thinking, thinking, thinking, thinking, thinking

So, I've always known that critical thinking is not one of my strengths...I just don't like to think that hard...I would rather think creatively. I'm trying to write a philosophy paper...note the word "trying." Very tedious, very time consuming, very...I don't know. Honestly, I felt like crying...I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to be writing about.
In life we have these moments (those Ughhh moments), and thank goodness...yes, you heard me right, "Thank goodness." Without those times where we don't have a clue what we're supposed to do, it seems that God becomes a little more real. We start talking to Him, and asking Him for help. How many times do I think I can do something on my own? Many times for sure. So, even though this college student is facing a daunting task, she will get through it with God's help.

Have a good night!
-Lisha

Early Morning Thoughts

Lake Shore Ponderings

Ever
Wonder
What                                                                 
It
Would
Be
Like
To
Fly?

I have. I think it would be amazingly fun. I've thought about taking flying lessons, but until my bank account "soars", I won't be doing that anytime soon. :) Sometimes in life, it seems that we are "flying"...we are experiencing the "height" of life....and sometimes, it seems that we are flying through fog...we can't see the beautiful scenery...we can't feel the sunshine...we are just lost and concentrated  on getting through this "barrier". Our concentration should be on God. He will guide us and never ever leave us. He is a constant companion...sometimes we're just not listening...or we're just tuning out His voice. So even though we all face depressing days, we know that we will soon see a crack in the clouds and see the sunshine once again. I hope this provides you encouragement....
In my quiet time today, I read one of my favorite passages:

"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy."            (Psalm 61:1-3)

"Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:30-31)

                                      Fly!
                             To
                     Get
           You
Hope

Lisha

A Starry Night

I love looking at the stars at night. People who live in the city miss out on one of God's amazing masterpieces. The other night I was pondering how crazy it is that the stars are so far away. It looks like God took a white pen and started dotting spots all across the sky. I remember my dad telling me that the stars are best seen when the temperature is cold outside, because the clouds aren't blocking the view of the stars. I like those chilly evenings. I used to want to go to space...I thought it would be so cool....now, I'm not so sure. :) My mom just asked me about what I was writing about, and I told her the stars. She asked me, "Are you talking about God's stars, or the dumb ones [that are on TV]?" Haha you gotta love my Mama. She is such a realist, but I wouldn't change her for the world. You know, I have a heart for the celebrities out in this world (even the dumb ones). When Brittney Spears was going through her "rough time" a few years ago, I felt bad for her. I don't agree with all the choices she's made, but I feel bad knowing that she's always being idolized. That must be a really tough position to be in. Bebo Norman wrote an a apology for her in his song "We're Sorry". Here is the post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gAz5sjnQnw

The Blessings of a Sunday

Today the sermon at church was on Jesus' suffering and the temptation He faced before the cross. He could have decided that He didn't want to die for the sins which he never committed, instead He chose to do God's will. Wow! Just knowing that God loves me sooooo much is really incredible! He willing died on the cross for my sins.  I don't deserve his love or grace, yet He still gives it to me freely. I am so glad I serve the God that I do! Also, when Jesus faced temptation, He prayed....and you know what? He never sinned. He was victorious over the temptation that made Him sweat blood. That is powerful!

Last night I pitted cherries with my brother and sister. It was a good time to hang out with each other, and share some laughs. My sister and I did get into a little disagreement, but it was cool because after/during our disagreement we both realized we need to spend more time with God (we were both lacking quality time with Him). God has a way of taking our mistakes and turning them into good. So, as much as pitting cherries is a tedious task, it normally provides some good memories for my family. I am so thankful for the family God has placed me in. I have learned a lot from them....even my younger sister who thinks I never listen to her. :)

Well, tonight is the premiere of The Next Food Network Star....I am excited to see what challenges they will have. I get to spend time with my gram and my sister, so it should be fun!

