half way to 2014

Realizing this year is going by so quickly and that my summer is almost over I began to brainstorm making a list of some things I want to do before 2014. I so believe in the importance of goals and that without them our ability to achieve and try new things is hindered. It is never my intention to think that just because I am a college student with limited funds their isn't plenty of things out there for me try and succeed at or possibly fail, its all about the experience for me!

I want to take advantage of and truly be thankful for my health, youth, and time while I have the opportunity. When you take the time to truly think of all the wonderful things this world has to offer ( after exaggerated efforts to get the negative offers out of your head)its amazing. God's desire for us as Christians is that we lead a joy filled lives and I can't imagine my life being to joyful if I remain in the same place day after day and never try anything new. Unless of course that was His will for me but in everything I have read, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Its not that I think my life will be more joyful if I add this list of goals rather it is I believe that if through faith I rely on God to help me complete my goals I will become more joyful in his lovingkindness, goodness and faithfulness. I believe it is by trusting in him we grow. If in every new thing I try and goal I complete or attempt to complete I trust in him I can't go wrong. Nothing can happen but my heart be filled to the brim with love.

I may not be able to check everything off the list but it is better to set too many goals than not enough. I once heard, "if your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough" and I have to say I agree. Some of my dreams for 2014 are silly and some are very serious but I think I can gain something good from all of them.

Having said that, by 2014 I plan to...............

*Get all A's and B's in my classes.
*Volunteer in my church's Sunday School and help out with the elementary!
*Learn how to play golf or at least hit the ball properly.
*Go hiking and canoeing at least once.
*With the help of Zac try all 65 of the Sno Castle flavors.(So far its 8 down with 57 to go)
*Make beautiful cupcakes for the October wedding of my dad and his fiance,Kristi.
*Book a ticket to California and go see my cousin, Samantha.
*Make homemade marshmellows!
*Become comfortable driving on highways and interstates.
*And Last but not least read Bonhoeffer.
On top of being a part-time nanny and a full time student being in August I think this is quite the challenge but, I am definitely up for it. I can't wait for the adventure. I plan to update regularly on my progress and celebrate accomplishments on my blog. I will also tweet about my goals under the hash tag (#slmuntil2014).

And so this journey begins...

As of June 20th I completed my first class that goes towards my new major: Elementary Education. Wooo! I know, I know its only one class but small steps turn into BIG DREAMS. Okay, so I might be going out on a limb because.... I have only taken one class in my new major and am currently enrolled in one now, but when people say once you find something you love, you excel. They aren't kiddin. I am proud to say that my completed class Technology in Education was a success I got an A. Not only that but I enjoyed the class and for those who know me that hasn't came out of my mouth since I started this whole college process. In the class I just started Introduction to Scientific Inquiry, a class that I have attended twice for 8 hrs each time and have 6 more 8 hr days to complete this summer, I am doing well in also. And again I am loving the class. Normally I would get bored in a class half that long but, the teacher is great about keeping us intrigued and learning. The class is all about teaching Science and I am so fascinated by what I have learned in the two days I have attended . But more than that I find myself thinking about what I learned after I have left the classroom and that's a rarity for me as well. Its such a breath of fresh air to feel so much excitement about what I am learning and to truly be excited about my future as a teacher. I am so thankful for all who prayed for me and more importantly for God's blessing and direction as I struggled to understand why I was having such conflicting feelings about a business degree.

If you're unsure of your major this is encouragement to take a leap of faith and see what else is out there you have to try things before you can know if you like them or not.

In honor of Father's Day

We have so many names for the special guy we celebrate on Father's Day! I know I've called mine an array of names ranging from pops to daddy (when I was an oh so little girl). If you have a dad you are blessed. I think God for my dad always. He is a strong man that has been through a great deal but he has always supported, encouraged and provided for me.

He is such a blessing in my life as I know, not all people have their daddys around. Some have gone to Heaven and others just choose not to be apart of their children's lives, sadly. My heart yearns for those children who dad's have gone astray and for those I want to talk about a certain verse that is so touching so loving and so impacting. It's Psalm 68:5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.

Whether you know your biological father or not has no bearing on you knowing your heavenly father. He yearns to be close to all His children and His love is enduring and unending for those he knows as his beloved. Be encouraged today if your missing your earthly father. Your heavenly father desires to come close to and comfort you to show you love and grace beyond human capacity.

Spring-Inspired Devil's Food

In the midst of Spring I found some inspiration...........
and the results turned out pretty well. Credit to the lush greens in the background for really making my cupcakes look beautiful!

grandma's house

pamilya.
familie.
family.
teaghlach.
Different spellings, different languages all for the same word, "family" as we say in English. Today I was feeling ever so grateful for mine! I love when I get to spend time with my cousins. They are the best type of friends you can have! No matter how far apart you are in age from them you can count on always having fun together. And for the ones that weren't with us, (Jeremy, Samantha, and Cody) you were missed!