Wedding!!!

Tomorrow is my long trek home about 10 to 12 hours. I mean it will be fun. I loved my weekend here. It was a lot of fun having a lot of people from church here all on the same floor of our hotel. We all had a blast playing jokes and stuff. I am soo happy that Chris got married to such a great girl. I was apart of the wedding party and it was my first wedding to be in and an honor to be in their wedding. It was such a spiritual time. The whole weekend was about God and nothing else. Which made it sooo amazing. We had a prayer time before in the bridal room and it was cute. The whole time we were glorifying God. We had a fun time I got my hair done and it looked sooo good. But I did fall. When we were doing pics and now my behind hurts :( But I didnt fall during the ceremony!!!!

I miss home though and cant wait to get back and hang with my BFFLS on spring break!!

What a great weekend. I have more to write but I am super tired and have to wake up so early. I woke up at 6:30 am yesterday and now it is 11:42 central time. So confusing. I got 2 hours of sleep last night. Lets just say never have a room of 4 girls because we giggle to like 1 or 2 am.

ok well we are packing/watching a movie.

:(

Loved this devotion tonight!!

Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me? —Ruth 1:21

When we meet Naomi in the Scriptures, her life is a mess. She and her husband had gone to Moab searching for food during a famine. While in that land, their two sons married Moabite women, and life was good—until her husband and sons died and she was stuck, widowed in a foreign land.

Though honest about her pain, Naomi obviously had a sense of who was in control: “The Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me” (Ruth 1:21).
The Hebrew word for “Almighty” (Shaddai) indicates God’s sufficiency for any situation. The word “Lord” (Yahweh) refers to His faithfulness as the loving covenant-keeping God. I love how Naomi put these two names together. In the midst of her complaint, she never lost sight of the fact that her God was a capable and faithful God. And, sure enough, He proved His capability to deliver her and His faithfulness to care for her to the very end.

If there seems to be no way out of your despair,
remember that Naomi’s God is your God as well.
And He specializes in managing our messes to good and glorious outcomes.
Thankfully, He is both capable and faithful.
So, when your life is a mess, remember who your God is! — Joe Stowell

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertakeTo guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last. —von Schlegel

Stand back and watch the
Lord manage your mess into a glorious outcome.

Thankful Tuesday 10!!

1. I got a good grade on one of my finals. I got a B!!! yay!!
2. I am gaining a sister this weekend because the groom is like my brother.
3. I get to see a lot of people who moved away this weekend.
4. My sister and I get to spend quality time together.
5. That God works thinks out amazingly. Things that happened today happened for a reason. Ask if you want to know. But I am super excited.
6. I have a healthy heart. Check out pastors last week sermon if you want to know.
7. Next week is spring break!!
8. I will only have 2 classes after spring break
9. koala postcards!
10. I lost weight 3 weeks in a row!!

Please pray for me and my midterm tomorrow and that I finish everything. I am also getting scared about the wedding. I have never been in one and I think I am going to trip over my own feet.

A great start to my day!

I was in my car going to school listening to 88.1 the Christian music station. I was thinking as I went to school how I really dont have money and how I dont how I am going to get money. Just thinking about my financial situation right now. Then Brant on the radio station was telling a story how he went to Indonesia after the tsunami and was with a group of believers helping them out and then they started singing How Great Is Our God. They played the song i started singing along and my worries just went poof. Like I didnt even see them go away. I felt Jesus wrapped around me saying Stephanie it will be ok.

I know some people with struggling giving their cares to Jesus. I used to I didnt understand how you give something to him and he doesnt fix it right away. But atleast I have the assurance to know it will be ok. Maybe he wont fix my financial situation right now but He will tell me its ok. My relationship with God has pretty much been amazing right now the best it has ever been. I think its all about faith and really having that step of faith to give it up. You dont see air but you are still breathing. I have never understood why people cant believe something they dont see.

:) It made me smile and made such a great start to my day!!!!

