Update

Wow, where to begin? The past two weeks have been a crazy flurry of activities. I was able to graduate from high school. As the class valedictorian, I had to give a speech. Through it God taught me a lot! I spoke about surrendering your life to God and how surrender demands patience, perseverance, and pliability. I had to arrive at school at 8:50 and graduation was at 10:00. As I was preparing, I asked God to take care of my nerves. Normally, I don’t get nervous for public speaking until the person before me goes and then throughout my speech….but God had bigger things in store for me. I was not nervous at all…even throughout my speech!!! So, by surrendering my nerves to God, he showed me the practicality about what I was speaking on! Wow! What an amazing God!!!

That afternoon at 2:00, I had my graduation party. One of the highlights was when a friend turned to me and said, ‘look here comes the rest of the class.’ I chuckled and turned around, but sure enough…most of my class had just entered! They had formed a ‘caravan’ and were trying to go to as many grad parties as they could….it was neat because it showed the unity in my class.

Then on Sunday, I did my profession of faith. It was really neat because my dad ‘personalized’ the form. He talked about the day I was baptized and how he and mom showed their faith, but now I’m standing up and stating my own faith. Then I was able to give my testimony. I shared about growing up in a Christian home and the importance of my parent’s witness. Then my dad sang a song, and I played the violin with him. The song was Majesty (Here I Am).



That Sunday afternoon, I left with some friends for Canada. And yes, I talked for four hours straight…it was a lot of fun! (for me at least)

I started work on Monday and I began my social life on Wednesday. On Wednesday, I went to a Bible study with my cousin. We read from Genesis and talked about the fall. We discussed the curse that God gave, and we also talked about the roles of men and women. It was a very interesting discussion! It was neat because it was not surface level but we really dug into the meaning of the Bible.

On Thursday, I had my violin lessons…I think I’m really going to enjoy my teacher!

Friday, my cousin and I purchased soccer flags to place on our cars. Go Netherlands! (Say the two people who didn’t realize the world cup was every 4 years!)
On Saturday, my other cousins came over…an experience in itself!

So, as you can tell, my life has been non-stop craziness! But I love spending the summer with my grandparents! I believe you really don’t know your grandparents until you live with them and see ‘inside’ their daily lives. That is all my exciting news for now!

My Sister

This past week, God has opened my eyes in many ways. Today, i want to focus on my sister. Starting on sunday, she gave me a gift. This process of gift giving has continued every day this week...i have woken up, gone into the bathroom to get ready, and she 'sneeks' into my room and places a gift, wrapped with card and everything in my room. She writes cute little cards that explain why she has given me the gift as well. So, my gift have included:

- Sunday: So i won't loose my purse when i eat or do anything: A purse hanger
- Monday: Something you can never have too much of in a closet: pant hangers
- Tuesday: To help keep me organized: a dry erase board that is a calender
- Wednesday: Something else that goes in a closet: shirt hangers
- Thursday: Something to help my hands after carrying all my heavy books: a manicure set

These gifts have inspired me so much! The week isn't over, but i can't wait to wake up in the morning to see what my next gift is! My sister has an amazing gift of writing cards and giving gifts! If you ever need any gift ideas...talk to her! I'm going to miss her when i'm off at college. I'm so thankful that we are able to spend the whole summer together....hanging out at our grandparents...driving my grandma's suv...shopping...going to her soccer games (actually, reading along the sidelines for me! lol).

She is my clothes coordinator, shoe picker, jewelry vetoer, advice giving, story telling, awesome sister! Sometimes we stay up so late just talking, laughing, and teasing each other....till we are told to quiet down.

So, thanks Bre...you are an amazing sister and i love you so much!!!

My Brother's Genius

After my post about friends, my brother inspired me about what true friends should be like. As he said, "I would like to know more about your personality and more about yourself."

Wow, why can't i think like him?

Friends

Today, as I was doing my devotions (I get daily emails from Proverbs 31 ministries), they talked about friendship. I was struck by how bad of a friend I am. I often use people for my own benefit. Proverbs 27:17 states, "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." I started to reflect on my own life...am i a friend who sharpens others? So often i focus on myself and have my own pity parties. When my siblings tell me about a rough time they have had, I often reply with "If that is the only thing i had to worry about, my life would be good." Wow, how selfish is that? Earlier, I got upset at a friend for not listening to my story...when really they were the one who was having a difficult time. It is so easy for me to cut people off and interrupt them. I do care about what they think....i just don't think about when i'm talking!


This song by Sanctus Real talks about a marriage, but i believe it can apply to friendship as well (with some minor changes!)



So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone


So, my prayer tonight is that i will become a better friend...listen when people talk...not blow off my siblings. Now the difficult thing is putting this into practice!