"Someday; really a code word for never."

Today, I made a big decision. I decided that my dreams that seem so far away will not be dreams that never come true. Since I am obsessed with listing things, here is my list of "someday" dreams; dreams that won't let me rest until they come true:
1. I will be a photographer. I will have my own studio. I will be successful with it.
2. I will be happy, no matter the road it takes to get there. I will not take shortcuts.
3. I will find a man that completely embodies everything that I have ever wanted, and I will not settle for anything less, even if that means waiting.
4. I will eventually open my own flower shop. Whether it takes 4 years or 40, it's going to happen.
5. I will travel to Poland. Knowing where I came from is very important to me.
6. I will visit my great Aunt Jola sometime in the very near future.
7. I will be the best big sister I can be for the best little siblings in the world.
8. I will finish writing a journal from cover to cover, filling it with the highs and lows of each and every day of my life. And then start another one.
9. I will learn to play the guitar.
10. I have written several songs; I will put them to music. After I learn to play the guitar, of course!
11. I will take a road trip with no destination. Just get on the interstate and...drive.
12. I will be the best servant I can be to the King Most High.
13. I will do everything to the very best of my abilities.

I hope that this list inspires you to create your own. I believe that as a college student we get so caught up in the short term goals we are forced to create that we tend to let our long term visions become less important in our lives. Take time to plan out that stuff you only hope to accomplish; make it happen. Dreams don't become reality until you try. Never let "someday" be code word for never.

Reminiscing.

I don't believe in coincidence. Today, i stumbled upon a poster I made after I went to RUSH camp in 2007 with all sorts of quotes on it that are inspiring to me, specifically right now. I couldn't not share!
Here goes:

-If it be so, my God can and will carry me. And for that, He is even more worthy to be praised.
-Christianity: being willing to fall, being dangerous for God.
-Love.Never.Fails.
-The little things do matter.
-I am a revolutionary; I am willing to risk it all.
-I would rather die than sell out for anyone other than God.
-His love is so much stronger than mine!
-"I will rise above, I will live for love, I will answer to the call."
-Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
-He must become greater and I must become less.

Stormy weather.

Ya know, the one thing (among many) that I love about God is that He has a mighty big way of slapping me in the face. It amazes me. I love how He is that friend who tells you when you're about to step into a situation you don't want to be in, He's the Father who comforts when you're feeling hurt, He is the rescuer when you have gotten yourself in so deep that you can't get out; He is absolutely everything and that has never been more evident in my life than it was this week. He exposed the truth to me, He rescued me, He comforts me, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He is and will always provide for me.

This week has been the hardest week of my life, but today I am strong; I have found joy in this dark place. I thank God for this week. I know that through trials and tribulations is when we are brought closer to Him, and quite frankly I am excited to see where He is going to bring me through this. I know that it is going to hurt, and I know that it isn't going to be easy, but I will praise him because I know He will be with me every single step of the way!

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
 

I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm