It’s time for us to more than just survive, we were made to thrive.

Why do we hold each other back? Why do we belittle each other? We tell each other we’re weak and won’t amount to anything. We’re gonna struggle forever so, we might as well just accept it, right? No. I refuse to accept that. I am not built to just survive. You made us for so much more than that. You created a purpose in each of us. You created a reason for our existence. We were put on this earth to bring glory to Your name.

I have been told that I’m weak, too quiet, too nice, too loud, too abrasive, too this and too that. I am tired of listening to other people criticize me and who I am. I am Your child. I am created with a mission and an opportunity to work towards Your plan. I am content exactly where I am because this is where You placed me. I am content exactly how You made me because I am exactly who You need me to be. No, I am not perfect. I make mistakes, but those mistakes are teaching me things that You need me to learn. The preacher at my church always says this thing that I absolutely love!! “You love us too much to let us stay the same.” You want us to learn and grow. You want us to thrive. You want us to change and shape the things around us. You want us to be mirrors and reflect Your light to everyone around us. You want more for us than what we would settle for.

So, that is my prayer today. I pray that like the song says we dig deep into your word so that we can know your heart. I pray that we reach into the world to show them who you are. I pray that we thirst for more of you. I pray you fill our hearts and flood our souls to know you and to make you known. I pray we lift your name on high. I pray that we learn to find joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable, and anything is possible through you. I pray that we stop letting others limit us because that means we are letting them limit you. Thank you for being limitless. Thank you for making me just the way I am. Thank you for placing me here for a reason. Thank you for letting me have a small part in your grand plan. I pray that I keep working. I pray that I keep trying. I pray that I keep learning. I pray that I do more than just survive.  And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You can be the hope my soul’s been seekin’.

I was working on this project for my communication class. We’re creating a web project portfolio. For the proposal, we were supposed to give some background information and explain what we wanted to do with our project. I wanted to use this blog for a page of the portfolio, which got me thinking about how I started it. I heard Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North. Every word of that song felt like it was meant for me to hear. I literally went to my computer, pulled up wordpress and the words just flew out of me. It was like they were just waiting on me to finally get the clue. I replayed the song like thirty more times, while I wrote and prayed. In We Bought A Zoo, the dad tells his son: “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.” For the kid in the movie, the advice meant to tell the girl he liked that he liked her. For me, it was the courage to pray.

I lost a lot last year. I was hurt. I know the loved ones I lost weren’t perfect, but when they left, there was a hole in my heart. I heard that song and simply started writing. I don’t know what came over me. Well, that’s not true. It was You. It was Your grace. It was Your love. I found a positive way to heal. For me, praying was were my healing began. This is my journey. This is my story.

“It is in Christ we find who we are and what we are living for.” Ephesians 1:11 says: Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Philippians 1:6 says: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” In Acts 18:9, You spoke to Paul and said: “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent.” And in Ephesians 5:8 You said: “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

So, that is my prayer today. Thank you for making me a work in progress. Thank you for breaking my walls down. Thank you for constantly working on my heart. Thank you for reminding me to work too. Thank you for giving me the courage to not stay silent anymore. Thank you for hearing my prayers. Thank you for pulling me out of the darkness so many times. Thank you for writing my story. I pray that you keep writing it. I pray that I continue to see your work in me. I pray that I turn my blank pages into your works of art. I pray that everything I do points to you. I pray that my pages show your love and mercy and forgiveness and healing and grace. Thank you for your grace and healing. Thank you for your love.  And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I’ve made my decision to run to You.

Sunday morning at church the Voices of Mobile sang for most of the service. To be completely honest, I cried practically the whole time. They sounded so beautiful. This lady in front of me turned to her friend and said “that’s what Heaven’s gonna be like.” Well I hope she’s right.

I may have been crying, but I broke out in huge smile when they ended the service singing:

“After all man is a God, they say
God is no longer alive

But I still believe in the old rugged cross
And I still believe there is hope for the lost
And I know the rock of all ages will stand
Through changes of time”

Then Sunday night, I went to a women’s bible study and they are using the Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl workbook set. They were on session 2 this week which is “In My Walk With God.” The video talked about how we settle for canned versions of pineapple instead of cutting the pineapple ourselves because pineapples look intimidating. I can totally relate. I won’t even eat pineapples because they look scary. Today, You took that lesson and ran with it. I was reading these articles to help form my opinion for an assignment. I realized that if I had just read one article I would have only gotten one thing from it and just reiterated that as my opinion. Since I am an analytical person, that wasn’t good enough for me. So, I continued to read three more articles and then read some more. I couldn’t just take the face value for what I was reading I had to go in there and learn something new from each article and then understand it fully in order to come up with a solution of my own.

Lord, You took that lesson and showed it to me in a different light and helped me see it again today. I called my dad immediately to tell him about it and how I was making the connection from Sunday night to Monday afternoon. You amaze me how you can take one thing and teach us so much. We were learning to apply to apply that lesson with our faith and our walk with You. I mean I have 7 devotion books on my night stand right now. I’m all about devotion books, but sometimes we need to delve into Your word ourselves and do the research ourselves because maybe You want to show us something we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. You want us to make informed, educated opinions. You gave us freedom and You want us to chose You. That’s why You made us the way we are. You give us the information and chance after chance, but at the end of the day it’s our decision to follow You.

So, that is my prayer today. I pray for the Voices of Mobile. I pray they raise the money needed to travel and I pray they travel safely. I pray they reach the people they sing to. I pray that they touch lives and bring glory to you. I know they touched mine today. I pray they keep singing for you. I pray for the ladies in that bible study. I pray they keep running to you too. I pray they have a good week. I pray for their families. Thank you for showing me that door, but giving me the freedom to chose to open it and the courage to walk through. Thank you for putting those ladies in my life to run to you with. Thank you for always having open arms for us. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Because of You my heart sings.

This week’s assignment was to form an opinion on Net Neutrality. First, I needed a definition: “the principle that Internet service providers should enable access to all content and applications regardless of the source, and without favoring or blocking particular products or websites.” Well, that sounds fabulous at first. I heard President Obama’s speech and read some more articles and it all sounded great. I like helping small businesses, but not at the cost of the large companies. They work hard too. I like having the freedom to use the internet how I see fit. I like not being controlled by large corporations. I don’t like when companies bully their competitors or people they get services from. This whole “fast lane” thing scares me because I don’t like that you can buy your way out of advertisements. I believe in marketing and advertising. I believe that ads create a smarter and more informed consumer. I believe that you would miss the public service announcements. I might cringe every single time I see that smoking commercial because it’s disturbing, but I will never smoke because of it. People need to see that. I feel confident and beautiful every time Dove’s commercials play. Because of a Verizon ad, I want to change the way I speak and think, thanks to their “Inspire Her Mind” commercial. People need to see those.

President Obama said he wants the internet to be free. If I learned nothing else in my marketing classes: it’s that nothing is ever free. I may not want the cable companies controlling my internet access, but I don’t want the government too either. I already can’t watch my Girl Meets World online. I mean I pay for Netflix and Hulu Plus, but I still can’t watch my show because I don’t have their specific cable providers. I’m in college and live in a dorm so, my cable comes provided with my housing. I don’t get the choice in my cable access. I don’t like the idea of anyone controlling which site I shop at or where I watch my tv shows. I understand the need for marketers to watch what I do in order to better understand my needs and wants. My search history provides useful information on what kind of products I like and how to fill my consumer needs. I like that they can start showing ads specific to my needs and wants as a consumer. I like that Hulu asks you at the top of the ad if it’s relevant to you. I like having the option to say yes, I want ads on laundry detergent and no, I don’t want to see ads for men’s deodorant. I like clean clothes and I do not smell like a man.