Lisha

Week of Memorial Day

So, I started my internship this week. It has been challenging, but a lot of fun! I love my co-workers and I love the fact that I can get dressed up and wear heels. haha I went to my cousin's grad party today....got to visit with my family. Babysitting tonight. Church tomorrow. College and Career Party afterward at the lake house. It should be fun. Speaking of lake, I think I'm going to buy a swimsuit from the website limericki.com. They have really cute prints, and they're modest....which is a definite plus. :)
Well gotta go,
Lisha

Reflections

At this time I should be studying chemistry. I looked at my earlier post this year, and realized that chemistry has definitely been a challenge. I haven't written on my blog in a long time either.

• God has been teaching me many things this semester. I have learned that I must pursue peace with people.

Hebrews 12:14-
"Pursue peace with all men..." (NASB)

• God has also convicted me of pride in my life...ouch! I deal with pride on a daily basis. It leads me away from God and it hurts relationships with people I know. Pride can sneak into a person's life and choke the life out of them.

Proverbs 16:18-
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling."

Well, back to hitting the books!

Alicia

Birthday

So it's officially my birthday. I'm 20 today. Wow, looking at that number makes me feel sort of old! Today is also Thomas Edison's birthday! When I was younger, I wanted to be born on the 12th of February, because that was President Lincoln's birthday, but then I found out that I was born on a great inventor's birthday, so that made up for it. I guess being born on a famous person's birthday is important to me. :)

So tonight my roommates are throwing me a birthday party! I have the best roommates; not because they give me gifts or throw me parties (which all those things are so sweet of them and I love their thoughtfulness), but because they are there for me whenever I need them. We laugh, cry, hug, do crazy things together. We share things God has been teaching us, and we pray for each other when we're going through a tough time in our spiritual lives. I was a transfer student this year, and they adopted me as one of their own (even though they have been with each other since freshmen year and they are juniors now).

I want to say thank you to my parents, because without them I wouldn't be here. They have supported me and guided me throughout my life. They have encouraged me to follow Jesus-wherever He leads me in life. They have let me dream. They have encouraged me to pursue the arts-theatre, singing, culinary skills, etc.. I love you!

My sister and brother are some of my best friends. I love laughing with my sister and being crazy with her. I love the deep talks with my brother. I love the fact that we have lasting memories for years to come. I love you guys!

Thanks Grandma B. for the trips to Fresh Market, the Columbian coffe, and the Food Network. Thanks for the times you danced in the middle of the road, just to be crazy. Thank you for having your own style and being unique. You're so special to me!

Thanks Grandpa B. for all your grocery store products that you gave me for college. Love you!

Thanks Grandma S. for the trips to the movies, the chance to earn some money for school, and for taking such good care of Grandpa when he was here with us. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed in my eyes. Love you!

Thank you to all my friends for the times of "Midnight Madness", sledding, girl sleepovers, birthday parties, and the game of Knockout. I love you guys!

So, this birthday has already been fantastic, because I was able to reflect on all the people involved in my life that have impacted me and have been there for me these past 20 years.

One of my favorite verses is Psalm 90:12 which reads,

"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom."

Everyday counts, and we don't know how long we have to live. My birthday resolution is to be more open about how God has changed my life.

Alicia

Day 1

Hello College! :) Today has been a good day! What's a good day for a college student? Well for me it was good because I have limited homework! I accepted an internship for the summer. I spent time with my roommates and friends! I talked to my mom, dad, and sister all on the same day. That sums up part of the "good" part of my day! I'm excited to start the new semester...I might be regretting that statement tomorrow after I get out of chemistry. haha I think Chemistry might be somewhat challenging, but at least I know I will learn things in that class. I'm just glad to have my college math credit done! I think it's so cool when people are good at math. I love that they can just figure problems out.

I re-read Isaiah 43 today. I love this chapter!

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. Isaiah 43:1-2

What an encouraging passage! No matter what happens in life, if we have been saved by grace, God will be with us! When we have trials, when we have obstacles, when we have walls we cannot climb, God is ALWAYS going to be with us. Remember the Israelites leaving Egypt and God parting the Red Sea? Remember when Daniel's friends were thrown into the blazing furnace? God was always with them!...and the cool thing is that it still applies today! We don't have to be alone! We don't have to fear! All we have to do is believe and trust God. It's not always easy, but it's so worth it!

Well I better sign off for the night! I need to get a good night's sleep before I head to my classes tomorrow!

Alicia