jenga and spiritual blocks

Hello World,

Do you remember me? 17 year old girl who has been writing on this little blog called “it’s my life” ever since 2010?  Does it ring any bells?  Perhaps, perhaps not. I’m Allie.  Nice to meet you.  If you do remember me, I applaud your loyalty to my blog which has been on hiatus for the last several months.  Really, I am glad you are still here.

As some of you know, my blog has mostly been about my life (no duh) and my journey with God.  I am a Christian, for those who didn’t know already.  

“Ooh,” You say as you read this post, “Another Christian blog. Close tab, close tab, CLOSE TAB!”

Before you do close this tab, I need to get some things off my chest.  I have grown as a young woman to realize that I am certainly not your average Christian girl.  For a long time, I’ve even wondered if I really am a Christian.  This may shock those of you who have followed me for the last four years.  To be honest, this is one of the reasons why I stopped coming to it’s my life.  I haven’t told a lot of people this and I just hope it doesn’t throw anyone off with their own Spiritual paths with God.  Here we go.

I truly believe my strongest relationship with God was when I was in middle school while I started writing on this blog.  I would write every other day, explaining my thoughts and dreams with God at the center of them.  I was homeschooled and had the time to write several times a week.  It was great.  I even joined a youth group and made a couple of fellow Christian friends. I prayed, I read my Bible, and was involved for a good couple of years in my family’s church.

This sounds extremely cheesy and I am in no way trying to bash the authors who wrote this series, but as soon as I started reading the Left Behind –The Kids– series, my relationship with God grew very distant.  Don’t get me wrong, those books were incredible to read and very addicting.  I couldn’t put the series down for several months.  However, the books were so well written that I started thinking, “Wait a minute,” I realized that there were a lot of downsides for those who weren’t Christians.  Which you would think would make me want to be a Christian all the more, but instead, I started taking steps backward. All my non-Christian friends would possibly be in this situation (assuming that Jesus would come sooner than later on in the future), it would then be up to them to decide whether they wanted Jesus or not, and their lives would then be spent in Heaven or Hell. 

My Spiritual life felt like a Jenga board game; all those blocks I had built up with God were being pulled away, one by one.  It was only a matter of time before the entire building of blocks would collapse.  I wondered about some of the things that would happen to those who didn’t believe in Jesus.  My stomach felt sick every time I thought of it.  Then I wondered about the people who believe in different gods.  Those people actually believe in their god!  How heart breaking to realize that they were following a false god.  What if they found out too late?  They probably say the same thing about Christians, I thought.  I got scared.  Am I following the wrong god?  What if I find out too late?  The building of blocks had fallen. 

I stopped going to youth group because I wasn’t getting anything from our youth pastor anymore, even though he was a really great guy.  I stopped reading my Bible and when I would read it, I would be desperately trying to find a verse that could cure my worries.  When I would cease to find one, I would get more and more discouraged.  I would pray every now and then, but I found that I couldn’t hear God’s voice anymore; not like I used to.  I even stopped reading The Left Behind series.  My Spiritual life was in ruins, waiting to be replenished.

The worst part of all of this was that I could feel every grenade the Devil threw at me.  They would explode with triumph in the name of Satan.  These grenades would destroy my spiritual ruins even if I would get up to clean and sort through my destroyed thoughts and feelings.  Every time I tried to start new with God, Satan would throw one more reason why I should question my faith.  It sucked. 

I’d like to say I’m okay now.  My injuries from this battle are still raw, though.  I go through this daily.  It makes me sad and I wish I had the innocent heart, mind, and soul I once had as a 13 year old.  I’ve grown up with struggles that wear me down.  The voice I could once hear is growing even more distant.  Where are you, I scream to God.  I feel abandoned.  It’s not like it’s all God’s fault.  I got in the habit of just not trying.  I didn’t want to go to church anymore, and I even tried a few youth groups but was discouraged.  School got in the way and I began to forget what I was fighting for. 

As the years went by, I realized it was up to me to get good grades in school and be a great student.  Me and me only.  No one could do anything about it.  I didn’t feel like God could either.  We don’t see Him.  He doesn’t answer back.  If He did, I would invite Him on some of these life decisions I was making/choosing.  I felt like I could get anywhere I wanted to go in my life by myself.  I believed this, and I am just now trying to get out of it.  I can’t do everything on my own.

I don’t know what it was, but about a week ago, I decided I’m going to try and make things work out with me and God.  I started praying about it and I decided I wanted to go to church again.  Even if I had to drive myself, I wanted to go.  I went.  It wasn’t just the talk the pastor had with us that made me want to go back, it was being there, surrounded with other Christians, and feeling like a new Christian.  I honestly felt like a regular person listening about Jesus for the first time.  The dust and rubble that was once on the roads to my previous spiritual building was cleared.  It didn’t stop there cause as soon as church was over, I wanted to learn more about God. When I got home, I read my notes from service over and over again.  One block was put down for my building.  It may not seem like a big accomplishment.  It’s a process.  One step at a time, right?  This time, I feel that these blocks I’m setting down are there to stay.  I can only go up from here. 

I think I’ve always been a Christian.  I just realized that I think differently compared to most Christians.  For example, I’ve grown to believe that Gay rights are completely okay.  Not a lot of Christians believe that (If you are interested in my point of view, I’ll write a post on my thoughts about Gay people/rights).  Yet, I still find myself to be a very Conservative person.  I’m still figuring this out, but I think I’m becoming the Christian I’ve always supposed to have been.  I am me.  The title Christian, Republican, or Gay-rights “supporter” does not define me.  I am the person God designed.  He designed me in such a way that would make me completely unique to all other people and Christians.  I am just me.

Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from you soon!

*Allie*

a running start at life

Some of you may or may not know that I have been in the Running Start program for that past 2 and a half months, but needless to say (after the obvious intro to this post), I have... been in Running Start, that is.  Let me start over.

Running Start is a program offered to Juniors and Seniors in high school who want to switch from high school classes to college classes at their local community college (mind you, these high school students attend ALL college classes with ALL college students).  All classes are covered financially by state taxes except for food, parking permits, and books.  The benefit of this is that once a high schooler graduates (from high school), they not only receive their High School Diploma, but also an AA degree at the community college they're attending.  And that's what I've been doing for the past 2 and a half months.

I really enjoy going to community college!  I think it's challenging, but at the same time, I'm not drowning.  Right now, it seems I've adjusted to the college so much, it doesn't feel like I'm...(how can I pust this?)... I guess I feel like it's just regual work?  You know how you get used to a new grade after a few months, it's not that hard anymore?  That's how I feel about this.  Sure, there are days where I feel swamped, but it just seems part of the norm, now.  And I still can't believe I'll have two years of college once I'm out of here!

But as they say, starting something new and challenging, brings new responsabilities... okay, no one has really ever said that (but I'm saying it now).  Another thing that is starting to become the norm in my mind (well, I've actually been thinking about this since I was 12) is looking at colleges after Running Start.  Right now, I've been looking at colleges more on the financial side and where I see myself less than 2 years from now. 

For those interested in what my "degree plan/strategy" is, feel free to continue (skip if you're not).  My plan is to attend a somewhat private art school close to my house, getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art & Animation (BFA).  I would then like to make my way down to the beautiful sun-shine state, California.  From that point on, things get a little fuzzy; a work in progress, you might say.  I would like to start working at getting my Creative Writing & English degree by transferring my 2 years of Running Start credits to a Cali school.  Also during that time, which I might have a hard time with (this is where it gets fuzzy), I would then like to begin working at Disneyland parks (I don't even care if I have to clean up puke, I'm working there) and interning at Disney Animation Studios or Pixar Animation Studios.  Yeah, it's a lot!  My main concern is the money, but if it's on my heart, I think God will provide some options for me.  And on top of everything, I would like to go study abroad in England, but after all of what I've listed here, I think that needs to be excluded at the moment...

Now that I've talked about what I want to do, what do YOU guys want to do?  I'm very curious!  What schools would you like to go to?  Where do you see yourself living in 5 years?  I'm all ears (or eyes and fingers... I'll read your comments and then write back to you).

Goodnight, my Lovelies!
*Allie*

hey world.

Hey world.  What's up? 

So my channel is still a work in progress.  I'm working with the equipment that I have until I decide I really need to invest in some new things.  I'm getting excited!

That's not really the reason I wanted to blog right now.  Right now, I want to talk about life.

Life's scary.  It's hit me in the last couple of weeks that life isn't something you have control of. 

(I've rewritten so many possible sentences I could fit after that last sentence, but I just couldn't find the right words.)

I guess what it all comes down to is that God is in control of our life.  He knows the past, the right now, and the future of all of our lives.  I try so hard all the time to plan my future, and what I've been planning for years, is finally getting close - close to my real future.  It's so close, I'm afraid of what path I want to go down.  What if I screw up?  I'm only given one life.  A life that is so fragile and can break when it's swallowed up by the world.

I almost wish I was Kim Possible on my old Nintendo DS game where you were given three lives until it was game over.

~

"Why do you worry when I support you all this time?" His voice calls out to me.
"Because I'm worried I'll fall." I whisper back.
"Did you ever think that a fall could help you jump even higher?" He says back.
"What if I hit rock bottom when I fall?"
"Trust in me; I will catch you, child.  You will be alright when you trust me."

~



If you didn't get the hint, that's the sort of conversation I have with God (No, he doesn't really respond, but I feel that that's what he's saying to me.  Is that weird?).

Think video game, for a second.  I realized that God is my "extra life."  Because I excepted Jesus in my heart, I have an everlasting/bonus life.  No matter what happens, God will redeem me with a new life every time I fall.  And when the game is over, it doesn't matter anymore, because I will still have that everlasting life with God and other Christians!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
~ Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

I have no clue if what I said in this post made sense or if this meant anything to you at all or if you're still thinking "Why does this weirdo think she can actually talk to God?"  This was just something I needed to get out there.

I love you all and wish the best life for you!

*Allie*

a whole new world

Something I've been thinking about a lot now, is making YouTube videos.  Mostly makeup/style/hair videos.  I've been thinking about for almost 3 years now (wow!).  And the other day I decided I would do just that!  Lady's and Gent's, meet CountYourStars247!  It's not much, but I'm going to make it a lot better :) 

First thing's first, I need to buy that camcorder I've had my eye on for a while.  I can afford it, I just need to push myself to get it now. ;]


So please check it out!  There are only a few edited videos that I've post.  The one above is my "explanation" video (I guess). And the other two are options for intros. 

Love you all!

*Allie*

college?

I am happy to report, I have passed my reading and writing test to get accepted into community college!  I am absolutely thrilled!  This means I will be attending college classes for my Junior year of high school.  Yikes!  Scary, yet exciting.  I've been waiting for this moment ever since I was 12.  It feels like real life is approaching fast.  Again...yikes!  I just have to "keep moving forward" (Walt Disney)

Love to all,

*Allie*

new hair color

Long time, no chat!  For those of you who haven't seen it, here is a recent picture of me with my brunette hair :] 

I am absolutely loving the color!

Nothing new to report.  Just thought I'd stop by and say hello ;)  Hello!

*Allie*

almost new year

It's been a great year.  In a short little review, I turned 15 and started driving this summer.  Also this summer I went to the United Kingdom and Paris, France and about two months later went to Orlando, Florida.  I started my Sophomore year of high school and tend to drink more coffee than I did last year.  I learned I not only have a passion for becoming an artist, but someday becoming a writer in England.  Wherever I may go in life, is in God's hands. 

On Christmas day, my Grandma asked me if my family members or I had chosen a new year's Bible verse, "So you can remember the verse as your verse for this year." she said.  We all shook our heads in unison.  But what a great idea, I thought to myself: a Bible verse that I choose for the new year.  A verse I can hold to in my heart through everything in 2013. (Out of habit, I almost typed 2012)

Last night, I spent time searching for the right verse for me this new year's.  Here is what I found through my old highlighted pages.  I found a lot of really good ones, too. (feel free to use them as your own verses for the new year!)

* psalms 62:2
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

* ephessians 5: 1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

* ephessians 6: 7-8
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

The last one I will show you guys, is one I found about a month ago.  And it stuck with me.  I read it, and I was so shocked, I was looking for some sort of guidelines that said, "This verse was meant for Allie!"  Because I saw so much in these words.

* proverbs 4: 11-13
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your step will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

"...for it is your life."  I mean, WOW!  Guys, that's like my blog in a few sentences!  I swear to goodness, I never read this verse before I even started this blog.  It just boggles my mind that this verse reflects so much of me.  "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths."  When I read this verse, I feel like God is near me.  Like He's close to my heart.  Which is what I, a Daughter of Christ, should feel. 

This will be my verse for 2013, I have decided.  Not even for 2013, but for my life.  I love it so much.  Happy New Year, everyone!  May you find a great verse that inspires you throughout 2013 and beyond.  See you on the other side ;)

*Allie* 

europe hidden mickey pictures summer 2012

 

*christmas vacation*

Hey all!

Oh, those asterisks next to the title?  Those are snow flakes.  Aren't I creative?  I'm trying to at least, for a special holiday coming up in... oh, four days.  Yeah, it's Christmas!  I am so excited, I kid you not!  Today was the last day of the school of 2012 until January 7th, 2013.  I am finished with all of my homework and I am so happy.  Gosh, I hope today really isn't the end of the world.  That would suck.  Four days before Christmas and the world decides to fall apart.

Well, any who.  I have been making a list of things I'm planning on doing during Christmas vacation so it will seem like it will last longer.  So far I have,

1) drink tea at least once every day
2) read several books
3) get together with friends
4) possibly write my story
5) draw and put things up on the web

It's not much and I'm sure I have more, but I just needed to get that out!  I'll try to swing by before Christmas break is over.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

 

*Allie*

so where were we?

Oh yeah, life decisions.  Pros and cons on future careers and totally different life styles.  One life totally artsy and living in California only a few states over from my home state.  Deadlines with everything Disney, Disney, Disney.  From interning to working at the parks to interning again.  Working with a kids spirit and imagination bubbling over with every idea. 

Another life completely quite.  Long walks in Hyde Park, writing on park benches or in tea shops, meeting foreign people on the bus.  And that's it.  Living by myself, thousands of miles away from friends and family. 

But that whisper.....

It's been months since I heard that whisper.  I mean what was I supposed to do when I heard God telling me, "This is a new direction you can take!"  I'm almost 16, not old enough to do anything but drive with a parent and maybe get 12 hours a week at the grocery store (I still haven't gotten there yet...).  I can't fly across the country to a different one to follow a whisper - at least not yet.

Urgh!  I always end those sentences with a "at least not yet".  It's frustrating and it gets me no where in these situations.

When I went to Disney World, in their Hollywood Studios park, there was like a whole spot dedicated to Animation.  And I could have spent hours there - even days!  There, you can learn how to draw by Disney interns and I had a blast.  After drawing my first character, my dad kept telling me I should go talk to the intern guy.  He finally convinced me and I came up to the guy.

"So what college did you go to?"  I asked him.  He named off some school but I forgot what he said.
"We've go a Disney fan in our family," my dad said patting my shoulder, "She wants to join your rank soon." 
I was beaming.  Me!  Actually talking to a Disney intern.  I had so many questions!  I just couldn't wait to ask h--
"Huh!  Good luck!" he said with a grumble.
"Oh," I said disappointed, "Thank you...?"

