Showing posts with label All About Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All About Me. Show all posts

Monday, December 16, 2013

It's Meh Birfday!

   Star birthday and sweet sixteen all rolled into one. Me gusta.
   I got up early this morning to be with Jesus. Early as in 6, but still. Worship music, Bible, notebook, Holy Spirit. These are the essentials of life. And these are essentials of making the most of my 17th year of life:
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
~Romans 12:1
 
"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."
~Ephesians 5:1-2

Welcome to my life. (: It has been a wonderful 16 years.


Monday, October 29, 2012

Greater Than Fear

"The moment that you feel that just possibly you're walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself, that's the moment you might be starting to get it right." - Neil Gaiman

   There are times when I scare myself.  I grow close to someone.  I tell a secret.  I write about what stirs me up.  I reveal myself, and I let someone else see what has always been hidden inside of me, and I get scared. 
   There are others times when I am too scared to even get to the point where I could scare myself.  I carefully contain the volcano within me before it erupts.  I disguise my heart with another layer of papier mache.  I am safe.
   I am scared of rejection, afraid to fail.  I fear that if I bring the smallest part of me out of hiding, then the whole world will tear it pieces.  I am scared that if I let someone get close enough to know me, truly know me, they will let me down.  I am afraid that if I take a chance, I will fall on my face.
   But there are times when my desire to live and my need to be known overcome.  My courage overtakes my fear.  And though I am scared, I flee my cage, I lift my voice and sing, and I tear off my mask.  My heart beats and lives and loves freely.  I am me.  And I am greater than the fear.

Friday, October 26, 2012

This Girl

   There's this girl I know.  She goes to my school, and she's pretty much in all my classes.  She's the kind of girl who can be nice to almost anyone, but also has a smart comment for most anything.  Maybe sometimes she acts like she doesn't care, and maybe sometimes she's lazy, but grades (among a long list of other things) are super important to her. She's kind of girl people like to ask for the answers, but sometimes she doesn't give them. Sometimes, she doesn't know them.
   She tries hard to make everyone like her, and it kinda seems to work. I think she's grown to like herself and to be herself, but she still has those days when insecurity slithers back into her brain, and she slides inside her hard, protective shell. She's the kind of girl who watches and listens. She takes her time getting to know people. She's the kind of girl who hesitates to call an event "First Annual", because she's afraid to make that kind of committment. She takes her time letting people get to know her.
   Loyalty is an enormous deal to this girl.  She can't stand when people lie to her, and she cries when friends don't seem as much like friends.  She's the kind of girl who would never last a week playing the dating game, because the first breakup would tear her apart, piece by piece.  She doesn't like to give up on people.
   She's the kind of girl who makes a mess every time she bakes, randomly drops things, and manages to wear a white shirt every chili, taco, or ketchup day.  She is the kind of girl who wonders what purpose there is to raking leaves, besides to jump in the piles.  She feels a strong desire to straighten the things that are crooked, plus fix all the other problems in the world.
   This girl grows attatched to the characters in the novels she reads.  She's the kind of girl who knows a word's spelling and meaning, but can't say it right because she's only seen it in books.  There are some things she is too afraid to say, but she writes them down because they have to get out somehow, before they explode from the depths of her heart.
   She's the kind of girl who prays about the people who tick her off, the people who are sick, the people who are boys, the people who need love, and the occasional football game or snow day.  This is a girl who knowswhat it is to be stuck, to be trapped in the deep, dark pit of depression.  This is a girl who has been resced by God, and she will never, ever go back.
   This girl. Is me.
  

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Becoming

Pearl Necklace: Pearl Knotted Necklace   I look back on the me of yesteryear, and I surprise myself with who I've become.  I have grown older and perhaps wiser.  I'm a freshman with some kind-of friends and some new friends and some forever friends.  I've grown my hair longer, and I've come to a deeper realization of God's love.
   My life is a string of becoming, each day a pearl slipped onto my necklace.  Some are smaller than others; a few have lost their luster.  Still I strive to become.  To become a better friend, a stronger  athlete, a Proverbs 31 woman.  To become courageous despite my fears, joyful in all things, and loving to all people.
   And in the midst of all this, I hope to become... myself.





