Elf Yourself

A Heart in Need of Healing

As usual, it's been far too long.

Today is another day of a continued struggle with a few people in my school, one of whom I used to be super closed to. I knew that things have changed, but I didn't realize that it was to the point where my "friend" is getting high, and I'm suddenly the bad guy. It's ironic because when we were younger, with my family's background, most people thought I would be the one to experiment with drugs, sex, and alcohol as I got older, but it's the other way around. One of the very people who voiced concern to me when I had a small glass of gin and juice when I was twelve has now gone to far greater lengths. It's easy to get mad about these things, and it's just as easy to hold grudges. But then I think about how lucky I am to know God, without Him I wouldn't be where I am today. My own brothers, who's faith used to seem insurmountable, have lost their way- and faith. If this were a perfect world, I would be able to show these people the daily miracles and blessings of knowing God as I do, but they don't care to see them. Now I guess there's nothing to do but pray and wait. I'll continue to reach out, but you can only do so much. What makes it that much more painful to witness is that they have so much potential, and particularly concerning my friend, the decisions she's been making lately, alongside her newfound attitude, can throw all of her hard work away in the blink of an eye.

God bless,
Gina

"Tell Me Where Our Time Went"

iTunes is on shuffle, Pressure came on... hence the title. Anyway, it's been far too long. So much for becoming a better blogger. :P

I don't even know where to begin, so much is going on. I went to Interlochen, it was my hardest year there by far. My car's condition is progressively worsening. My uncle is in the hospital. School starts on Tuesday... But I still have so much to be thankful for. Despite how tragic and desperate things mights seem, it could always be worse. I have to remember that.

Has anyone noticed that fall is on it's way? Personally, I can't wait. Which is kind of ironic because I don't want summer to end. But at the same time, I feel like fall is just what I need right now. A cool down period. Calm, serene, beautiful- the leaves here are already changing color and falling from the trees.

Today the sky couldn't be more blue and it is full of fluffy cumulus clouds, exactly how I like it. Tomorrow the high is 65º, I can't wait to fill my lungs with the crisp air.

You know what else I like about fall? Halloween, Thanksgiving... and everything that comes along with them. Children running up and down the sidewalks, filling pillow cases with candy, carving pumpkins, going to the cider mill, America's Thanksgiving Day Parade right down Woodward Ave., Christmas music starts to play on the radio, Black Friday...

I have a lot to look forward to.

Title Credit: "Pressure" Paramore

Body Peace

So, I have been a proud subscriber of Seventeen magazine for 3 and a half years now and I FINALLY signed the "body peace treaty". The rules of the pledge weren't what I thought they would be either, the first rule is not to be embarrassed to have a second slice of pizza, which was very relieving. Now here's the thing, I know that I am beautiful but who doesn't doubt themselves from time to time, or most of the time? Since signing the treaty I've realized how often I think self-hating thoughts, and that I eat when I'm bored. What I'm trying to say is that not only will I think of myself better but also take better care of myself. After all, this is the only body I have. I need to love it.

PS- Recent studies suggest that women who sit for six or more hours a day are more likely to die early than women who sit for three hours a day.

Charlie

So I wasn't planning on posting anything else until tomorrow, but one of my best friends, Brittany, insisted that I did. And something celebratory came up...

I GOT A NEW DOG! He is a black labrador/retriever/terrier mix and has a white chest and beautiful eyes. I'm not sure how I feel about this though because we recently had to get rid of our last dog, Annabelle- a basenji/labrador mix due to her highly aggressive behavior (she bit my sister's friend's dad hard enough to draw blood). Anyway, I love Annabelle so much. I was the one who named her, she slept with me every night, and even though she is insane (she is a ball of energy), I love her. So naturally I'm upset that we had to get rid of her. Mind you this was less than 3weeks ago and we already have a new dog. Everyone else in my family is super excited about this, but I just can't find it in me. I don't doubt that I'll love this new dog, I just really miss Annabelle.

None the less, welcome to the family Charlie!

PS- I'll put up a picture later.

God bless,
Gina

Better is One Day- Matt Redman

For those of you who don't know it.

God bless,
Gina

My Faith

I am not one of those people who has an amazing story of how they came to Christ- I have been a Christian since I left the womb. I attended an episcopal church until I was 12, then my family switched churches. My current church, the Royal Oak Vineyard Church, is non-denominational. I haven't had the best life, but that's only brought me closer to God, He would never put any of His children through anything they can't handle. There has only been one time when I questioned my faith, and that was when I was eleven and a lot of things were going on at home. Anyway, that's just a little background on me and I'm sure you'll be privy to more information as time goes on, just be patient.

I have to get off of here now, but I'll be sure to post something soon.

God bless,
Gina

Better is One Day

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul longs
And even faints
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I see beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

Welcome to my new blog! I am a 16 year old Christian and I am a member of the Royal Oak Vineyard Church. There I am head of the nursery staff, and I am also involved in the preschool and youth group. God, more than ever, has become a huge part of my life. This blog is a place for me to share stories of triumphs and failure.

Anything is possible through Him.

God bless,
Gina