I knew that a lot of people don't really make it "up there" when it came to Disney.  And he might have been one of them.  I saw him two days later, wearing a janitor suit with a broom and a bucket.

How can I be sure that I won't be that guy?  He was probably 5 - 7 years older than me and every Disney employee makes minimum wage.  How am I sure I won't make it to an actual Disney Animator position?

But how am I sure I won't make it as a writer/author?  They don't make much either. 

I think what I'm worried about is time.  I want to be young for everything!  I want to work at Disney for a long time, like when I'm married and afterwards.  But I want to live in England as a writer before I get married.  And I think I know why. 

A couple of months ago, my mom joked that 1/3 of her grandchildren would be British.  She's convinced now that I will marry a British guy because I am in love with EVERYTHING British!  And it's true.  I've kind of liked that "joke" of mom's since she started it.  Maybe that's another reason why I want to go to England before I get married.  What if God wants me to meet my future husband in England?  I have thought about that SO much.  And it makes sense for some reason!  I don't know.

I think I need to pray about this for a while.  I can't do much at the moment right now, anyways.  I need to pray for where God wants me to go, because I can't see everything right now.  All I see is everything up close.  But He sees the whole picture right now!  I need to trust Him more.

Thank you guys for your prayers and comments.  You are very dear to me and that's why I tell you guys these things.  I hope the next few posts won't be as... depressing?  Confusing?  Or anything of the sort?  I'll talk with you guys later :)

*Allie*

things that make my mind spin......

Hey guys,  I'm back from Florida!  I had a great time ;)  It was a nice break from life and I think I needed that to give myself a breather. 

Remember when I told you guys in my last post how I need to talk to you guys about something?  Well, I will tell you now... I guess.  To be honest, my mind is just sitting in the land of fog.  But nevertheless, I will tell you guys what's been on my mind.

~

I've been drawing a lot more - a lot more!  My style in art is changing every time my pencil hits paper and I'm loving it.  This is what I've wanted for so long.  I'm drawing and actually liking most of what comes out of the sketch.  It's wonderful.

My mom and I have been looking into the school DigiPen.  It's a great art school in our area and it's close to my house.  The best part, is that some of the teachers have worked for Disney Animation Studios before.  It's quite amazing!  DigiPen is a college, so I have a while before I can attend.  But I am just so excited and want to learn more about the school.

And what's even more cool, family members that live less than a half an hour away from DigiPen have said they are willing to let me stay at their house if I go to that school.  Wow, that would be amazing!

But I just have one problem.  I now have a new passion.  One that I didn't even know would come up into the mix of things.  I love it just as much as drawing, and possibly even more!

 

~

 

I have always loved to write.  When I was in middle school, I started writing novels I wanted to publish one day.  Back then, I knew I wanted to be an author when I was older but I was on the fence about it.  One, I knew it wasn't the best of a living (I think the average writer makes 60k - 80k a year) and two, I knew writing takes time; I hate deadlines, and I wouldn't like a company yanking on my chains to finish something - especially if it was writing a book!

 

I've been taking a creative writing class at my school and it has challenged me to write in ways I never thought possible. I love it! And I've been writing something big. It's part novel, part script for a BBC Sherlock episode. I have never been so excited about something in my entire life. My whole story is coming together so nicely and I've really become obsessed with writing and thinking about it. And you know what? It's making me want to go back to England. I thought to myself a while back ago, "What if I became a writer and lived in England?" 

 

All of a sudden I got this overwhelmed feeling - I don't know if it was in heart, soul, or gut - but I knew that I wanted to do this. In a weird way, it was almost as if God was telling me to do this.  Or at least to plan for it, I'm still not out of high school. 