Monday, October 1, 2012

I hope.

I hope for:
   unwavering courage
    life for the unborn
     Holy Spirit fire
    whole families
   a horse
    more of Him each day
     revival in my school
      like-minded friends
     healing for my baby cousin Josiah
    King Jesus' return
   victory for our football team
    a man to love me
     realization of value, worth, and beauty
      unconditional love
       stylish modesty
      overwhelming peace
     prophecy and miracles
    unity
   empty notebooks to fill
    soft hearts
     empathy
      purity
       snow days
        passion
       renewal.
I hope for more hope.
  

Thursday, September 20, 2012

I Was Little

   When I was little, I always drew the sun in the corner of the paper.  I sorted my Skittles by color, and I sang the wrong words to worship songs while alone in my room.  I was a princess, an army nurse, a cowgirl, or an orphan, depending on my mood.
   When I was little, I memorized John 3:16 and went to church every chance I got.  I loved school, and I hated getting in trouble.  I moved as many times as most people do in their whole life, and each time it got harder, but I got stronger.
   These years of littleness shaped who I am as a young woman. Sometimes I wish I could go back.  Maybe not to change things.  Maybe just to remember, to re-enjoy the carefree days of naivete.  Maybe because when I was little, I didn't realize how fast I would grow up.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

I Am a Coach's Daughter

   I have grown up watching football, talking football, and loving football.  Jerseys and pads were thrown in with the dresses and jewelry when playing dress-up.  I got used to coaches and boys showing up at my house to hang out with my dad.  I learned the difference between a blitz and a different kind of blitz, the importance of "Drive your feet!", and how to draw plays.  I joined the games in the yard and the street and showed off my bruises, jammed fingers, and competetive spirit.
   To me, being a coach's daughter means a lot of things.  I've witnessed practices, film sessions, and pep talks.  My titles include, but are not limited to, videographer, manager, spectator, water girl, write-this-down-for-me girl, stand-on-the-sidelines-and-do-whatever-I-need-you-to-plus-cheer girl, and "Aren't you the coach's daughter?"  (I actually do like my name, though.)
   I have developed an intense love for going to "Daddy's games."  I will find a way to get there.  I have sat through the rain and gone numb from cold.  I'm the one who answers, "What just happened?"  I have yelled and cheered 'til I lost my voice.  I forget my friends are sitting there next to me.  I have shed tears over high school football.
   Being a coach's daughter means a lot to me.  People wonder why I voluntarily show up to help, why I care so much.  I guess you could say it's because I love the game of football.  I love the adreneline rush on Friday nights, the teamwork and comraderie, the thrill of victory.  I love that courage is made real, and that true character is revealed on the football field.  But even more, I really love my daddy.

Cover Photo

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

So I Was At FCA Camp

   I got back from FCA Leadership camp four hours ago.  I'm still waay up there on that camp high, and it feels a little wierd to be home, but I am so excited to break the huddle and play the game.  Camp was such an amazing experience that I have to tell you about it. So.  After attending North Missouri FCA Leadership Camp 2012, I can officially say that:
  • ArgoMania is way better than plain ole Rock Paper Scissors.
  • God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.
  • I adore water.  The frozen stage is awesome, too.
  • Surrender is more than performance.
  • I have been taken hold of by Christ.
  • Attitudes are contagious.
  • I have gone TP raiding.  (bucket list!)
  • You can make impact by just living your life.
  • Inside jokes are great.
  • God passionately pursues ME.
  • I have met someone with almost thee same testimony as me.
  • Worship is more than nice songs.
  • Andrew was a phenomenal evangelist.
  • Power = dunamus (Greek) = dynamite.
  • You can't make the club if you're sitting in the tub.
  • fcaresources.com is a website I have to utilize.
  • I love competition.
  • God renews.
  • I took 9 pages of notes.
  • The best way to lead is to serve.
  • It makes me smile when people hold the door open.
  • People know me know me cause they know my coachin' daddy.
  • Purity is more than a list of don'ts.
  • Christian pick-up lines are hysterical.
  • I have made life-long friends.
  • I am more than a conqueror.  Crazy, but totally true.
  • Aleah got me hooked on bandanas.
  • I am unstoppable.
  • Late night hallway parties are the best.  Especially with junk food.
  • Absolutely nothing can change the way He loves me.
  • Laughing is an intense ab workout.  I'm sore.
  • The word enthusiasm comes from two Greek words.  En = in.  Theos = God.
  • I am in the zone.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Looking Back and Moving Forward

