Blessings for Two

Things I learned or was reminded of today at Intervarsity

• Sometimes controversial issues come up and people will disagree with you. This does not make it okay for you to use the words "ignorant", "stupid", "racist", or "evil". Those are words of hate. And Christians are not people of hate.
• It is my job as a Christian to try and understand other people. If I am to change someone's heart, I must use the gifts God placed in my heart to understand what is in theirs.
• The people of God were joined. The term Christian comes from us not fitting into the mold of isolation. Instead of staying segregated in our nationalities, we came together and were bound by a common love of Jesus Christ.
• Jesus wants us to continue to join others in love. He loves every single one of us. We should spread that love and unite people in it.
• Our center, the source of our power, should be God. When we want to change the heart of someone else, it cannot come from us. We rely on things like our stubbornness and pride to argue. But in reality, we should use God to motivate us in our beliefs. And if He is on our side, we are unstoppable.
• God creates some incredible things. Marvel in the beauty of His creations. Look at all the amazing people around you. Look at the person you are. God created you. He worked on every detail. And you are AMAZING. You are a masterpiece, created by an Almighty God.
• God is good. Repeat that. God is good. Say it louder. God is good. Tell someone. Tell everyone."Shout it out loud. You are GLORIOUS".

Tonight was a very strong message that is hard to remember in this day and age, especially when there is darkness around us. But it's important to remember. I'm glad I was able to witness someone with the courage to say the words the youth of America needs to hear. I'm also super thrilled that my Little came to Intervarsity with me. It was her first time and I am happy to hear that it was a blessing for her as well. She posted this today on her blog (her own version of Smilation) and I could not feel more joy in my heart. I hope this is the first of many Wednesday evenings together :)

Disney Duets

Day four of mother nature's gift to you:

"There's only one thing we say to death. Not today"

That quote is probably wrong and how nice would it be if we could somehow cheat death altogether. But it serves to remind me that I am alive today.

You are alive today, that has to count for something. What other reason do you need to smile?

R.I.P Cory Monteith 

Reason 351: Karla got a Disney Princess CD today for Cristina, so while I got ready, I heard all the great Classic Disney Duets. Now, Tiana and Flynn are my favorites BUT when it comes to voices, my favorites are Aurora and Ferdinand (Snow White's prince). These songs must be what true love feels like, I'm sure of it.

One Jump Ahead

Reason 295: I found out in church today the youth group has homework. We have to write in a journal throughout the week. In this journal, we write about blessings that have happened to us. It's a gratitude journal. We give thanks for all the great things that happen to us.

...

Hi, my name is Sammy! I run a blog called Smilation! I post an entry every day about why my day was wonderful! :D

 Ah well. I get it. It's been a huge blessing for me to write these entries. Hopefully it impacts the other students in the same way <3

#GodIsGreaterThan FINALS

Reason 284: At around 1am, #GodIsGreaterThan was trending. Sorry for those non-religious who don't care. I don't expect a lot of people to. But it was such a blessing, in a time of stress, to be reminded that He is greater than heartbreak, suicide, stress, sadness, pain, fear, insecurity, sin, and anything this world could possibly throw at me. Truly what I needed. And I hope everyone has something like this, small as it may be, to keep them going.

That's it! We got it! Let's go!

Edit: This. Announcement. I'm too excited for caps lock. Are the chances slim? Yes. Do I care? No. I think I might die.

This Is A Musical COMEDY?!

Reason 258: Freakin' Glee. So I watched the latest episode. It's about school shootings. Yada yada. I'm actually kind of annoyed that they talked about it. Stop being so serious, Glee. You're taking on too much. ANYWAY. As awful as it was, I cried like a little BABY 'cause I'm so in touch with my emotions like that. And of course it got me thinking. So today is a day of gratitude. I am grateful for the life God has given me. I am grateful because I truly do feel safe. I am grateful for all the amazing people I have in my life that love and inspire me, and have truly made my life so much better. I am grateful because, if I had to say my last words to anyone, I would have absolutely nothing negative to say about or to anyone, that's how amazing these people are. I'm grateful because, God willing, I have an entire future ahead of me. I still need to graduate. Get my first job. Learn to drive (merp). Learn to swim! See Daft Punk live. And before any of that, meet my beautiful niece. I have lots to look forward to. Here's to life's blessings, and the blessing that is life itself.