 

I was quickly pushing the thought of moving to England out of my head, "Nope!  You are going to be a Disney Animator that lives in California!  You cannot move and live in England!  That's crazy!  You could never do that!  NO!"  And then, as if someone whispered into my ear, I heard, "Why not, Allie?  Why couldn't you do that?  What's stopping you?"  I knew this was God telling me this, He was calling me to do something, "What if I want you there for a reason?"

 

~

 

I am literally writing a pros and cons list about choosing between two of these major future decisions!  I'm not done talking about this yet, but I need a breather from this topic (and I know you guys do too!).  So this will be a "To Be Continued" post......

 

*Allie*

florida

Hi friends!

Sorry for the lack of updating and stuff.  I've just been pretty busy lately.  I would want to write a post, but as soon as I brought up a new tab to write one, I would always be stuck, "What should I even talk about?"  I mean, besides the homework load and making new friends, life has been pretty uneventful.  Seriously.  Well, besides the fact I'll be visiting Florida for two weeks :)

Yes, Disney World and Universal Studios will indeed be what we are visiting!  I am just now getting really excited for this... mainly because I leave tomorrow night.  And the funny part is, I haven't even started packing yet.  Yeah, I'm weird that way!  Prayers would be lovely, darlings.  You guys are so awesome for even reading this post :)  I wish I could give you all hugs!

Another funny thing, one of my first blog posts was about me visiting Florida for the first time.  That was two years ago!  Goodness, it just blows my mind.

I want to ask you guys some advice on something.  Something I've been thinking about for a while now.  But I might have to write a post about it when I get back.  Please stay tuned :) 

I love you all!  Have a great weekend,

*Allie*

a brand new school year

Hey all of you wonderful people!

It's that time of year again where all children in the district get together and do loads of homework!  Oh joy!!!! *sarcasm*  I'm just kidding, I really do like the beginning of the school year; you come in with a fresh start, new supplies,  and a better judgment coming in this year than the last.  I've gotten most of my room clean, I just have a few piles of crud here and there.  I know having a clean room will help myself not be too stressed out, so that's a good thing.

Another one of the great things about school starting up is -no not seeing your friends again- but watching the new episodes of your favorite tv series!  My family only has the basic channels, but our favorite shows are "The Middle" that stars Patricia Heaton and the other tv show that is my most favorite tv show in the entire world, BBC's Sherlock!!!  Ugg, best show ever!  The sad part in that is that Sherlock won't be filming the 3rd season until 2013.  *oh, poo!*

With new pencils and all, I'm starting school this Thursday :)  I hope everyone has a great first week at school!

Chat with you later,

 

*Allie*

youtube videos update

Here are some speedpaints, guys!  Enjoy :)

*Allie*

an update

Hey y'all!

My apologies for being absent ever since I got back to the Bloggie World.  I have gotten over jet lag and all that crud for good and I am so glade to be back!  I miss walking around in Europe though :'(  Everyone that I've seen or talked with since I came back have asked me, "What was your favorite thing in Europe?!  What did you enjoy the most?!"  And I can finally boil it down to taking pics of the food and walking EVERYWHERE and seeing something TRULY inspiring!  A lot of the times I wasn't able to bring my sketch book with me everywhere, but I took tons of pictures.  All the things I saw in Europe made me want to sit down and draw what I saw; it was truly amazing. 

Unfortunately, I still haven't gotten over the "I don't want to upload my pictures yet..." phase.  I know I need to, but it still feels like I should wait a bit.  I have to be honest, I think I'm just too lazy to upload and sort and label and fix and STUFF.  I'm just not ready...yet!  Maybe I'll start working on some pics when school starts back up again :)

My pen pal from France came over to my house!  She's 13 years old and is such a sweetheart :']  She and her family are missionaries and I can speak for my family and I when I say they are one of our favorite family friends!  They are just so sweet and awesome.  We met them about 5 years ago through our old church and since they were coming over to the States, we definitely wanted them to come by.  :)  We had a blast with them!

