Awkward +Awesome Thursdays {2}

 

Awkward:

• Leonardi Da Vinco (um, ya know, not that I said that or anything... and definitely not while I was trying to show off my smarticleness with an amazing fact or anything.  so there.)
• My sister.  Roaring.  While she smacked the ball.  During 57 games of tether-ball.  Of which I dominated 57.
• Being drug by five little children to the sand volleyball pit - only to have them all turn on me at the same time with stinging, nasty-tasting handfuls of sand.  I left the sand.
• this happening to me all. the. time

Awesome:

• Winning a game of solitaire.  I'm telling you, people, this never happens!
• The feeling I get when I read Romans 8.
• Making banana bread that everyone loves.
• sunburn = gone!
• The way Titus says necklace.  It's kinda like "nuck-loss" but I really can't do it justice with a keyboard.  I simply have no idea how he does that, but I love it.

Romans 8 (New Michaela Version)

Romans 8 has been a great comfort this week.  The last part always fills me with overwhelming wonder.  Here are verses 23-39 translated to Michaela's words.  You can read the full chapter in the NKJV here.  Be blessed! ♥

 

   Even we ourselves groan in the birth of this new thing, eagerly waiting for the adoption, for our redemption.  We were saved in this hope, but hope for what has already come isn't truly hope at all.  Why would you hope for something you already have?  But if we are hoping for something we can't yet see, then we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 
   Holy Spirit also helps us when we are weak.  When there are no words left and we don't know what to pray, the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with sounds and groanings that we can't understand.  But the God who searches hearts knows what the Spirit means, because Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God.
   We know that everything works out for good for those who love God, and are called for His purpose.  Those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be like His Son, so that we could be His family.  But wait, there's more!  The people whom He predestined, He also called.  Those He called, He also justified.  And those whom He justified, He also glorified.
   So what are we gonna say when life comes at us with pain, hate, and suffering?  I know what I'll say.  If God is for us, then who could ever stand against us?  God didn't even spare His own Son, but sacrificed Him for us, so how could He not freely give us everything we need?  Who can bring charges against those God has hand-picked?  It is He who brigs justice.  Who decides the eternal fate of everyone?  It is Christ who died - and rose again.  The same Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father and interceded for us.
   So.  What can separate us from the love of Christ?  Can trials and tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or a lack of clothes, or a bad hair day, or suffering, or war?  Even Psalm 44 says, "For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."  But no.  Even in all of these things we are more than conquerors.  Not in our own strength, but through Him who loved us.
   I am thoroughly convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that neither life, nor death, nor angels, nor demons, nor principalities, nor powers, nor the present, nor the future, nor height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation could ever, never, ever separate us from God's crazy love, which is through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Awkward + Awesome Thursdays

   This is my first linking up to Awkward and Awesome Thursdays at the daybook! :)

Awkward:

• Finally finding the right shade of pink nail polish so your toes will match your fingers, and then putting it back in the bag when the timer goes off for the cookies.  You finish painting your nails ten minutes later and say "Ooooh crap!" because you used the wrong color.
• Trying to get a good picture of the aforementioned toes and fingers together with your webcam so your beloved bog readers can see the difference - it didn't really work.

 

• Standing outside with your siblings eating a popsicle and  turning every few seconds because the wind keeps changing and you want it to blow your hair out of your face, not into your mouth.
• When the power turns off and you have no idea why.  But then it comes back on within an hour.
• Playing sardines outside at youth group and your leader makes everyone get on the wall with their hands up while they count - while all the bewildered people drive past in their cars.

Awesome:

•  Melissa at Girls 4 God used this post on her blog! Yay :)
• Godiva chocolate - need I say more?  Oh, yes I do.  It was free.
• The Avengers with two of my besties.
• Ice cream, hiding, mad ninja skills, and musical goose at youth group.
• Time with the fam at a beautiful creek (or crick, whatever) with the softest sand ever on its banks in the perfect May weather.

What Boys Need to Know About Girls

Dear boys,
   There are some things you should know.  About girls.  Because sometimes, you guys seem kinda clueless.  No offense or anything, but you look like you could use some help.  I'm thinking some hints and tips from a female perspective might be enlightening.  So listen close, because what I'm about to tell you could change your girl endeavors forever.  These are the things you guys need to know about girls.
   Numero uno: They are not toys.  Girls were not put on this earth to play with.  You don't get to drop them when you get bored or find one you like better.  Don't pick up the first one that catches your eye, and don't think she'll come without a price.  Any girl worth your time is a valuable treasure.  Keep her safe, hold her close, and treat her like the precious jewel she is.  A girl's heart is not to be messed with.
   Secondly:  Girls think differently than you.  They read into everything and their brains can work crazy fast.  When you flirt, you mess with a girl's mind.  Whatever you do, a girl is trying to figure out what it means. 

"Does he like me?  He acts like he does, but I really don't think so.  He said that one thing the other day, and really there's no way he likes me likes me.  I hope he likes me.  He surely doesn't like me."  

