"When PRAiSES go UP, the GLORY comes DOWN!"

God has given me few and special people in my life, moreso recently than ever before! Why? Because he knew all along I was going to need these people. He knew the "bend in my road of life" that I was going to encounter, he knew the obsticles I was going to face, and he KNEW that the people he was placing in my life were going to be part of my strength in even the toughest times. When I think about the people in my life I often can't believe how perfect timing was for each of them! I think about Suzanne. In August of last year we began talking, hanging out, getting closer (during rush). I went through a "disruptive moment" in my life around this same time. I dont really know exactly how, but we "hit it off" and it just took off from there. I am so thankful for her, our friendship, and her love for the Lord, which motivates and encourages me EVERY DAY! I then think about Mindy! We are JUST alike. Its kind of scary! Everything she does and says is ME...kinda creepy at times. She says I am her "minnie me" and that is perfectly fine with me! When I think back on the way our friendship began, I honestly cant remember...I just know we "hit it off" and it just took off from there! I then think about MANY other people that were placed in my life. I think about meeting Tyson (THANK YOU SUZANNE). I think about what life was like before this, and then I think about how life is NOW. Life has been TOUGH to say the least over the past few months and I wouldnt have expected to have the start of a new relationship be anything like it has been, BUT I am so grateful that God placed such a faithful, encouraging, successful, strongwilled person in my life, and I wouldnt have it any other way. My life has CHANGED. Complete 360 over the last 4 months. But I know that is because of what God is doing, and for that I strive to give Him the Glory. Until now I never really looked at it as "God gave me these people." I kind of just thought "hey im making new friends, building new relationships...this is just how life is, right?" No! Now I look at it as all part of Gods divine purpose, his PERFECT will, and then I think...How generous is God?  

To end what I am really trying to say here is this....Gods plan, his divine purpose, his "disruptive moments" that he gives us are ALL done so that we can Glorify Him! In every situation I am in, I now try to make sure I am giving Him the Glory. It makes life so much better when we wait patiently for him and when we believe that everything that is done, whether it be good or bad, it was from Him, and it is to bring praise to him!

NO regrets and making the MOST of every chance I GET....

This morning I got up super early (5:00am). I went home this past weekend...my weekends at home just never seem long enough. Friday, Saturday and Sunday...3 days is not enough to get in ALL of the family time I want (plus Friday and Sunday do not really even count because I have to waste time driving) Its only about a 3 hour drive from my driveway in Troy to my drive way in Pleasant Grove but still thats time I dont get to spend at home! This weekend while I was home it was different than most other times! I found myself appreciating ever minute I was there, every minute that I got to see my family. Not that I dont usually appreciate it, but I just usually dont "notice" that I am appreciating it....if that makes sense? Friday night I got in late, but sat around for a while and talked with my parents! Saturday, got up early ran around and got some things done, spent most of the day with Meghan then met up with mom and we went shopping. I had so much fun being with my mom. Got home Saturday night and sat around (just like old times) and talked and laughed with mom, dad and taylor. Sunday morning got up, got ready and mom and I headed out again for another day of shopping! We went to get an Easter dress, and just like always came home with a LOT more than we went for (and when we got home we made sure to put all the bags in my car BEFORE we went inside so dad wouldnt see them) =) On Sunday I decided that I would stay in Pleasant Grove another night instead of rushing back to Troy (i rarely ever do this because I do not like getting up early and having to drive back to be in Troy by 9) but this past weekend I did. It MADE MY MOMS DAY when I told her I was staying...dad was pretty glad too! =) These days I am trying really hard to appreciate things that I didnt normally "notice." Trying to make EVERY day of my life count! Working to let every part of me give 100 % all of the time, not only for myself but for my family, my friends, my school, work, and people I dont even know (because you never know who you are crossing paths with). I am so THANKFUL for this past weekend. This morning my daddy text me (he is learning to text and LOVING it) and he said "it was WONDERFUL to see you this weekend. Take care of yourself....and Jeter. Get your oil changed ASAP! I love you!" Then one from mom..."I am so glad you came home this weekend, I know you hate the drive but I would LOVE for you to come back home this weekend. There may even be some more shopping we can do =) I LOVE YOU MORE, i really do!" (thats what she tells Taylor and I....LOVE YOU MORE) WOW! After getting these text from2 of the most important people in my life I realized just how blessed and THANKFUL I really am. How precious life is and how much I have. I couldnt have asked for a better weekend at HOME!  

Home sweet HOME!

Going home this weekend. Looking foward to a weekend with my family. My family that I am SO blessed to have! It has been quiet a while since I have been home. My mom threatened me that if I didnt come home this weekend she was getting my water cut off in Troy and wasnt paying another bill. NO, she wouldnt really do this, but she wants me to come home so bad! Can't wait to be in Birmingham!