   Today is the one year anniversary of Princess In a Foreign Land.  Can you believe that?  One full year.  This is crazy stuff, man - and so is everything that's happened in the past 12 months.  The blog has changed, I've changed, a lot has changed.
   I don't know what this next year (as a freshman, woot, woot!) will bring, but God does, and He'll be there with me every step of the way.  I'm hoping and praying for deepened friendships, more and better posts, a cell phone, the first giveaway (anyone else excited?), publishing-a-book type opportunities (ahh!), and courage to speak the truth without reserve.  May Father guide my every endeavor, show me His plan, and give me a soft, quiet heart to hear His voice.
   Many, many, maaannny thanks to everyone who has been there supporting me since those very first blog posts (psst! Mom and Dad!).  God bless you and those who have joined the scene more recently.  Father is able to accomplish more than we can ask or even imagine.  He knows us better than we know ourselves.  To Him be all the glory, honor, and praise - no matter what.

Me.  1 year ago. ♥

Monday, June 4, 2012

When I'm Old

   When I'm old, I want to have a love story.  God willing, I will have a husband, and we will spend our days loving each other.  We will fall in love, get married, have kids & grandkids, grow closer with each passing day, and be together until death do us part.  If I never marry a man, I have a glorious romance with my Savior.  As elderly lady, I will continue to love Him more each day, eagerly looking forward to the Wedding day.
   When I'm old, I want to be cool.  I will be like everyone's grandma.  Fresh baked goods will be freely offered.  Kids (and their parents) will know where to come for food, visits, and a helping hand.  I will be strong, healthy, active - able to keep up with the kids.   I will freely give cookies, love, and wisdom.
   When I'm old, I want to be trusted.  The kind of woman people know they can come to for advice.  I want to be like Mr. Perryfield in "Letters to God" - besides maybe the grumpy part.  I will learn my lessons well and remember them.  Those from all generations will be welcome to have a heart-to-heart. 
   When I'm old, I want to live each day to the fullest.  I will love God and people.  I'll take risks (only those calculated, of course), and go on adventures.  I want to read lots of books, go lots of places, meet lots of people, bake lots of cookies, and touch lots of hearts.
   When I'm old, I want to be ready.  I want live and to love with no regrets.  I know I'm going to Heaven, and I want to take so many people with me.  I will love life, and look forward to the day that I'm finally with Him. 
   When I'm old, I want to leave a legacy.  I want to be a city on a hill, a lamp on a stand, even after I've left this Earth.  I want to be remembered for my love and my strength and my faith.

So why not start now??

