Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

2016 is going to be over in a couple of days. I have had people tell them that 2016 was the worst year for them. To be honest, 2016 was a mixture of the both. 2016 was a year that I learned a lot. And my life changed. It changed for the better.

I have had several major events this year. I started a new college, I made new friend's, I started talking to an amazing guy and then lost him.

I really hope that 2017 is even better than 2016. I have a feeling that 2017 is going to be a year that God shines through.

I don't know how this post is going to turn out. It may just be a jumble of things. I'm just writing as things come to me.

2016 started in January. January was a great month for me and it was also a sad month. We started tours at the community college I went to. This also meant that my time there was coming to a close. I loved tours. It allowed me to see not just students from my former high school but students from schools all over the Wiregrass. My favorite visit was when my former high school came. I got to see so many of my friend's that I had known in high school. I got to take a group of girls that I knew around the school. They basically requested me.

January was also my last Homecoming as a student at ESCC. I got the privilege of helping and giving the flowers out to the queens. It was great just being with my friends.

February was kinda a hard month for me. One of my first friends at ESCC was in a car accident and died. I had just seen her at college a couple of days before. I wasn't close to her but we had classes together and she was one of the first people that talked to me.

Nothing exciting happened in March. I went to school and came back home every afternoon. I didn't have any special events happen.

April was the month where I found out who exactly my friends were. It started during the SGA President campaign. All of the Ambassadors were split between the two people running. One girl had most of the Ambassadors helping her and the other girl had three of us. I was helping the girl with the least amount because I was closer to her. The other girl and her supporters were causing trouble for us. They told the recruiter that I couldn't count the ballots because I was helping one of the candidates but the former SGA President could help and he was helping the other candidate. The people that stuck with me was the people that I really considered my friends and it was very little.

In April, we also took our Diamond Doll pictures and had our last few home games. The baseball games were some of my best memories. So much talk happened in the concession stands. And so many memories happened.

April ended by my school having our annual Founder's Day celebration. We all get together for the day around the track and we have different activities. This past year, we added a lip sync battle and it was amazing. Some of the faculty also grill hamburgers and hotdogs. We also have some classic relay races. It is just an opportunity for everyone to get together and celebrate when our school was founded. 

In May, my college had it's annual Miss ESCC pageant. I was backstage helping the girls get dress and everything. I also had to make sure that they were on stage when it was their turn. The girl's all looked beautiful. It was such a great night. 

June was an exciting month for me. I went to summer camp down at the beach. I absolutely love this camp. It is called Big Stuf and it is amazing. Middle and high schoolers from all over the US meets down at PCB for either a weekend or a week. My youth group stayed for a week and it was absolutely life-changing. I grew so much closer to God during this week. I also grew closer to my youth group. This year was different, my youth pastor asked me to be a small group leader for the middle school girls in my group and I loved it. And I made an impact on the girl's lives. 

July was our annual Vacation Bible School. This year was a little different. We didn't have individual teacher's for each of the classes. We had helpers that carried the kids to the different classrooms. VBS is such a special thing for me. I love all of the children. And seeing them grow in their faith is amazing.

August started a busy season with me. I started back to school. But this year was a little different. I started at a 4-year university and I started the classes I needed for my major. I also connected with an amazing guy. He actually helped made the transition easier for me since he was already at the campus. And I made some new friends.

September wasn't eventful. The school was getting harder and I was having to take tests. I also started going out into the local schools for observation hours. I had so much fun. And I met a great mentor teacher that really helped me out. September was also Homecoming for the high school I graduated from. It was nice to see all of my old friends and hang out with them for the night.

October was a fun month. My youth pastor married an amazing woman. It was a beautiful wedding. Their relationship is so focused on God and that is so great. The second term of classes started and they were so much easer than the first semester.

November was my 21st birthday! It was also Thanksgiving and just a relaxing month for me.

December has been calm for the most part. I finished my classes with A's and B's. I visited family for Christmas and had a great Christmas. I have a winter retreat coming up at the end of December. December was also when the guy that I was talking to wanted some time away. He decided that we were getting serious and he didn't need a serious relationship right now. It really hurt because I really liked him. And it kinda ruined my Christmas. But I had to put a brave face on for my family.

But the best thing about 2016 happened in December right after finals. I found a group chat of about 270 amazing Christian's that are on fire for God. I didn't realize when I joined what an impact they would have on my life but now I know. They came into my life when I would need them. I just didn't know that when I joined. The girl's in the chat helped me when I was hurting and not able to tell my personal friends and family. These people are some my family now. I literally talk to them all day and most of the night. These people are the next generation.