I've already started drivers ed.!  It's very exhausting but I know this will be worth going to class 3 times a week for 2 hours each class (ikr?).  Driving at night in empty parking lots seem to attract me more so than driving through full parking lots or even the roads in our neighborhood (gee, i wonder why?).  I think I'm an okay driver... I mean, I haven't hit or killed anything or anyone since I've driven.  So I'd say I'm doing pretty well X)

Ugg!  Another thing I started was a neighborhood running class.  I won't even go there right now but all I can say is our leaders are razing the bar every time we meet up... and let me tell you, I feel like crying while running with them X'(  I hope to get better though :D

Oh... what else... OH!  I know!  I started a YouTube Channel :D  It's mostly for my art stuff but if I happen to get a better camera for recording stuff I may make another one for it's my life or my health blog!  Here's the link

Talk with you guys later!  It's good to be back :')

*Allie*

Bonjour!!!!

Hi Guys!  I'm back :D  I missed you guys so much and I really can't wait to put my pictures up!  But for now, I need to catch up with my real life first and most importantly catch up with my sleeping hours and such ;)  I had a great time, I'll tell you that.  And I thank you all who have prayed for my grandparents and I on our trip!  You are a huge blessing to us *hugs*  Talk with you guys soon,

*Allie*

au revoir for now

I'm off to Europe >__<  Tomorrow I'll take flight to a part of the world I've never been to!  I am really excited and at the same time really sad to leave my friends and family ;(  But I'll be back before I know it... ;)  With pictures too!  Love you all very much,

*Allie*

ps:  Have a great 4th of July :)

looking through some older pictures...

As I was clearing my camera so I can have space on it for my trip, I found these.  They're just some quirky/dorky pics I took after I finished my makeup.  I need not say more...... *grin*

*Allie*

one more week!

I can't even believe it!  I just can't....  Saturday next week I'll be off to Europe for the very first time in my life!  Some things I have to do before the trip....

1.)  Clean My Room

It has gotten so super messy the past few months and I just can't take it any longer!

2.)  Packing (duh!)  

I need to pack lite though....

3.)  Last Minute Shopping

Small cosmetic bottles for shampoo/conditioner, jeans/shorts, etc.

4.)  Possibly Get a New Sketchbook...?

Just for the trip;  I'd really like to sketch some things I see on the trip.  Will need to get a small one, though.

There's a 99.9% chance I won't be able to blog while I'm in Europe; 1.) because I'll be going on tons of tour and 2.) I don't own a wireless computer/awesome ipod *grin*.  So this might be my last post for two weeks!  *sniff* I know *sniff*....

In cases like these I almost wish I had a twitter account so then I could tell you guys where we're going at what time and send you pictures instantly... but I don't know.

And before I go I'll let you know that the finals went really well.  At least, I think it did.  Thank you to all who prayed for me!  I could really feel those prayers, it was amazing.

Love you guys :)  Chat with you... in a while I guess ;]

*Allie*

some inspiration

I've been really stressed lately.  The reason is, is that this next week is my last week of school and next week if full of huge tests that I have to pass no matter what.  So there's a lot of big things going on in that department.  Last night I need some inspiration, so I opened up my Bible and flipped through it for a while.  Here's what I got :)


Romans 5:3-5
Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

I really like this one.  To me, this verse was telling me, "It's okay, if you fail your tests, Allie.  Because you will be able to learn from your experience and with that you will have hope!  God is with you and everything that's in his plan is not a mistake, it's there for a reason!"  As soon as I read this verse I had to read it again; I felt like this verse was what I actually wanted to hear from the Bible, I wasn't really expecting to find anything so inspiring!  I felt like God was talking to me ;)  And in a way, I think he was, cause he knew I would read that verse.  He knew even before I was even born!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Another very inspiring verse ;)

Have to go, Darlings!  I hope these verses were just as inspiring to you as they were to me :)

*Allie*