name Alan Jackson(ring a bell?? (:) I've shared SO many songs with you in the past, but I cannot skip over this one. So, here it is, listen closely, close your eyes if need-be. And think back ten years ago.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

8-9-11:Check this out!

Hey guys! I'm back!

I hope y'all are having a great summer! I've been keeping pretty busy, last month I went on another mission trip with Teenserve(as I've mentioned in previous posts), and then the last week of July I also taught at my church's VBS. Along with youth group events(bonfires, water balloon wars, crazy, last-minute get togethers) I'm really enjoying summer 2011, and cannot believe that it is almost over :'(.

But, the reason of this post is to tell you about my photography blog! It has also undergone some changes, and I've put up some newer(and WAY better) pictures! It would mean a lot to me if you'd stop over and check it out(and follow!!) So, here is the URL...

www.godsimagephotography.blogspot.com

Have an amazing Tuesday!

8-3-11:Under construction

Hello :)
Just thought I'd let y'all know that for the next few days I'll be under construction. Nothing major, but there will be a few changes to this blog :) Have a fantastic week and I'll see you soon!