Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas!
Christmas is almost here! Adam is home, Nhat is pregnant, and almost all the siblings are home! It's hectic..but I'm lovin it as usual. I dedicated my song at the musical festival to Adam since he just got home from Afghanistan. We all sang, "Jose' the temporary reindeer". It was precious and everyone laughed and enjoyed it...by far the most creative performance ;)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
SEARCH 4 JeSuS
Where do I start? I signed up for this retreat that my youth group was going on. I had no idea what to expect. I felt so out of place at first. Then, as the weekend went on... I felt Jesus more and more. The first night we all went to confession. I spilled my guts after my youth minister told us that Jesus already knew, he was just waiting for you to apologize so that he could heal you. This is so true. I felt an abundance of grace that night. So much peace overwhelmed me. I can't even describe the feeling completely, you'll just have to try it out for yourself. I met a priest named father Marc who really inspired me. We listened to talks about marriage, celibacy, and learned more about vocations. I still don't know what I'm called to do, but I have plenty of time to figure it out.
I met some amazing people as well. Ones that I won't ever forget. Their stories touched me and I realized how all our trials and fears are all a test. I can't say enough thank-yous to everyone who helped out on this retreat. I wish I could live in adoration with Jesus and all those I love forever. It was the most amazing experience. Jesus can change anyone's heart, if we let him.
I met some amazing people as well. Ones that I won't ever forget. Their stories touched me and I realized how all our trials and fears are all a test. I can't say enough thank-yous to everyone who helped out on this retreat. I wish I could live in adoration with Jesus and all those I love forever. It was the most amazing experience. Jesus can change anyone's heart, if we let him.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
It never ends...
I have been in many places during my life... Some good, some bad. Through it all, I've learned so much. I would not trade the world for my experiences.
I moved to Montana without any expectation of what it would be like, and absolutely no idea what God had in store for me. This summer was by far the most stressful I've had. Sometimes, I wanted to die. My family was fighting all the time and life seemed like it was going nowhere...In a place where there was no where to escape. I knew no one. Not a soul in Montana. Thankfully, I was forced to join a youth group. I remember sitting in the parking lot with my mom and she was waiting for me to get out of the car and go into the church. I told her that I changed my mind. I didn't want to meet new friends, I liked my old ones just fine. She shoved me out of the car, and I cried wishing that my friends were there to force me to do something that I resisted. I went into the youth group room and met some amazing people that night. Since then, our friendships have only grown stronger through retreats, camping, hikes, and summer games.
That year, I went to a new school. I knew a few people from my youth group, but for the most part, I didn't know very many people for such a large school. It's been a challenge to get through my Senior successful in all areas. Especially since I'm never home to be with my family. I miss them terribly. But, we all have to get on with our lives and live it to the fullest. I'm so close to being done. It's scary. Sometimes I wish that I could start over and be with these kids since Kindergarten, like all of them have been. God obviously had different plans for me though, and that's okay. I've accepted that. For me personally, the most challenging part of it all is the physical part. I hurt so much. All the time. It's so hard not to complain, but I always think of those kids in Mexico that I spent time with in the summer of 2008 on a mission trip. They have it so much harder than I ever will. I am so lucky to have a good education and a place to call home.
Mentally, it's challenging me to stay strong and try and be positive. Even in the hardest circumstances. "Cast your cares on the lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall" Psalm 55:22. Then I think of Philippians 4:11 where the Lord is telling people, "to be content, whatever the circumstances". God has brought me so far. So far. I can't thank him enough for all the graces he has given me. Especially the grace of strength. I can do this. He will not give me anything I cannot handle. I know that now.
So should you.
I moved to Montana without any expectation of what it would be like, and absolutely no idea what God had in store for me. This summer was by far the most stressful I've had. Sometimes, I wanted to die. My family was fighting all the time and life seemed like it was going nowhere...In a place where there was no where to escape. I knew no one. Not a soul in Montana. Thankfully, I was forced to join a youth group. I remember sitting in the parking lot with my mom and she was waiting for me to get out of the car and go into the church. I told her that I changed my mind. I didn't want to meet new friends, I liked my old ones just fine. She shoved me out of the car, and I cried wishing that my friends were there to force me to do something that I resisted. I went into the youth group room and met some amazing people that night. Since then, our friendships have only grown stronger through retreats, camping, hikes, and summer games.
That year, I went to a new school. I knew a few people from my youth group, but for the most part, I didn't know very many people for such a large school. It's been a challenge to get through my Senior successful in all areas. Especially since I'm never home to be with my family. I miss them terribly. But, we all have to get on with our lives and live it to the fullest. I'm so close to being done. It's scary. Sometimes I wish that I could start over and be with these kids since Kindergarten, like all of them have been. God obviously had different plans for me though, and that's okay. I've accepted that. For me personally, the most challenging part of it all is the physical part. I hurt so much. All the time. It's so hard not to complain, but I always think of those kids in Mexico that I spent time with in the summer of 2008 on a mission trip. They have it so much harder than I ever will. I am so lucky to have a good education and a place to call home.
Mentally, it's challenging me to stay strong and try and be positive. Even in the hardest circumstances. "Cast your cares on the lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall" Psalm 55:22. Then I think of Philippians 4:11 where the Lord is telling people, "to be content, whatever the circumstances". God has brought me so far. So far. I can't thank him enough for all the graces he has given me. Especially the grace of strength. I can do this. He will not give me anything I cannot handle. I know that now.
So should you.
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