I think there is a middle ground somewhere. I do know one thing that came free was Your love, Lord.

So, this is my prayer today. Thank you for your love. Thank you for giving it unconditionally and completely free. Thank you for loving me without stopping to decide if I was worthy. I pray that our leaders find a solution that helps the most people. I pray for guidance for them. I pray they make the right choices. I pray they remain informed and educated on all matters. I pray that you watch over them and protect them. I pray that you keep leading me. Thank you making me free. Thank you for making me free to dance, to sing, and live for you. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You’ve given me Your love, and it’s made me free.

I started reading The Single Woman by Mandy Hale and one of the things she talks about is stress. She told this story of how she noticed that stress was affecting her everyday life. She even noticed it in the way she drives her car. She hunches over the steering wheel paranoid of what could happen and waiting for the other shoe to drop. I do the same thing!! I didn’t even realize it affected my driving or how I sit in a chair or how I communicate with people. I know it’s affected my friendships. I have this completely irrational fear that secretly everyone hates me. I feel like I need to constantly tell people how much they mean to me or how much I love them so they’ll always know. Every time I tell them though I get scared that I’m suffocating them or smothering them. Like by loving them so much that I’m pushing them away. Like I’m overwhelming them or being to clingy. Like I need to give them space so, then I try to give them space and I worry that they’ll forget me. I’m scared they will realize they don’t need me and that will push them away. Like it is a constant struggle. Like no matter what I do, it pushes people away.

I’ve tried to cut the anxiety and stress and worry out of my life. I know these are irrational fears. Mandy Hale wrote about her own experience and how she doesn’t know how to relax. I can totally relate. I can’t sit still, period. I have to always be doing something. Except I can’t do anything alone either. Like I can’t even go to church alone. I haven’t been in a while, except when I’m in Birmingham, because I’m scared. I know that it doesn’t make any sense so, why do I still let the fear control my life? Trent Shelton said: “the will of God will never take you where the grace of God does not protect you.” I need to remember that more.

Plus, I’m completely and utterly terrified of Cruella De Vil. Like she totally haunted my nightmares for like ever. They are bringing 101 Dalmatians out of the Disney Vault and putting the “diamond edition” on dvd. (Ummm there is nothing sparkly about Cruella! Put that thing back in the vault!)

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

“The phrase ‘do not be afraid’ is written in the Bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder from God to live everyday being fearless.”

There is this quote on pinterest that says “to pray is to let go and let God take over.” Then is lists Philippians 4:6-7 which says: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

So, this is my prayer today. I pray that I stop letting fear lead me. I pray that I have the courage to look towards you instead. I pray that you put your hand on my life. I pray that I learn to relax and calm down. I pray I learn to take a deep breath and breathe. I pray that I learn to take the advice from Mandy Hale’s book by taking a dance class or painting or simply taking a bubble bath more often. I pray that no matter how scared I get or how hurt I’ve been that I keep loving those around me. I pray that I keep showing love to those around me. I pray that I love myself more too, anxiety and all. I pray that I go to church and spend more time with you even if I have to walk in alone. I pray that you give me strength. I pray that I let go of the fear. Thank you for making me free to love by loving me. I pray that I listen to your word more and let go of my fears and trust in you. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

So, even if it’s just to speak Your name I’m gonna pray.

My best friend got me a devotion book called The One Year Book Of Bible Promises and today’s was titled “Life After Death.” You always know exactly what’s on my heart. I don’t know how You do it. I’m literally in awe of You. The verse for this one was Ecclesiastes 3:11: “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” I can’t even begin to understand Your plan, but You have a hold on my heart. You have my attention. You have my full, undivided attention.

