Preface to a Grand Adventure

Tomorrow I embark on a very grand adventure across the Atlantic ocean. This will be my first time on a plane and I can only imagine what the world will look like up there above the clouds. My sweet sister-in-law Ruth and my adorable nephew Galileo have been with us the past few days so that I can have travel buddies when I depart tomorrow night. 

Packing is going swimmingly! It was a much easier of a task than I hoped. Everything is coming along very well. I've got my camera ready, my computer charged, and my iPod full of music!

I pray that God will bless this trip, keep us safe, and help me to come away with a new perspective and many memories that will last a lifetime! 

Buckingham Palace

Courage: Leadership Camp

Leadership Camp 2011 has been the absolute best way to start off my senior year. Leadership Camp is a wonderful time to learn to be a leader, strengthen friendships, and to grow stronger in your walk with God. This year we used a program by Francis Chan. Courage. We played many awesome games. Then one of my favorite things: we planned a skit with our project teams. I had the grandest team this year! (shout out to the Orange Team!) Our skit dealt with the Race of Life and how to stand firm and be courageous to finish the race! We learned a lot about working together and the importance of being a team player.

She's DJ Sisi. I'm DJ AT.

Francis Chan talked a lot about not sticking with the crowd. Not going with the flow. Standing strong. Being courageous. Sometimes it's tough to be a Christian in this world, but the Lord gives us the courage to stand up for what we believe in, just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

Mrs. Kathi Millsaps is one of my greatest heroes. She constantly puts things for her own gain behind herself so she is able to further the kingdom of God. Her strength and wisdom never cease to encourage me. Her kindness and love for others never fail to comfort me. Her smile and radiant heart never fail to bring me joy. I love her!

All the Seniors '12

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Seniors <3

TRANSFORMED

This weekend I planned a retreat for the youth at my church. It was life changing. We had speakers who just graduated highschool...speakers our age! You get a totally different view of things when people your own age can share things like these 4 speakers did! They are on fire for God!

God hates sin. I think too often the church is afraid to speak of God's wrath and hate towards evil. We think God OWES us salvation. He doesn't owe us a cent! In fact, every thing we have belongs to him! Who are we not to love him, not to worship him? We should be honored that we're allowed to suffer for Christ! Have joy, even when you're going through hard times, for we get to suffer for Christ! We get to be drawn closer to Him. Happiness may fade away, but the Joy of the Lord can never be taken. Jesus suffered more than many of us realize. He suffered much physical pain. But did He ever say "ouch! Father, these people are hurting me!" "Man, these thorns hurt!" NO! He said "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" His Father turned His back, for God can not look at sin! That's what hurt Jesus the most, that He was separated from His Father. Shouldn't we long to be with God, just like Jesus did? Every time we sin, we're hurting Jesus. God owes us nothing.

We all start out as ugly caterpillars. But God transforms us! And you know what, it's ok if you're still in your cocoon. I know I still am, I'm still being refined like silver.

Dear Lord, create in my a clean heart. Thank you so much for the time this weekend to be TRANSFORMED

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

  

Watch a funny video that us girls made this weekend! 

4 Month Recap

So it's been...a long time since I've written anything! So I'm breaking down today and giving a recap of the past few months.

Back in February I was in the All-State Orchestra, which is the most thrilling thing ever for a youth musician. Such an amazing thing to come in and spend two and a half days preparing music and then performing a concert that sounds professional. What a talented bunch of high-schoolers!

Some Friends with Maestro

My Stand Partner!

The Full Orchestra

Then in march I was in our school's production. A variety of songs and skits from different shows. Crossroads at Broadway. It is so exhilarating to be on stage with friends putting on such big numbers! And I got to fulfill a dream, to act and play violin at the same time. How perfectly fun is that!!

The Cast!

 A month ago I went to the Spring Formal with my school. It was so much fun! I could have danced all night! My favorite dance so far!

 We went to Nashville on vacation with my dad's family over spring break. Nashville: Country Music Capitol of the World! Too bad I don't like country music...

This is in the Gardens at the Upper Room

 I had my piano recital a few weeks ago. That was my first one in 3 years! It was good to get back :) I have a violin recital in a week that I'm busy preparing for now. I am absolutely in love with music! Violin and piano lessons are the highlight of my week. I simply adore my teachers. I couldn't be more blessed!

I also got to see my best friend graduate! *sniff* she's growin' up!!

 

An old picture!

One Man Disney Movie

This guy is amazing! if you like Disney as much as I do, you will adore this video! He is quite talented!