This is sad but needs prayer

My sister started a First Priority Bible Club at her middle school recently. They had 16 kids which is pretty amazing. She was reading the papers with the names on them and I was like I wanna see. So I was reading them and at the bottom it has a question with 3 possible answers. The question is If I were to die today would I go to heaven? Then the choices were YES, NOT SURE, or NO. Shockingly a lot of kids wrote I'm not sure. That is soo sad. It broke my heart. They wrote prayer requests on the back and one kid wrote pray for mom she is a single mom of 3 kids and just got laid off from her job. A lot of them wrote pray for my family life or my friends. It was so heart wrenching. These kids are obviously searching. My sister isnt at the best school lets say she is the minority there. Please be praying for these kids. It is soooo sad and they need Jesus. If I were to die tomorrow I know where I am going. I am going to heaven to be with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ :) No question about it.

Totally forgot about this!!!

Today the weirdest coolest God thing happened to my grandpa. His sister called him today and said have you been sick. He had been sick for the last two weeks actually. He said yes how did you know. She said to him God told me you were you sick and to pray for you and she had been praying for my grandpa. That is sooo awesome. I found that soooo cool and I want to be like her. I try so hard to hear God's voice but it doesnt always happen. But my mom says you actually have to be silent and I talk a lot. But that just made me think that God is a mighty and powerful God. My aunt lives in Paraguay and she still cares for her brother. She is 81 years old and is a missionary in Paraguay. If you want to know I can tell you her story one day its cool just ask. She is such a woman of God to look up to. Well she is really my great aunt.

One of my cousins this week lost his job because of his beliefs. They said to him sign this paper that you think abortions are ok and you wont lose your job. He didnt sign it ofcourse because he doesnt believe in abortions. So he lost his job and he just had a newborn baby born last month. God is faithful he will provide!

Tuesday 10!

Wow I almost forgot.

1. I lost 6 lbs last week
2. I am for the most part writing down what I eat.
3. That I am catching up on my homework.
4. My friends putting up with me on a daily basis.
5. I will be getting more hours at work soon.
6. I got a new digital camera on a great sale. My old one lets say I had to use a rubband for it to work.
7. 3 of my classes will be ending and I am getting good grades.
8. I got A's on both my speeches.
9. Biggest Loser gives me motivation for my workout tomorrow.
10. To be in nursery once a month with my little kids. I learn so much its such a blessing!!

Can I really do this?

I am sitting at school supposed to be doing homework but I am taking a break I did a lot of homework yesterday. Well I am not obsessed with dieting anymore or getting to goal I want to do it and I will but can I?

Right now I am very scared. I have people out there watching me and I am just thinking can I do what I did last week and lose 6 lbs again? I am going through the phase again where I dont want to leave my mom behind. I am trying to help her a lot and I know she has health issues with her thyroid but I dont want to leave her behind. I am just having flashbacks to when I was really big it is such a different lifestyle because people think things when you are fat.

My life is moving so fast right now with classes ending and this wedding coming up. Summer will be here before I know it and I should be at goal by July 4th if I can keep up counting my points. I know God has a plan for me and with Him I can do anything. I am just really confused right now. But I know if I try I can get to goal and help others.

ok now back to homework :/ why do I feel ike this?

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Hiiiiiiii its me I havent written in a while and I thought I would write. A lot of things are going through my head lately. I have been thinking what am I going to do after college. I am really praying about it. I dont know what God has planned for my life but I am up for anything he wants to give to do. Anything for the better of His Kingdom. Thats what I want to do I know I want to serve Him in anyway possible anywhere he wants. I am His child and thats what I want to do and I think he wants me to do. It is very exciting to think about :)

My mom and I were talking to today about how one day you get a new name the God has for you. I was on my walk in the hot sun (I loved it I cant wait till summer to swim!!) and I was thinking is my name doing to be something descriptive, just a new name, i dont know i have no clue. Kinda exciting too. I am very excited right now and hyper. I do crazy things when I am hyper well not bad things I am not a bad girl. I dont drink, smoke, or anything bad. I am happy I dont. People ask me if I drink and I gladly say no way jose. First off it is not good makes you be who your not and its expensive. I like water o wait and diet coke lol.

Today I was in nursery with my little 2,3,4's. They are the most adorable thing in the world. I get all happy and tingly when I hear my little Jacob say a bible verse. Trey is only 3 and will have the biggest trantrum but then if I ask for a kiss on the cheek he gives you the biggest wet kiss ever. I miss being a kid at church and doing awana and when you said a bible verse you had to memorize you got a candy. But now I know I can make a difference in that little kids life and teach them what I have learned. I see so many little kids who are growing up in Godly homes and are going to amazing things for His Kingdome

:) O How I love Sundays and How I love Jesus.

