My thoughts and prayers, first and foremost, go out to those who have been hit by the tornadoes yesterday. From Alabama, up through Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and on, the damage that is caused by this monstrous weather is much more than I think I could bear. Please pray for those people that are affected by these disasters. Though they may not be as damaging as the Joplin storms last year, the people that go through these storms all go through the same pain. Keeping especially in my thoughts those people in Henryville, Borden and Pekin, Indiana. That is too close to my hometown of Floyds Knobs, and I'm just glad no one I knew was injured. Keep those people in your thoughts and prayers the next couple of weeks as they move towards recovery.
It is times like these that I tend to try to look at the positive things I have in my life. Life can change in an instant, so it's always nice to do an inventory of things I should be thankful for, and probably take for granted. There are so many things that I sometimes forget are so wonderful and beautiful; I think we all do.
I'm thankful for my wonderful family. We may not always get along, but we sure have fun arguing or spending time together. As I've grown up, I've definitely grown closer to my immediate family (as well as my extended family); my brother is one of my best friends, and I talk to my parents almost everyday, whether it's a text, email or call. We're always connected somehow.
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| Family at Christmas mass 2011 |
I could not ask for a better group of people I call friends. You may lose some and gain more along the way of life, but right now, my friends couldn't get any better than they are now. Whether they are from grade school, high school, college or elsewhere, my days are so much better with them in my life. A text message here, or conversing about favorite tv shows; road trips to visit friends or reminiscing about the "good old days". I have so many good memories with these people, and I can't wait to make more :)
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| BDAZ celebration |
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| Always laughing and having too much fun |
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| Weird faces are always necessary on nights out |
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| Nothing better than girl friends :) |
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| The ridiculous things make nights like these amazing |
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| Couldn't ask for a better bestie :) |
I'm always thankful of everything I've been given by God. Health, intelligence, etc. Without God-given abilities, I wouldn't be where I am today. While you may not believe in God, I definitely do, and I cherish my relationship with Him. One thing that has strengthened my relationship with God (or more accurately, restarted my relationship) was the senior retreat my high school held. 4 days of reflection on yourself, on your relationship with your peers, with God, and more reflection towards the future, I began to realized what I wanted out of my life. And now, almost 6 years after my senior retreat, I still think back to that time, and how that prepared me to get through anything life threw at me.
The main message from that retreat: "I'm Loveable; God Doesn't Make Junk". Such a simple phrase, yet so powerful. And such a great one to remember. I know that there are some days that seem so hard, and it's so easy to fall into negativity, but just remember that little phrase.
You are loveable: not just by God, but by some many people in your life. It's easy to forget, but just as easy to remember.
God Doesn't Make Junk: apparently that phrase has been around for a long time. But it's so true. I think there is a bigger purpose for each and every one of us than what we know. There is a reason we are here; there are things we were meant to accomplish, people we were meant to meet. Why would God make something that doesn't have value?
So next time you're feeling down, just remember all the good things (big or small) that you have in your life, and remember that "You Are Loveable; God Doesn't Make Junk". Keep Calm, and Carry On. Life throws you curveballs, but don't be afraid to strikeout. There is so much to life, so go experience it.
That's all for me. Have a wonderful evening and a wonderful Sunday tomorrow. Life is too beautiful to let it pass us by. :)
