My people...

Hey! So in my last blog, which seems like forever and a year ago, I told you that one day I would write a post about the amazing women who have shown me what true friendship is all about... well today's the day where I'm gonna brag on my people! ;) Woot woot!

Oh my... where to begin: well for starters let me say this... each and everyone of these ladies are crazy awesome, and I love them like they were my own flesh and blood, is that weird? I say no.

So these are just a few of the moments that I have had the pleasure of sharing with these amazing ladies! They are each such unique creations of God, and they have such amazing strength, wisdom, and faith. Sometimes I pray to be like them when I grow up ;)

 They all have an amazing sense of humor (seriously, they are probably the funniest group of people I know.) When I'm having a bad day, they have this weird magical ability to put a smile on my face, and I like that about them.

I grew up believing that if you weren't arguing with your friends it meant that you're friendship was fake; now I know that a good group of friends know to just be real with each other. These ladies let their feelings be known, and that's something that I'm working on daily.

I have loads of fun with these awesome women! They are a hoot and a holler! I've had past friendships where I've felt excluded, but these ladies always make me feel like they want to hang out with me, and that makes a girl feel like a million bucks! They are the people that I love to hang out with any day of the week!


 Aside from the amazing girls my age that have been put in my life, God has blessed me with some amazing women that have spoken into my life in ways that make me feel so so loved! They are more than mentors... they are friends! They love each and everyone of us ladies, and they make us feel important! Having them around is probably the closest I will ever be to having older sisters :)

To be honest... this whole post is a round-a-bout way of telling you all how blessed I feel. I don't know if I tell these really awesome women how blessed I am to even be in their presences', but its true! They are awesome, and my prayer for every young lady out there who is feeling lonely is that they'll remember that God has a plan for them. He'll bring in the right friends at exactly the right moment. Be patient, don't worry; your true friends are right around the corner waiting for you! xo

5 facts o' life

Well heyyyyy!! Long time no talk :) I've just missed ya tons!

I thought I'd write this one to shed some light on life. It's not going to be super deep or meaningful...just some things I've learned recently!

5 facts of life that I've recently learned:

1. I'm not going to be everyone's cup o' tea, and that is just fine by me! It used to really bother if I felt like someone wasn't super fond of me, or if I felt that they just did not like me; however, I've pulled myself together and come to realize that as long as I have a couple of people who enjoy me and my weird sense of humor and large personality then I'm just fine.

2. High school is rough...with a capital R! You know how in movies they portray high school as this amazing, wonderful time of your life? Well I've come to find out...the movies may have stretched the truth! And don't get me wrong...there are times when high school CAN be really amazing! Just know that you are destined for much better things outside of high school...don't let high school be the ONLY amazing time in your life.

3. Good friends are hard to come by...I've touched on this one quite a bit, but please let me be a broken record! High school is a time of petty drama and silly fights, so finding really good friends is hard, but maybe branch out! I decided to find my good friends at church, and, sure, sometimes I get sad that I don't have friends at school everyday; but all it takes is one amazing moment with my really amazing friends and I leave my pity party and move on (you can too) :)

4. It's important to be positive...hey! I'll be the first to admit that I am the queen of being emotional, so it's hard for me to stay positive all of the time. And that's ok! Life's gonna get you down sometimes, but what I've found is that an amazing support system (friends, parents, pastors, etc.) make it a whole lot easier to dig yourself out of that little hole of despair and come up to the surface.

5. Life is stressful. Ha! oh man...I know that life is stressful. With college, ACT, SAT, AP classes, and the soon to come college application, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of stress and pressure. Just remember that even though it's hard now, and it's not always fun growing up...everyone does it! You (and I) are not alone! *side note* find something fun to do to take you're mind off of all of the stress! I'm lucky that I have fun parents and fun friends who help me relax...find something that helps you feel at ease when you feel about read to melt into a puddle of person :)

I hope this helps you feel a little less alone when it comes to the daily trials of life! You all are awesome...don't forget it!

A "blog-date..."

Hello friends! Welcome to the new and improved "Beautifully Broken blog!!!" I know I keep bouncing around with the design, but I'm a restless soul. I enjoy change!

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. In early December, or November...I can't quite remember, I wrote a blog entitled "be still." (If you'd like to read that blog you can find it in the "past posts" section on the right.) In that post I talked about my impatience while waiting for the unknown, God's "bigger plan" for my stinky situation. Well I thought you'd like a blog update! A "blog-date" if you will...

It has been almost two months since I wrote that blog, and I'd say everything is wonderful. I know I said I was terrified of waiting out the storm, and I hated not knowing when things were going to get better...well I'm about to get real with you. I may have seen the light!