My 2016 had some up's and down's but I wouldn't change it for the world. It has helped me grow as a person and shaped me. God has done amazing things in my life so far and I can't see what he does in 2017.

2017 is going to be a special year. It is going to be a year where God really shines through. It is going to be a year where I focus on myself and him. Nothing is going to get in the way. I am going to live my life for him. 2017 is going to be a time for revival. It is going to be a time where I cut out people that isn't going to allow me to grow as the person I am supposed to be. So I ask are you ready to join me on this adventure. Because it is not going to be easy.

Secret Santa

Hi, guys. I just wanted to say Merry Christmas, to begin with. And I hope that you have had a wonderful Christmas season.

I am in a group on Facebook for female bloggers. These girls are really good bloggers and everything. They always do a Secret Santa gift exchange. And this was my first year to participate. I had to fill out a form with all of my information on it and then I was invited to fill out a wish list. Every girl filled out their section out and when the Secret Santas were picked, that is where they picked out our gifts. 

My Secret Santa was Raine Hayes.
Her blog is called Raine In The City and the URL is http://www.raineinthecity.com/

Her Twitter is @raineinthecity
Her Instagram is @raine_inthecity

I absolutely loved this box and this stuff is stuff that I will use all the time. I also wanted to say thank you to the girl that was my Secret Santa. Below is was she included in my box: 

The first item was Mint Hot Chocolate. The container is so adorable. I will use this when it gets colder outside. I absolutely love hot chocolate after coffee of course. 

The second item was a little set that included paper clips and push pins. I always need paper clips at school so this will come in handy. And they are in cute colors. 

The third item was an EOS lip balm. I love these because my lips get so chapped in the winter. And they smell so amazing. 

My Secret Santa also put some candy in my gift. And the candy is the kind that I love so good job. 

The last two items are stationary items. She included a set of note cards. I always use note cards and they are so precious. She also included a day's of the week calendar. It is so small and handy so I can take it with me plus it is adorable. 

Top 11 Christmas Movies

I basically love Christmas and everything that deals with it. But Christmas are my favorite thing. I love the story lines to them and just how they make me feel. I have been watching Christmas movies since before Halloween. I am going to be sad when they aren't played on tv anymore.

My family has always been big Christmas people. We celebrate Christmas very big. We normally sit down together as a family to watch Christmas movies. It is something that we do to relax after a busy day.

I have also included some of my favorite quotes from the movies.

Below I am posting my top 11 Christmas movies. These movies aren't in any particular order. They are just in the order that I think of them in. I have also included some honorable mentions at the end of the list. Here we go:

1) Dr. Suess How The Grinch Stole Christmas- "And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day. And then - the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of *ten* Grinches, plus two!"

2) Polar Express-

1. "Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see." 
2. "At one time most of my friends could hear the bell. But as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found, one Christmas, that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me...as it does for all who truly believe."
3. "This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas, as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart."

3) It's A Wonderful Life- "Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets his wings"

4) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- I seriously can't pick a quote from this movie because the entire movie is amazing.

5) A Charlie Brown Christmas-
"Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.

[shouting in desperation]

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

[moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:"

[Linus drops his security blanket on purpose]

Linus Van Pelt: "for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Luke 2:8-14 KJV]

Linus Van Pelt: [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

6) Miracle on 34th Street- "Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles."

7) Prancer- There isn't very many quotable quotes in this movie but it is still really good.

8) The Santa Clause Series-

"Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing"
"Lucy: [opening the door to see Curtis] Are you an elf?Curtis, the Experimental Elf: Why, no, of course not.Lucy: Then why do you have pointy ears?Curtis, the Experimental Elf: Because I didn't eat my green vegetables. Do you eat your green vegetables?
Lucy: [covers her ears] Uncle Scott!"

9) Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer- "Why am I such a misfit? I am not just a nitwit. Just because my nose glows... why don't I fit in? "

10) Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas- "As long as there's Christmas, I truly believe, that hope is the greatest of the gifts we receive."

11) Santa Baby and Santa Baby 2- There are too many quotes to list here.

Honorable Mentions:

Jack Frost

A Christmas Carol

Elf

Frosty

A Christmas Story

What is your favorite Christmas movie? Did I mention it? Have you seen any of the movies that I mentioned? Comment below and tell me.

God is Amazing!

God is amazing! I finished finals this week at college so I was stressed and just ready to be done with the term. I decided to get on Twitter to just relax and chill. It was Tuesday night when I saw a tweet from Bailey and John about a group message for Christians. I DM'd Bailey and asked him about it. As I was waiting for the DM from Bailey, I saw that John posted a link to the group. So I created an account on GroupMe and joined the group. That was the best thing I ever did.