"Does what he just did mean anything?  I'm really not ready for a relationship right now.  What does he want?  I don't want to hurt him.  Maybe it doesn't mean anything.  But surely it means something."  

"I wonder if he's mad.  I think he's mad.  Is he upset with me?  Does he need a hug?  Maybe he just needs some space.  I should've worn different shoes!"

   So don't say or do anything you don't mean.  Think about what effect your actions will have on a girl.  Don't toy with her.  Don't mess with a girl's heart.

   Third: Girls adore chivalry.  You don't have to be physical to prove your attraction (love?).  A girl may act like all she wants is you to go farther physically with her, but really she is longing to know that you will always be there for her, that you love her, that she is worth it.  Show her all of this in other ways.  You may have to get a little more creative, put a little more effort into it, but it will be well worth it - to you, and to your girl.  Prove yourself in other ways.  A girl's heart is not to be messed with.

   Number four:  Girls DO want and need guy friends.  You don't have to be all mushy-gushy romantic.  Really, you need to not be.  A girl needs a friend.  Someone she can trust.  Someone who's not a drama queen.  Someone she can come to with her problems and know he won't just cause more.  Someone who will be steady, dependable.  A friend.  A girl needs a guy who won't mess with her heart.

   Fifth:  There is a girl out there who needs you.  Get ready.  She was created for you, so don't waste your time with all those other girls.  Keep your heart safe for her, be watching for her.  And when you find her, never let her go.  Don't let anyone mess with her heart.

   I hope and pray that you've been enlightened dear boys.  Take this knowledge to heart and put it to use.  Remembering these five things about girls can save so much confusion and heartache.  God bless you, young men.  And never forget: a girl's heart is not to be messed with.

   In Him,

     ~Michaela :) ♥

100 Things

This the official 100th post!  In honor of such a prestigious shindig, here is a list of ONE HUNDRED things that make me smile...
 

1. tired people who laugh at everything
2. ice cream cake
3. nicknames
4. late night talks with my mom
5. inside jokes
6. Christ's Resurrection
7. blue goo (emu oil)
8. novels worth rereading
9. Cornerstone Church of Marion
10. Facebook
11. babies
12. courage
13. tree-lined streets
14. Easter egg hunts
15. 1 Timothy 4:12
16. open windows
17. big families
18. chocolate
19. praise and worship
20. trampolines
21. music
22. blogs
23. writing
24. parties
25. cameras
26. finishing each other's sentences
27. sparkly pens
28. concerts
29. track
30. bubble letters
31. new clothes
32. first place
33. love
34. school lunches that aren't nasty
35. a stack of notebooks
36. "got a couple dents in my fender, got a couple rips in my jeans..."
37. protective dads
38. bobby pins
39. weddings
40. a warm bed at the end of a long day
41. accents
42. straight A's
43. meeting goals
44. The Beautiful Sisterhood
45. cookies fresh from the oven
46. traditions
47. CareNet
48. secret handshakes
49. birthdays
50. Grandma's house
51. camouflage (the color and the song)
52. compliments
53. smooth legs
54. "There are ugly girls in every corner of the world... Oh yeah?  Too bad the earth is round."
55. teachers who really care
56. hot chocolate
57. the thought of Heaven
58. rebelutionaries
59. colorful socks
60. optimism
61. two exclamation points made into a smiley face
62. logic
63. sharp pencils
64. Natalie Lloyd
65. confidence
66. sales
67. guys who take their hats off
68. hand-written notes
69. nail polish
70. falling asleep fast.
71. riding home with Dad
72. rhyming
73. time capsules
74. God's many names
75. fish fries
76. bringing friends to church
77. horses
78. lamps that enable reading in bed
79. not moving
80. surprise pictures
81. His Ranch
82. teen Bible studies
83. standing up for myself - and others
84. walking tacos
85. Beckah Shae
86. sunset (and rise)
87. The Hunger Games
88. every day is a new beginning
89. calligraphy
90. pretty names
91. cool water
92. true beauty
93. people who let me borrow their phones
94. the Fellowship of Christian Athletes...the heart and soul in sports
95. prom dresses
96. mentors
97. bragging rights
98. promoting Abort73.com
99. refrigerators covered with artwork
100. smiling people

If this list made you smile leave a comment with a one of your own.  At least 5 things that bring a grin to your face!  Remember, there is nothing more beautiful than a girl who smiles. 

You Are Beautiful

      You are beautiful.  God created you in His own image, so how could you not be gorgeous?  He gave you your eyes, your height, your hair, and your personality.  God has given you beauty that far outweighs your faults. You have every right to a beautiful life!

      You are beautiful.  The world will try to tell you otherwise, but you know the truth.  Don’t listen to their lies.  You know you’re gorgeous!  Never change yourself to fit someone else’s idea of pretty.  There could never be a more beautiful you! 

      You are beautiful.  Don’t ever forget it, and don’t let anyone else.  Your friends will beat themselves and others down, but you can end it.  Let your own dazzling beauty shine and help others see theirs.

     

Know the truth.

Live the truth.

Share the truth.

You are beautiful!