When I wrote that blog post, I was still uncertain if I had made the right choice is shutting the door to that part of my life. I was scared and nervous and, frankly, was having trouble seeing what was right in front of me. Now that I've had a chance to take a step back and assess the situation I see all of the immense blessings that were thrown my way during that not-so-awesome time.

This Wednesday, my youth pastor talked about seeing the trials in our lives as a way for us to hold tighter to God and His plan for us (at least that's what I took from the message), and after the service there was discussion time. One of the questions asked was "How do you know your heart has changed even if your circumstances haven't?" My answer was this: even when you're still in the middle of your "storm," if you can take a step back and see, not the difficulties, but the blessings being showered upon you, you're in a good place.

Now that I've worked on my heart a little bit, I've begun to say prayers of gratitude rather than "why me?" I've seen my old friend situation as a learning experience, and I've seen my new friend situation as a gift.

I haven't really talked much about the ladies that have brought me comfort and love even if they didn't know what was going on in  my life. (One of these days I'll write an entire post about how awesome they are.) They are the girls whose hearts for God and trust in Him absolutely ASTOUND me! They are they women that I am blessed to call not just friends, but sisters.

Even though there are times when I get a little blue and I feel kind of sad and insignificant, I remind myself to take a step back and see the bigger picture! I was given the gift of friendships that are solid in God, even when I didn't, or was too stubborn, to see it. God continues to bless me even if I'm a little blinded by the bad.

Now for you...God will continue to bring blessings into your life. I don't know what you're going through, and I'm sure right now it seems like there's nothing good in your life, but I challenge you to step back, see what God has given you, and be thankful. God's blessings for you is NEVER going to stop, even when you're too consumed by the bad to see them.

How to know a good friend when you see one...

I've been thinking about writing this one for a while, and as it usually happens I'm waiting for my hair to dry (shocker) so I thought this would be a good time.

How to know a good friend(s) when you see one: it's been a journey with friends this past year, but I've noticed 4 traits that make a really amazing friend, so I thought I'd share.

1. Listening ears: this one is super important to me, not because I like to talk (wink, wink), but because I need a friend who will listen with their ears before opening their mouth. It's important that you find someone that will take the time to listen to your problem, no matter how silly they might be, and give you sound, loving, and helpful advice. Now, I know that this one is probably hard; especially in respect to high schoolers! So, find a friend/mentor who you know will give you sound advice! They don't have to be your age to be a friend. One of my most favorite people is almost 10 years older than me! As they say "age is but a number..."

2. Loving: I am a very "touchy feely" and emotional person. So it was important for me to find a friends who will love and support me when I'm feeling down. Words of affirmation and kindness are good for the soul, so if you can find someone who makes you feel like a million bucks because of the way they talk to you...keep them around!

3. A heart for God: now this may not apply to everyone who's reading this, so feel free to skip to the next one, but this one is SUPER important to me! I need a friend to can encourage me in my walk with God, who I can confide in when I feel spiritually shaken, and who I know loves God as much as I do. Don't get me wrong! It's not bad to be friends with non-Christians, but remember that they aren't going to be able to give you encouragement that comes from the Holy Spirit! Find that one person, or group of people, that can fill you with the Holy Spirit and you're friendship will be rooted in a foundation that's solid.

4. Just plain ole' fun: I'd say I'm a pretty fun person, and I surround myself with people who don't look at me weird because I say or do something silly. Find those people that laugh with you, dance with you, sing with you, and make you feel so amazing! You are special and unique! Find people ho see and appreciate that quality in you!

Now for you...be THIS friend! Have listening ears, be loving, be fun and accepting! If you're a Christ follower, make your actions speak louder than your words when it comes to your friendships! You can be that friend who makes a huge impact in a person's life. If you have been blessed with friends who love you, and treat you as you should be treated...return the favor! Love others and be a friend who is trustworthy and kind and all around wonderful!

But I know we're not perfect! It's impossible to be the "perfect" friend, but you don't have to be! You just have to be someone who cares. I promise...it'll make a world of difference.

5 verses to keep you going

Before I begin I just want you to know that you guys are my favorite people to talk to. I don't how many of you are out there letting my words seep into your brain, but I really like you.

I thought I'd compile a list of 5 verses that might have the potential to give you that extra boost of confidence when you feel like nothing is going right, so here they are:

1. {The LORD says, "I will give you back what it lost..." Joel 2:25}
This verse is short, but to me it packs a punch! Sometimes it seems like the world is crumbling around your feet, you can't catch a grip, and you feel like you're sunk. This verse tells us that God is not going to take something away and leave you hanging. He will give it back, and what he gives will be 20x better than what you lost in the first place.