It’s almost been a year since Christopher went to be with You and then my grandma met You soon after that. So, I’ve been thinking back to conversations we had. Christopher and I talked about prayer all the time. We would have these car talks and our faith was a hot topic. We discussed our childhoods and how we grew up at great length. We both learned real quick as kids the importance of prayer. Last year, I was faced with that lesson again, this time it was much harder. I literally feel to my knees in need of You. I had the wind knocked right out of me more times than I can count last year. Each time, I cried out for You and You listened while I prayed. You were there when I needed You. You heard my prayers.

I read stories from Max Lucado and C.S. Lewis practically my entire childhood so, now those authors hold a special key to my childhood. They also talk about the importance of prayer quite frequently. Max Lucado said: “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble, but since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” C.S. Lewis said: “I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God, it changes me.” 

To be honest, I miss him and I miss my grandma, but You already knew that. You know my heart. “Prayer isn’t to remind God what your problems are, but prayer is to remind your problems who God is.” Psalm 116: 2 says: “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”

So, that is my prayer today. “As I pray God I need You more than words can say. Right here in this moment. You know my heart. You know my need. You know every part of me.” Lord, I wanna say thank you for the time I had with them. Thank you for all they taught me. I know they’re with you now. I pray that you lay your hand on their loved ones in the coming months. I pray that I learn to think about what they gained in Heaven with you instead of what I lost. I pray that I keep coming to you. I pray that I keep praying. Thank you for listening. Thank you for changing me. Thank you for understanding me. Sometimes I don’t know what to say and it feels like I can never pray enough or find the right words. So, thank you for listening with open arms for me. Thank you for holding me together when I fall apart. Thank you for your not so subtle hand in my life. Thank you for my friend for giving me this book. Thank you for my friend who encourages me to pray. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I can only imagine.

The new coke ad is #makeithappy. I could not be more in love with that! “Change your thoughts. Change the world.” Without You, we are broken. We are hurt. We are hate. We are selfish. We are lonely. We are guilty. We blame others. We are lost. With You, all that changes. We are healed. We are love. We are kind and giving. We are generous. We are found. We are forgiven and free. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. When we let You guide our lives, we are changed. Your grace show us more than we could dream of. Your grace washes our sin away. You make us new.

The only way to Heaven is through You. We admit that we are sinners and that You are God. We do not get there by being a good person or earning our way. It is not by our hands, but by Yours. When we make that decision, it changes our hearts. We should want to help our neighbor. We should want to read Your word. We should want to love more. We should want all that and more because You showed us all that we could have. You showed us Heaven and how could not want to share that? How could we see all that You’ve given us and not want to show others? How could we be that loved and not love too? It doesn’t take good deeds to get to Heaven, but we should want to do good deeds so that others can see You and find their place in Heaven. Ephesians 4:29 says: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

1 Corinthians 2:9 says: But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

We are not perfect and we will continue to stumble, but You have already forgiven us. I can hardly even fathom the kind of love You have for us. Your love is completely free and unconditional. You love us even though we nailed You to a cross for sins we committed. I saw on pinterest this quote that said: “Jesus died for you, knowing you might never love Him back. That is true love.” I can’t even process that kind of selfless love. Psalm 103:2 says: Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

So, that is my prayer. I pray that because I’m forgiven I try to be more like you. I pray that because I’m forgiven I share your love. I pray that I share kindness. I pray that I am more careful of my words. I pray that I continue to praise you. I pray that I continue to see your love. I pray that you keep guiding me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for your love. Thank you for the cross. I don’t deserve any of it so, thank you for being a forgiving God. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and freely. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I want to live like that and give it all I have.

1 Corinthians 16:14 says: “Let all that you do be done in love.” I’ve been thinking a lot about love lately and what it means to love others. I’ve always been a lover, not a fighter. I believe in loving everyone no matter what. “Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” I believe there is a story inside of everyone, we just have to look.

During winter break I watched the Madea Christmas movie, a comment was made that we all bleed red. I absolutely loved that line. A little while ago, Benjamin Watson addressed some of the issues going on as a sin problem. I was so encouraged by his words. I had never thought about it that way. I couldn’t understand why people could have so much hate in their heart for everyone around them. What he said made me realize that sin was the root of the problem.