:)

I lost 6 lbs this week. I dont know where it came from but it came off!

Tuesday 10!!

I am thankful for many things this week.

1. I am actually counting my points.
2. I am measuring my food which is separate from counting points.
3. I did something I was scared to do and it turned out fine.
4. My awesome time my family had in the word this week.
5. The awesome sermon thing we had at church. Ask me if you want to know its confusing but awesome.
6. I am actually sitting at the kitchen table doing my homework.
7. My new The Fray cd there are some good songs.
8. The awesome time I had at the college and career thing on friday night drawing on peoples faces...again ask me about that later.
9. I am helping my mom with the laundry tonight...I have been busy with hw lately.
10. I am growing up and actually going to go to the dentist...I dont really like the dentist or doctors.

Sorry for all the posts this week. I want to apologize to all my friends for talking too much. I know I do and I think I need to stop talking so much. I try but then it never works.

I have to post this

I was reading Our daily bread like I do every night. Tonights was amazing and is my life and had to share!!!! Something I try to do shows Jesus' love through smiling :)

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance. —Proverbs 15:13

Every morning Harry, a Christian, walked into his office singing a song from the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Oklahoma: “Oh, what a beautiful morning; oh, what a beautiful day! I got a beautiful feeling, everything’s going my way!”

But one morning, he forgot to sing. Harry soon noticed that something was wrong at the office; everyone around him seemed on edge. When he finally asked a co-worker what was wrong, she replied, “You didn’t sing this morning, and we thought you were upset!”

Harry had become known for such a cheerful, positive spirit that his co-workers were sure something was wrong with him that morning. Harry hadn’t realized how closely people were watching him, and he resolved from then on always to come to work singing.

First Peter 2 reminds us that people are observing our lives (vv.11-12). To be good representatives of Jesus Christ, Peter teaches that we’re to be submissive to authority, to live an honorable life, to do good works, to honor all people, and to fear God (vv.12-17).

The testimony of our lives can give us opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. So we might want to ask ourselves, “What do people see in me?” — Anne Cetas

Help me to sing a joyful song
For those bowed down with care,
A song of hope and freedom
For those in dark despair. —Andrews

Do others see Jesus in you?

I think I know what I need to do.

Well again I think God is speaking directly to me about my work situation. None of us workers are happy we are miserable and being treated unfairly. Especially the ones who have been there for 2 or even 3 years. They are even trying to get us all to quit by having us work one day a week. All the boss cares about is money but you cant care about money it cant go with you to heaven. I know God will provide though all in all so there is no worry for me.

Tonight again something was pointed out to me directly and gave me some direction in what I should do. Like I said before I feel god just helping me make every move in my life right now. He is with me guiding me. I have never put my trust in Him ever then what I have now and I have never felt like I have before. ok I know I am getting off topic. When my family was in the word tonight we read Psalm 35. Really pointed out some things that are happening people at work are fighting with us workers and we all feel so drained and about to quit. I am not giving up. I am posting Psalm 35 below. It really helped me tonight. I really dont know what I would do with out Jesus. Tomorrow I am going to have to do something I dont want to do or ever wanted to do but I think I need to I have been praying about it. I am really scared about doing it now the scaredness is settling in but I know I can do it. Please pray for me. Thanks soo much!!

Ask if you want to know I dont want to post it on here please ask maybe you can help me be prepared.