This group message was first called Jesus Is Lit Fam and then it was called Fellowship On Fire. This group of people is amazing. In 72 hours the group grew to 200+ people. And today it has 253 members. Small groups, girl groups, guy groups, Snapchat groups, morning worship sessions, and more have been created through the one group. I have made family and friends that are amazing. Friends and family that are all over the world. And different time zones that are horrible

The conversations aren't just about God and the bible. Yes, that is what the group mainly is about but it's more. We ask questions, refer to passages, suggest books and music. We have inside jokes and random conversations. We laugh together and cry together. We threaten to leave the messages and come back ten minutes later. We are Lit. Stories are being told and conversations are being made. Screenshots are not allowed inside the group message. There are 7,000 messages coming through a day. We also have video chats where we can see and hear each other since so many people live in other places.

I am so glad that I get to be apart of this wonderful group of College students. We are the next generation. We are the generation that is going to start a revival. God is amazing for bringing us together.

Sometimes God puts people in your life as a blessing. And these people are. I never expected to be in this group of wonderful youth. Youth that are going to change the world one day. God just puts people in your life at the perfect time. All of us were struggling with finals and this group just gave us a place to relax and step away from finals. A place where we can share our heart and not get judged. A place where we can be ourself and worship God. A place where people understand us and will pray for us.

Small groups are being formed so we can dig deeper into God's word. These groups will allow us to talk about different passages in the bible. Deep discussions will take place in these groups. We will also be able to video chat and talk. Small groups allow small friendships to be formed. These groups are amazing.

Girl group/Guy group were formed so we can break away from the main group and talk about personal stuff. Deep discussions are shared in this group. We can share our hearts and talk about relationships and guys without having the guys know what we are talking about. I love this group! These ladies are amazing! We lift each other up and support each other. Pranks are formed in these groups and sometimes goes into the main group.

Snapchat groups were formed so we could see what each other does during the day. We can chat or post pictures. We have 3 of them so far.

Morning worship sessions were formed so we could get on Skype and worship God together. We have a playlist that we are playing and sharing. These are songs everyone loves.

I want to thank God for allowing me to be a part of this amazing group! These people are amazing and I hope to meet them someday.

Gilmore Girls- A Year in the Making

So this post was spontaneous. I don't know what it will end up as but I hope that it makes sense. It is almost midnight and I am up writing. I am also watching Netflix and this is what prompted this blog post.

I have been watching the new renewal of Gilmore Girls. It is amazing and I am really loving it. It has taken me two days to watch all four episodes. I was never really a fan until recently when I heard that this new series was coming out. I then started binge watching the show on Netflix to catch up for the newer episodes.

My review of the show was that is was amazing. I loved how the producer tried to identify each character. I loved how Luke, Rory, and Lorelei was portrayed. I have been a fan of their's for a while.

But the purpose of this blog post is to talk about Rory and Logan. I actually had a friendship/relationship like their's for 4 years. No, I didn't fly across the world all the time to see him. We saw each other maybe twice in 4 years. I really don't publically put this out there but it is something that has been on my mind recently since I have seen A Year in the Making.

Let me give you a little background story about this guy and me. Let's call him B. B and I went to high school together. We talked and were friends during high school. It wasn't until the summer until my senior year of high school until we both figured out that we had feelings for each other. And at that time, he was halfway across the ocean in Hawaii. It was that way for 4 years. I was in Alabama and he was in Hawaii. It sucked.

We were friends but we weren't in a relationship because of the long-distance. We told each other that we loved each other and wanted to be with each other. We were each other's support system even though we had a time zone between us.

I wasn't the only girl in his life though. I was basically girl like Rory was. He was engaged to a girl and flirt with her one moment and me the next. She didn't live in Hawaii though. I really don't think that I was the only girl that was his other girl.

But I really did love him. I loved him like Rory loved Logan. He was my rock. I depended on him for everything. The one time that I did spend with B was wonderful. We were at Homecoming together. We sat together and talked and flirted like we always did.

This summer we finally said goodbye. It wasn't as dramatic as Rory and Logan's but it was bittersweet. We decided to end it because we didn't feel the same way anymore. I was tired of being the other girl. I will always love him even if it is as a friend. He will always be in my life no matter what. But he won't be in my life as a boyfriend or guy that I like. There is someone else in that position now. This guy is my Luke or Jess. He is great. And I hope to tell y'all about him sometime.

Until then, have a great day. And always remember to follow your dreams because sometimes you meet an amazing guy out of nowhere.