I’ve been thinking about the kind of person I want to be. Audrey Hepburn said: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” I want that! I want to be loving and giving. I want to be kind and gentle. I want to see the good around me. “Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.” I want to walk with You, Lord. I want to learn from what You’ve taught me. I want to be forgiving because You forgave me. I want to love because You loved me. Dolly Parton said: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

“Once you’ve accepted your flaws, no one can use them against you.” I don’t think that loving everyone is a flaw, but some people do. I’ve been told a lot that love is weakness. They said it leaves you naive and open for hurt. I think love is strength and courage. I think love is vulnerable and brave. Ryan Adams said: “There is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything. Negative people find their walls. So, never apologize for your enthusiasm. Never. Ever. Never.”

So, that is my prayer today. I pray that I show more love. I pray that I show more kindness. I pray that fill my mind and heart with positive thoughts. I pray that my actions are a reflection of my heart. I pray that I give you all I have. I pray that show your grace and mercy to those around me. I pray that I let my walls down. I pray that I let go of my guard and keep my heart open. I pray that I see your love in everyone I meet. I pray that I keep growing and sharing your love. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Say what you wanna say and let the words fall out.

I read in another blog that the reason women are so drawn to 50 shades is because they desire to be led, to be cared for. I like the idea of trying to understand the deeper meaning and not just the surface. I’m not a 50 shades fan, but I’m willing to admit I want to be led. I am fully capable of taking care of myself. I can be completely independent and self sufficient. I don’t want someone to control me and make all the decisions for me. I want someone to lead me closer to You. I want someone to guide me through decisions and include me in his decisions. I want someone who deeply cares for me. I want someone who understands my needs and wants. I want someone who brings the best out of me and I want to do the same for him. I really liked what the author of the blog had to say:

“Women are wonderful, powerful and totally capable of caring for themselves. They possess a great dignity! People do not care for diamonds and pearls because they are worthless, but because they are filled with worth! And you are worth more that thousands of diamonds.”

A big lesson I learned in Old Fashioned was to be intentional. I needed this lesson. Another blog wrote about this. He discussed ways men need to be intentional and take the anxiety out of life. I am all about that! I’m not gonna lie, I am an anxious girl. I add unnecessary drama to my life, but for the past few years, I have been breaking the habit. Here is what he said to do and what I learned from it:

1. “Say what needs to be said.”

I am pretty good at this one. I’ve always been the kind of girl with her heart on her sleeve. If I like you, I’ll tell you. If I’m sorry, I’ll apologize. If I want forgiveness, I’ll ask for it. If I miss you, I’ll let you know. I’m pretty good at asking for what I need. What I won’t admit sometimes, is what I want, but I’m getting better at it. I’m learning that honesty is a powerful thing. I want someone to be intentional with me.

(Plus, I wanna learn that dance! It’s kinda adorable!!)

2. “Have our actions match our words.” 

What the writer was talking about was being deliberate with feelings and emotions. For me, I want to put action behind my desire to be led and to be more intentional. So, I’m going to participate in lent. I figured a forty day fast sounded perfect and the timing was just right so, here goes. I decided to give up my facebook, twitter, and all social media. Then while I was feeling confident, I was like why not take it a step further. So, goodbye netflix and hulu. I don’t think social media is bad! In fact, some of it can be really good, but I want to focus more on You. I want to spend more time with You. So, for forty days, I am going to spend more time in the scripture, read some devotion books, pray more, and start to work on my relationship with you. Maybe I’ll be counting down the days until I get facebook back, or maybe I won’t even miss it. Honestly, the longest I’ve been off social media is like a week for sorority recruitment. I haven’t been off this long since I started in like 2008 when I got facebook, but I was on myspace even before that. This might be more difficult than I realize, but lent starts today so, here goes!