Psalm 35
1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin [a]
against those who pursue me.
Say to my soul,
"I am your salvation."
4 May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
6 may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
7 Since they hid their net for me without cause
and without cause dug a pit for me,
8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
"Who is like you, O LORD ?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them."
11 Ruthless witnesses come forward;
they question me on things I know nothing about.
12 They repay me evil for good
and leave my soul forlorn.
13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
14 I went about mourning
as though for my friend or brother.
I bowed my head in grief
as though weeping for my mother.
15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
attackers gathered against me when I was unaware.
They slandered me without ceasing.
16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked [b] ;
they gnashed their teeth at me.
17 O Lord, how long will you look on?
Rescue my life from their ravages,
my precious life from these lions.
18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
among throngs of people I will praise you.
19 Let not those gloat over me
who are my enemies without cause;
let not those who hate me without reason
maliciously wink the eye.
20 They do not speak peaceably,
but devise false accusations
against those who live quietly in the land.
21 They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha!
With our own eyes we have seen it."
22 O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent.
Do not be far from me, O Lord.
23 Awake, and rise to my defense!
Contend for me, my God and Lord.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God;
do not let them gloat over me.
25 Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!"
or say, "We have swallowed him up."
26 May all who gloat over my distress
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who exalt themselves over me
be clothed with shame and disgrace.
27 May those who delight in my vindication
shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, "The LORD be exalted,
who delights in the well-being of his servant."
28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness
and of your praises all day long.

I pretty much feel amazing!

Right now in life I pretty much feel on top of the world. I feel Jesus love all around me all the time I kno whe is with me. Even though they keep cutting back hours more and more at work I know God is faithful and everything is working together for His plan. Last night my families time in the word was awesome!!! It just makes us all get along. I am really excited to move and I wish we could move now but we have to wait. My room is sooo small. I mean I was born into that house. When I came home from the hospital they brought me there and I put in every piece of floor in with my grandma but she would be proud of me knowing I am ready to move. She would be proud to know that I dont need to know everything will be ok. I love how I have people who have known me since I was in my mommy's tummy who tell me they are proud of me and tell me I am here for you no matter what. They randomly Facebook Chat (yes everyone has FB now) me and ask how I am doing to keep up with my life. I love my friends who are always there for me when needed. I love how someone on the other side of the world right now is proud of me. I just know that Jesus is doing amazing things in my life right now and I dont want to do things my way. I know His hand is on my life right now and he is guiding me the right ways. I dont know what His will is right now for me but intend on following it. I just feel amazing today and want to follow Gods will. Ever since I read Jeremiah 29:11 last night I cant really get it out of my mind I think it going to be added to the list of favorite verses. Well thats I can remember I wanted to write.

:)

I love when God LITERALLY puts the right words in front of me of something to do. Ask me if you want to know its a long story. I love feeling his touch!!! I <3 Jesus!!!

Tuesday 10

It is anthoer tuesday to say what I am thankful for...

1. Wade Thomas. He helped me sooo much with getting to goal weight tonight and wanting me to get to goal. I cant explain the much needed pep talk I needed.

2. That in the end he doesnt help me solve my problems he ignores me and I figure them out on my own.

3. My family has been happier lately since reading the bible together.

4. I finished my iguana paper.

5. The little things I do to make people smile

6. Only having to wait an hour for a free grandslam at Denny's

7. I kinda sorta got a side job tonight!!!! Doing something with websites and pdfs!!

8. For once I am not worrying.

9. I set some goals tonight

10. Some my stress i sover in 3 weeks!!

Yesterday

Pastor had a good sermon yesterday on how to fulfill spiritual commitments. But to have spiritual commitments you need to be confident in the gospel. He went through 1 corinthians 15:51-58.

verse 51- Behold I tel you a mystery we will not all sleep but we will all be changed.
That means Jesus is coming one day. We will change fast in the twinkling of an eye. Everyone will die but ultimately christians will live. The gospel is not just getting saved from Hell it is living a resurrected life forever.

verse 58- Therefore my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Knowing that your toil is not vain in the Lord.

Pastor could have just used verse 58 to talk about having commitments but you need to know about the gospel to make commitments.

• Bringing the confidence in what Christ has done into what I must do!
• Talking about the gospel while wrapped up in Christ helps to keep commitments.
• What Christ has done has to be big and full of promise
• Make Commitments to God.

I learned a lot in this sermon about how I need to learn more about the gospel and know it fully I thinkI do but I need to go back and read things. I love typing up my sermon notes because what if I lose the paper one day. I love going to church :)

I had the most wonderful workout today. When I work out to worship music I just feel 10 times better. I hadnt been working out to it I was slacking. I have been sad about my weight not going down and I kinda got my answer today.. it is going to be in his time. I need patience. wow this is long i talk too much dont i?