Just Try It.

I have always hated roller coasters. For most of my life I have avoided going on roller coasters. It wasn't so much that I didn't think they were fun, but more that I was afraid to even try them.

A few days ago I went to the fair for the first time. I payed for my own entry ticket and a wristband to allow me to go on any ride I would like, because that's what my friends were doing. In the beginning of the day I made a promise to myself not to wimp out and to go on rides. If I was going to pay $49 for this day I was going to make myself go on all rides! I was pretty nervous and even a little scared at some points but ya know what? I had a blast! I loved having the wind blowing in my face and feeling my stomach drop. Don't get me wrong, I felt pretty nauseous on most of the rides, but I loved it. 

I couldn't believe that I had gone my whole life not going on roller coasters because of fear. 

Lesson of the day: Don't live your life in fear, try new things, things that scare you. If you live your life in fear, you will only miss out on unforgettable experiences.

{Chelsea}

A New-found Love

I realized that something I have known my whole life gives me immense joy, doughnuts. I have grown up having a doughnut every so often, but I have a new-found love for those fried circles. Yes, I realize they are not good for me whatsoever and have absolutely no nutritional value, but I love them. Maybe it's all the sugar, or all the different colored frostings, or the endless possibilities of different dough and frosting combinations that brings me such joy. Whatever it is, I find myself a little happier after eating a doughnut. I have come to the conclusion that if I'm having a bad day, a doughnut will certainly make it better. If someone wants me to forgive them, all they have to do is give me a doughnut (in most cases). It all seems a little silly, but hey, that's me.

{Chelsea}

To Save A Life

What makes someone feel loved, or even valued? I believe for everyone it's different. Some people may feel loved when kind words or said to them, others, when kind actions are done. Some may feel loved when they are physically touched or given a gift. What causes someone to decide that they are not valued or worth people's time. It's really no one specific who can cause this problem, but rather an accumulation of people.

I recently watched this movie that was based on a true story of a high schooler who committed suicide and how it affected his childhood friend who had continually ditched him over the years. This kid felt so unloved and useless not just because his "friend" kept being a jerk to him but because people were continually being mean to him. He felt so unloved, useless and miserable that he took his own life. Sure this is an extreme example, but it happens a lot more than we think. That saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." is a complete lie.We don't really think about the affect our words and actions have on people. We often say something without even realizing that it may hurt someone. And we often forget that kindness is free and the result that it brings is freeing.

Make an effort to watch not only what you say, but what you do, it could potentially save some one's life.

{Chelsea}

Summer Come, But Don't Come

Almost every child cannot wait for school to end and the season where children don't do anything for 3 months to start. I on the other hand have mixed feelings about summer starting. As I only have 1 week left and then finals, I realize I could wait for summer to start.

I think about all the things I look forward to: I am excited to start a new chapter in my life. I am okay saying goodbye to some people who get on my nerves. I will enjoy not having loads of homework every night. I cannot wait to sleep in every morning. But as I only have 1 week left until finals, I realize I could wait for summer to start. I could wait to say goodbye to close friends who will be leaving my school. I could wait to not be able to see my friends everyday. I sometimes enjoy having a schedule and having some to do rather than wasting away on the couch. 

Call me crazy but in some strange way I enjoy school, I may not enjoy seeing every person there, or having a tremendous amount of homework at night. Of course I will dread it when it actually comes, but I like it. So, I suppose summer will come, just like it does every year and I will enjoy it, but will be waiting for when school starts again.

{Chelsea}

From A Heart of Sadness & Hope:

It's funny how things change. How one minute you can be so close to someone that you feel like nothing will seperate you and then all of a sudden things are different. Maybe it was things unsaid, maybe it was problems never solved or simply a misunderstanding. Whatever it is, it hurts. It hurts not knowing why suddenly you aren't talking anymore. It hurts not knowing if it was something you said or did, or not. It hurts feeling stupid, like it is all your fault. What's worse is looking at that person in the eyes, remembering memories and conversations and realizing everything is different now. Therefore you avoid them, you avoid any eye contact just to make it easier on your already fragile heart. They say "everything has a season", but what if you aren't ready for the season to be over? You are not ready to stop talking, to stop giving each other knowing looks, and having a sense of forever. And all you want is to have just one more conversation with them, one more time to look in their eyes and have a sense of security. Sounds silly, but everyone at some point will go through this in their life. But how do you handle it? I suppose you continue living your life, going to school, sports, family outings, and whatever you may do on a daily basis. But at some point in your day, that person will come across your mind, and again you will be reminded of the hurt. Perhaps only time can mend this wound, but until things are worked out with that person, you will feel a sense of emptiness, an emptiness that can only be filled with Christ. Lean on Him. Trust Him. But most of all remember this: He loved you first, He loves you most, and He loves you best and nothing can change that.

{Chelsea}

The Most Incredible Woman

Who is someone you respect or look up to, maybe someone you would call your hero? For me, that person is my mom. My momma is an amazing woman, she inspires me, encourages me, and shows me what a woman of of God should look like. I respect my mom for the things that she has been though, but how she has chosen to come out of it. I respect her for her generosity and kind-spirit. I look up to her because she is an example of the type of woman I would like to be someday. 

Growing up, my parents both worked, but both of them, though were busy, always made and found time to be with us. As you know, moms are particularly busy, my mom always found time to do hair, make lunches, plan play dates and everything in between. Tiday, she still finds time to give me advice on how my hair looks (when asked of course), makes my lunch when I don't have time, and is always willing to drive to a friends house, or sports game.

My mom would do anything for our family. She always tries to be fair between kids. She remembers the little things that we tell her and somehow manages to work, make dinner, and do various things around the house. Some would call her super-mom, but I'll just stick with mommy. 

Though she has been through a lot, she uses her past to her advantage and always imparts her knowledge and wisdom to my siblings and me. She has a strong walk with The Lord and is always encouraging us to read our Bible. My momma is an example of the busy mom, the everyday mom, the fun mom, and most importantly, the godly mom. I love my mommy so much and am so thankful to have her in my life. 

\\ Happy Mother's Day Mommy

{Chelsea}

Unexpected Blessings

Sometimes you get blessed when you least expect it. This week God demonstrated his power and faithfulness to me. He also showed me how much He cares for me and the things in my life. Lots of little things happened this week that made me really recognize just how awesome He is. First, I was given donation money from people that I have never met so I could go on my first mission's trip in July. Then, I was the only person on the softball team to score a point at our game (which was a miracle)! Then, somehow we found a perfect dress for prom at the very last minute. It was a week of blessings!

Sometimes God will bless you when you least expect it just so you can recognize how glorious He is. He will bless you when you least expect it because maybe you have stepped out in faith or have surrendered a situation to him or simply because He loves you. Maybe He will bless you so He can humble you. Whatever the reason, recognize God's magnitude and glorify Him through it. Maybe God will bless you so you can be reminded of how much He cares for you and loves you. Sometimes we think God only cares for the big things in life, the trials, the big decisions, and big events. In reality, God cares for those things but also everything in between. He cares about me getting a point for the softball team and He even cares about me finding a prom dress!

Live your live for Him and He will bless you immensely.

{Chelsea}