3. “Live in reality.”

This one is a little trickier for me, as I like to daydream. I’m the girl that spends way too much time dreaming of the future. So, I’m going to try to live in reality. I’m going to learn to enjoy now. So, I’m gonna go to the park more. I’m gonna read more. I’m gonna spend more time with the people I love. I’m gonna quit obsessing and focusing on the future. I’m gonna let You lead me.

So, this is my prayer. I pray that I am brave. I pray that I let the light in. I pray that I grow closer to you. I pray that I become more intentional. I pray that I watch my words, my actions, and my daydreams. I pray that I spend more time with you. I pray that I never stop trying to move towards you. I pray that I keep my eyes focused on you. I pray that you guide me and lead me. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I’m gonna be safe in the arms of love.

I grew up listening to Martina McBride. So, here’s a little bit of what I learned listening to Martina:

1. The Time Has Come

Sometimes, for us to grow we have to let go.

2. My Baby Loves Me

I don’t have to change in order to be loved. Love should be unconditional.

3. Independence Day

Things aren’t always black and white. I learned to take action in the beginning so, things don’t escalate.

4. Wild Angels

There are angels watching over us and love is a miracle from You.

5. Safe In The Arms Of Love

Love doesn’t have to hurt. Love means protecting and caring for that person. Love is kind.

6. Happy Girl

Martina was country Audrey Hepburn: “I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” I learned my happiness is determined by me.

7. A Broken Wing

You can still fly even when you’ve been hurt.

8. Whatever You Say

Fight for those you love. Show them you care.

9. Some Say I’m Running

Michael W. Smith co-wrote this one. I learned it’s ok to give them something to talk about. I learned that I can run and fall back into Your arms. You’re always there to catch me.

10. Here In My Heart

I can run away but You’re always in my heart. You will always be my refuge.

11. Love’s The Only House

I can take a stand and help people because “love’s the only house big enough for all the pain in the world.”

12. Make Me Believe

If you want someone in your life, then you have to show them. Be steadfast for love.

13. I Love You

When you love someone, it’s “sure as the sky is blue.”

14. There You Are

You are with me always. When I’m lost. When I pray. You are watching out for me.

15. It’s My Time

I learned my time is important and of value. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says:

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

16. This One’s For The Girls

This song got me through the mean girl years and now it’s getting me through the Spaghetti O’s years.

17. How Far

I learned to always tell people how much they mean to me. I learned to be honest.

18. Learning to Fall

It’s ok to let my walls down and to let go. I learned how to move on and heal.

19. She’s A Butterfly

This song was written by Big n Rich. It taught me that it was ok to hope, it was ok to fly.

20. God’s Will

I learned to pray for more than just myself.

21. Anyway

I learned that bad things happen, but to build, believe, sing, dream, pray, and love anyway.

22. For These Times

I learned to pray, have a heart full of tender mercy, arms open wide, and words full of loving kindness.

23. I’m Trying

I learned the importance of the attempt to be better and the importance of forgiveness.

24. I’m Gonna Love You Through It

It’s ok to lean on those around me and it’s important to be there for them too.

Martina taught me to love without holding back. She taught me that Your love can get me through anything. She taught me to share Your love with everyone around me.

So, here is my prayer. I pray that I take all that Martina taught me about love. I pray that I love unconditionally. I pray that I love without holding back. I pray that I love with forgiveness. I pray that I love with mercy and kindness. I pray that I share love with everyone around me. I pray that I am steadfast. I pray that I fly. I pray that I never give up. I pray that I am persistent. I pray that I keep believing in angels and miracles and in you. I pray that I lean on you. I pray that you guide me. I pray that I stand up for what I think is right. I pray that I fight for you. And as always I pray for my family and sorority sisters. I pray for my university. I pray for guidance for our government, church, and school leaders. I pray for protection for our troops. I pray for all of those that need you now and for those that haven’t met you yet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.