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