I KEEP THINKING ABOUT PEACHES.

Ok. So this is weird. I keep thinking about peaches. I haven't had one peach this summer.

And DESERTS.

Have you ever thought about deserts? I was reading a book today called, "Soul Survivor" by Mike Pilavachi. It was talking about how even though we run away from deserts in our lives,these are the times when we are completely secluded from the world and everything in it,.That is when God can work through us the most. The desert is not somewhere that is desired, but the concentrated time with God is desirable. Have you ever wondered about waiting? I feel like that is the theme of my life. Waiting. But in the midst of waiting, that doesn't mean you have to slack off. Like now. I am waiting to go home. I can't wait ( but can) to be there. But in the mean time, I am trying to make the best of all my time. I am reading more, which I've always wanted to have time to do. I am writing more. I am appreciating people's kindness in a way that I have never seen before. So just a note to everyone, but most of all myself, the desert is a good place. That is where your thirst for God and your relationship with Him becomes authentic. I hope this is inspiring to some of you.

Peace.

Hey All~

Well...I actually have no idea what I am going to update about, but I just decided to update.

Random question. Have you ever laughed SO hard you cried? Ok....I love to laugh, but usually if and when I laugh, I have a reason. The other day...I was lying on the floor, waiting to do my 100 sit ups, and I just burst out laughing...and HONESTLY for the life of me I COULD NOT stop. Ok...so me and my roommate are really bored right now....and so maybe that's the reason. I don't know...but I honestly was crying. It was a classic moment. So yeah.

Another random thing. The other day I was looking out the window and saw this squirrel try to go on an apple tree. He was obviously getting the apples, but his tail was incredible. He like totally used it to balance himself, so he wouldn't fall. I was so fascinated by it. I don't know...I just really feel like being random today.

Another thing. Do you realize how so many people get married in the summer? Like, I know I said something about it in my last post, but honestly, every single time I call a friend or home, SOMEONE is getting married, or is engaged. It's pretty crazy. So yeah.

One more thing. I love my family. And I am SO excited about going home in 3 weeks.

Well, Take care and know that I love YOU all and miss you.

Netters

SO yeah.......Here's an update for all ya'll who STILL check xanga....I don't know what's up these days...EVERYONE and their cat is on facebook....(yes..including me)....So for all of you who want an update ( Carl???)....Here it is.

Right now I am in Indianapolis,but I am graduating from here in 4 weeks (exactly) from today. I am looking forward to being home with mom and dad and the rest of the fam and being able to work on my very own room...Anyone have suggestions for colors to paint it? I have alot of ideas, but I don't know...Maybe I should go to Home Depot or something and get one of those color swatches...or whatever. Yeah. Anyhow....I miss you all and hope you are doing well.I just went to two weddings like a month ago...Elaina Bowersock ( now Hamilton) and Summer Hill ( now Sharrett)...so yeah. Good times. I have a feeling that next summer I am going to go to like twice as many weddings....I think I need to buy like one black dress that I can wear to all of them....and make lots of mula so I can fly there....no I am not making hints on anyone who is specifically getting married...but things change ALOT in a year....so we'll see. ( See Ree....it always comes back to weddings.. *inside joke*)

Please keep me in your prayers...Life has been challenging lately and I want to keep focused.

Many hugs to all of you.

Annette

This is a song that me and my friend Hope always sang to each other when things weren't going too well....it really kind of describes what I am going through right now.

Life aint always beautiful
                 Sometimes it's just plain hard
                                                             Life can knock you down, it can break your heart

                                                                                 Life aint always beautiful
                                                                                        You think you're on your way
                                                                         And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day

                                                                                           But the struggles make you stronger
                                                                                                           And the changes make you wise
                                                                                             And happiness has its own way of takin it's sweet time

                                                                                                               No, life aint always beautiful
                                                                                                                 Tears will fall sometimes
                                                                                                                 Life aint always beautiful
                                                                                                                  But it's a beautiful rid      

Life aint always beautiful
        Some days I miss your smile
   I get tired of walkin all these lonely miles

        And I wish for just one minute
         I could see your pretty face
Guess I can dream, but life don’t work that way

       But the struggles make me stronger
         And the changes make me wise
And happiness has its own way of takin it's sweet time

         No, life aint always beautiful
            But i know i'll be fine
      Hey, life aint always beautiful
          But it's a beautiful ride
           What a beautiful ride

THis is for Hope....I love ya girl.

God is Faithful...

How do I begin to describe God? And why do I always have such little faith? God is faithful....oh yes that saying is true. On Tuesday night, while lying in bed....I prayed in desperation. I felt like every fear, huge fear was facing me and laughing straight in my face. The mock of the fear paralyzed my heart. I felt powerless and incredibly vulnerable. One of the phrases that kept running through my head was "Facing the Giant"

....Here was David. Young, inexperienced and most likely afraid. But he didn't allow the mock of Goliath and the pressure engulf him. He stood brave and strong. He embraced the challenge realizing the POWER above and beyond his own limitations. He was courageous. God reminded me of that story. I just kept  praying and praying for Him to help me to face the giant. I asked that when I would wake up, I would have peace in my heart. I did and I had it for as long as I needed it. Well, actually, God's peace is always there, but the times when we are the most unsettled, we feel it's strength. I don't know if any of you will read this, but I felt inspired to write it.

If you are:

Feeling down today, remember this,

GOD IS FAITHFUL.

A RAW REALIST

I think that King Solomon is an incredibly witty author and a wonderfully raw realist. I have been reading in Ecclesiates for the past few days and I love his writing. Most people would probably view that book of the Bible as mellow, depressing, sad---but it's real. I don't know why, but I think that God knew that I needed to fall upon that type of writing to lift my spirits. I just wonder sometimes why people choose to look at life through rose colored glasses....it just causes more disappointment. Ok...so this is sounding harsh. That's not my intention. I think that if everyone were to be completely honest with eachother and open about their state of well being, we'd all understand eachother better. The world would be much warmer and we wouldn't have to stress over pleasing people so much. Here are some random musings.