I'm really glad Jesus died for me

Happy Easter! 

I'm so glad that I don't have to be perfect to go to heaven, and I'm so glad God loves me so much. So YAY for an empty grave, am I right?!

Things to do when life is a bully

 Sometimes, life is mean. And sometimes, you just can't seem to feel genuinely happy. Here are some things I've found that cheer me up when I'm sad or lonely or depressed. Please, enjoy and use them. 

1. Have a really hot, long shower. Cry if you need to. Sit on the ground. Feel sorry for yourself. Let the steam soak into your skin. Let the hot water wash your face clean. But the moment you turn off that water, you are done feeling sorry for yourself. Make a decision to move on from that sadness. It's hard, I know.
2. Clean. I know, cleaning is boring and annoying, but how about that feeling you get when you are finished? The smell of the vacuum. That feeling of accomplishment? Who knows, you might even find money along the way. Totally worth it. It’s like starting with a clean slate.
3. Go for a run or a walk. This get’s your endorphins and dopamine going crazy. You will get more energy and more happiness just because the chemicals in your body are running around!
4. Stop and take it all in. Walking in the night? Stop and look at the stars. Breathe in the cold air. Feel alive. 
5. Stop whining. If you start saying, “I will be happy, I will accomplish my ambitions, I will find love, I do look amazing, I am a great friend”, then not only will you start to believe them but you will be amazed at what amazing things that start to happen.
6. Drink tea. This always works. Not a tea fan? Try coffee of hot chocolate, hot drinks are just always warm and inviting.
7. Make a conscious decision to stop holding certain grudges. We all have people we have held grudges on in the past. Let them go. If you feel like you owe this person an apology, apoligize. Remember, forgiving others is for you, not for the person you're forgiving.
8. Cook some really nice, warm food. Food always works, I'm telling ya. Make it hearty though, nasty fast food type food can make you feel worse sometimes, so make something at home.

I love babies

 I've recently realized just how much I love baby everythings. I love baby humans, baby goats, (i mean how can you not just look at him) baby birds, baby cows, baby dogs, baby cats, baby elephants, baby horses. I can not get enough of babies! Maybe it's the fact that I think they're just really amazing. I know this may sound really silly, but I'm always amazed at the things God puts on this Earth. Especially actual babies. With my sister being pregnant, I've gotten a close look at the development of little Cassidy (it's a girl!) and all the cool things that happen while she grows! And let me tell ya, I can't wait to meet her. :) So please, enjoy this picture of me and baby Buck. He's smiling, like me.

As of Late

I have been so busy actually living life that I forget to share my life. Happens often.

It's been busy 'round these parts, and it's only going to get busier in the upcoming weeks. It's Spring Break right now, so yay! I got to go to Texas and be with Hunter and his family of whom I love. They're so welcoming and lovely and I just love going down there. We went to a flea market on Saturday and there were lots of cute animals! We also bowled. Hunter beat me.

Dare I talk about choir and the musical. I'm so nervous. Everything is coming up so quickly! We move to the PAC for The Sound of Music on MONDAY and that's frightful. Also, Show Choir goes to Branson April 5th. GAG.

Regardless, I'm really excited for the rest of the school year! It'll be tiring and busy, but oh so worth it. As much as I complain about my hectic schedule, I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have a crazy life. It all pays off and I love what I do.

Also, the bottom left picture of a really adorable child is Hunter, and yes, it is completely irrelevant to the rest of the photos. But it had to be included. 

Motivation from good ol' Shel

 So by golly people, embrace who you are. I beg of you. I seem to put that idea on here a lot, and that's because I feel like it's a big deal. From the wise words of Mike Baskett, "The enemy of contentment is comparison." That was like, a breakthrough for me when he said that. If you want to be happy with who you are and what you have, then stop comparing yourself to others who may be "better" or "have more". 

Just love life and love God and love people.