2. {Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, this most patient God, extravagant in love... Joel 13}
I'm really loving me some Joel. I've actually never read it until today, but it's pretty interesting! Give it a read! I really love this verse! It's from The Message and the wording is pretty great. This verse tells us that God is a forgiving and loving God. His arms are always open, always ready for us to come running into them. He won't hold a grudge, he is patient and loving, he showers us with love and adoration that we don't deserve. So when you feel unworthy of God's crazy love, just remember that you are worthy. You're his kid, and he won't turn his back on you! That's not His style ;)

3. {God's readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God honoring life. Titus 2:11-14)
This verse kind of sums up why Jesus came to earth in the first place, so that all people, no matter what they've done or what kind of life they've lived, can find hope, grace, and life in Him. It doesn't matter to God what you've done. He rejoices when someone makes that commitment to live a God-centered life. Jesus did not come for the healthy, he came for the sick.

4. {The LORD will fight for you, you need only be still. Exodus 14:14}
I used this verse in a blog post a while back and I really love it. It's message is simple. You do not need to worry about the future; God's got it all worked out in your favor...just lean on Him.

Ladies, I think this one is for you...
5. {Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as the elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. I Peter 3:3-4}
I think this is a universal struggle for girls and women of all ages. Society has told us that in order to be considered beautiful there is a certain set of criteria that you must meet. You must have the best clothes, the prettiest hair, the most put together makeup, and a rockin' body. God is here to tell you that what makes you STUNNING is your heart. Your love for God is what makes you radiate a beauty that can't be compared with any physical form of beauty. You are SOOOOOOO much more than what you look like on the outside; you have a heart for Christ that surpasses all measure of beauty. Don't forget that...

I hope these verses give you the confidence to believe that you are stronger than you ever though possible. You have courage and heart and you are immensely blessed by Christ. He loves you more than you will ever know.

Home

I felt really compelled to write this today for several reasons...1) I'm heading back to Colorado tomorrow and I started thinking about home, 2) I'm waiting for my to hair dry, 3) I can't fall asleep. Seriously though, I've never felt such a pull to write a post before, so I'm just going to type and see where this goes.

For those of you who know me and my story of how I ended up in glorious Colorado you'll know that I didn't love it at first. I was angry at my parents for making me move right before high school, I was sad that I was leaving all my family and friends, and most of all I was terrified of being the "new kid."

Well fast-forward two years, and I'm happy. I'm really happy, and what's even more surprising...I couldn't imagine living anywhere besides Colorado (mom and dad if you're reading this...you were right. There I said.)

You know what I love most about my life right now? It's that God has opened so many doors for me; I go to probably the most amazing church ever, I have made some friends that feel less like friends and more like family, and I have mountains in my backyard! I am blessed, and I'm sure I say that in every blog post I've ever written, but it's true! I am so blessed!

But let's get real for a second. Life in Colorado hasn't been without trials and struggles and stress. My happiness level hasn't always been a 10 and my friendships haven't always been great and I haven't always felt like rainbows and unicorns; however, I know that in the grand scheme of things everything is just as it should be.

I've found my calling in Colorado. I've found my purpose and my passion. I've found love and joy. Colorado is my home. It is the place that I can't wait to get back to after vacation and the place where I don't want to leave after high school and the place where I want to raise my kids someday.

You know how they say "home is where the heart is?" Well, it's true. My Colorado has stolen my heart, and even though I'm not a true Coloradoan, Colorado is where my heart is.

So here's what I have to say to you: God can stick you in unfamiliar territory where you feel like a small fish in a big pond, but be sure that he will not leave you there alone. His plan for you involves people and places and friends and mentors that will leave a lasting impact on you. God does not leave you high and dry! He leaves you quenched will his awesome, amazing, magnificent plans for you; he is going to do some crazy things no matter where you are. Don't be scared; be empowered in the fact that you are a piece in God's plan.

Your home is wherever God calls you, and wherever that is, he's going to use you in ways you thought unimaginable.

2013

Howdy y'all! Happy New Year! I started out thinking that this post would be about some highlights of the past year, but I think I'll take a less conventional approach...

A lot can happen in a year. I can say that with the utmost certainty, but even though there has been many changes in 2013--some good and some bad--I am sure that they all happened in order to grow my heart.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
{James 1:2-4}

A year can bring a lot of change, but its up to you to decide if you will let the change effect you. People say all the time that everything happens for a reason, and that is true, but I'll be the first to admit that sometimes its really hard to actually believe that.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I get mad and tell God that a situation cannot have a silver lining, but of course it's kind of silly. I can't tell God anything! He knows what he's doing; he has a mysterious plan that no one knows, and I think that's what makes people mad. We want instant gratification; we want to know what is happening, when something is happening, and why.

As mad as I get sometimes I know that everything DOES happen for a reason. The twists and turns in my life only make me cling tighter to God and the people he has placed in my life.

My challenge for you is to be strong this new year. Take every challenge head on, and know that God is going to be there every step of the way.

I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
{Isaiah 46:4}