Friday, June 1, 2012

When I Truly Write

   I find myself browsing, dreaming, looking, wandering and wondering.  Too much fantasy, not enough writing.  I find myself spending too much time in the blogosphere without actually getting anything done.  Too much fluff, not enough writing.
   But writing.  It's what I want to do, what I was made to do, and what I have to do.  It is me letting a piece of my heart go free and see the world.  It is hanging a part of my soul on display for all to see.  It is this short, teenaged, somewhat timid girl trying to make her mark on the world.
   Really writing is letting the words tumble out of my fingers without interference from my brain.  True writing  comes from the deepest part of myself, the Michaela that no one sees otherwise.  The Michaela that is a bird in a cage, let out to stretch her wings only when I write.
   Writing is a pure, exhilarating gift from God.  It is channeling emotion and love and depth straight from Him to my paper.  It is turning off the logical, sensible, opinionated voice and listening to the still, small one.  Writing is sharing with you what He has given me.
   And besides... if I didn't write I might explode from all the words trapped inside me without any escape.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

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. 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Say It

   I had to ride the bus today.  On the way home, with my knees propped up on the next seat, I thought, People really to expand their vocabularies to include words that don't start with "f."  And then I thought, So why don't you tell them? I've struggled with that question the rest of the day.
   It may surprise you amazing blog-readers, but I can't share my heart and tell it like it is.  I may seem confident and outspoken here in bloggy land, but my lips can't form the words when I'm face-to-face.  I hold it all in and hide it beneath my quiet, nice, good-girl rep.  There is so much I want them to know, to understand, but I can't just say it.  I contain my feelings and pour them out on paper.  I can share it with the whole world on the web, but not with the one person I need to tell.
   Why is it so hard?  Why can't I let it out, show them the truth?  Why can't I say the words running through my head?  Why can't I show them what God is telling me?  Why do I hide my true self?

   I need to make a change.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

This is Why

   I write because sometimes I just have let it all out.  I have to release my emotions.  Sometimes I've held it in long enough and I have express myself, my feelings, my sorrows, my love, my desires, and my passions.
   I write because the words come out different on paper.  Because sometimes I just can't do it any other way.  I try to tell you what I'm feeling, but I can't just say what's on my heart.  Let me write and the words flow easily.  I can share them with the world.
   I write because that's how God made me.  He gives me the words and I put them down on paper - and up on the web.  I write because Father wants me to.
    I write for you - and for them, and for everybody.  I write because there is a message that needs sharing.  The truth will set you free, but how if nobody tells you?  I write to show the world what God has shown me.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Finally Fourteen

   Yes, yesterday was my birthday.  I am now officially 14, even if some of you had the idea I was 17 or 18. :) I have survived more than a year as a teenager.  It was a great birthday.
   There were lots of birthday wishes from amazing people all day, including Jackson (it was his birthday, too!), and a note from Analiese with this picture at the bottom:
   My beloved daddy also thought of a genius way to embarrass me.  He has a weightlifting class at the same time all us eighth grade girls have P.E.  He had his whole class sing Happy Birthday to me from upstairs!  He did make my cake -and icing!- though, so that pretty much made up for it. ;)
    I love our family tradition of birthday dinners.  Most of my siblings like to switch it up, but I have the same thing every year.  We had chicken alfredo fettuccine, and even though I know were all full after that, it was time to bring out the dessert.  Dad always makes a chocolate mayonnaise cake (it was one of his best!), and chocolate icing to go on top, and we also had "bear mountain" ice cream.  It was all soooo good.
    It was an amazing year as a 13-year-old, and I thank God for it.  I know He will bless this year, too, and help me to further His Kingdom!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Happiness

   I've formed a habit of saying one-word sentences that describe how I feel.  For example: Calmness.  Coldness!  Confusion. (I did not mean for that to be alliteration!)  And when I saw how many pageviews I have: Happiness!
   My blog has been seen 1,032 times since I started in July!  That achieves part of my goal, which is amazing, but the other part actually hasn't seen any progress at all.  You guys have been great, but there haven't been any new people.  Can you get me some more followers before my birthday?  10 more days!
   Another bit of news: we had our first snow today!  I lost the bet with my dad about getting out of school early (it was his idea), but it's still exciting!  Sadly, someone decided they would just take the memory card out of the camera, so I can't take any pictures, but here's a cool snow picture I found on Google. :)
Have I ever mentioned that I love tree-lined streets?