Well I'm an official High School Graduate!! =]

High school is such a weird time in life. You start friendships in elementary school, and keep them during middle school, and then high school comes around and everyone is completely different. You lose friendships. You gain some. Everyone changes. And then right when everything seems to fall into place, like everyone in the class is getting along, it's graduation time!

I feel like I am stuck in a "right now" moment with my friends because I don't want to lose them. But now I realize... It has only been almost 2 weeks since graduation and I have yet to talk to a group of my friends that I had considered my "best friends" all year...

People change.

 Some grow up and learn to take independence and life into their own hands, while others would rather not be self motivated with their new beginning.

It's so hard to let go of my friends, but at the same time so easy. I have been told by several that they don't normally last a lifetime. Although I would want them to, I realize the chances of that are very slim.

 People have told me:
"My high school friends and I are facebook friends and meet on a rare occasion, but aren't really "close"."

I had orientation just this last weekend at George Fox University, and I can tell you already that I know that is where God is calling me to be. It is so hard to leave my hometown feel behind, but I know He has bigger and better things for my life. I have already met new people and made new friends.

When I first got on campus I couldn't fathom how beautiful it was!

 I had automatic butterflies in my stomach. I had the "new home" feel inside my automatically. I don't even know how to explain it other than I could feel the presence of God surrounding me and making me feel at home. I was nervous and scared upon arrival and all my fear had suddenly washed away and I was so excited to see more!

I move into my dorms in exactly 65 days from now. (August 26th) I really couldnt feel more excited in my life. I have my classes all picked out and am ready for action!

I want to ask for prayers as I move onto this next stage in my life. I know I am fearless and ready, but there is also that little spot inside of me that doesn't want to leave people behind.

I want to promise everyone that I will keep in touch and not just move on with my life. I have such an amazing support system back here, and I never want to lose any of you guys!

Proverbs 18:24

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

                                                              

                                                                                                                                      

His Princess

In the last couple of weeks I have been in a selfish stage in my life. Heading into graduation week, I really just wanted to be a part of the crowd, not necessarily doing things for the right reasons. I wanted the approval of my senior class even though on the inside I knew I wasn't really like them.

On graduation day, I was totally ready to leave that part of me behind. I wanted to see myself through His eyes and I started reading scripture and still couldn't find the satisfaction that I was searching for.

I went through the day just excited to move onto the next stage in my life. Graduated with a big smile on my face and went through graduation night just in complete happiness and daze. 

I got home and started opening my gifts from the party. One after another I got card with money, card with money (not that that isn't appreciated in any way because it is without a doubt) and then I got to a book from Kathy Lauzis. I read the title "His Princess. Love Letters From Your King." I looked at it and moved past it because I was tired and wanted to get through them all so I could take a nap.

Today while sitting here I was reviewing the last week and realized I never really found what I was looking for. I felt that unsatisfaction again and then something was telling me that I needed to look at this book from Kathy again. I opened it up and found what I was looking for. I read the first letter from God and it reads:

To My Princess... My Chosen One:

I chose you before the foundation of the earth to be My princess.You are royalty even when you don't feel like a princess. I will wait for you until you are ready to start living the amazing plans I have for you. I know you don't where to begin or how to become what I've called you to be, so let Me teach you day by day. Start recognizing who I am: The King of kings and Lord of lords. The Lover of your soul. When the two of us meet alone together every day, I will show you how to let go of the things in your life that are holding you back from the blessings I want to give you.

Remember, My child, just as I have chosen you, I have given you a choice to represent Me in the world. If you are willing, I am here to give you all you need to compete your calling.

Love,

Your King and Lord who chose you.

Right when I read this, I knew that it was His way of telling me that I am royalty. I am His princess. This book was exactly what I  needed and was a true blessing from Kathy.

Earlier that day I had been reflecting on my life and the years I wasted not knowing God's plan, His purpose and the power that was mine for the asking. After reading this one letter from God, I realized we can live beyond our pain and our past, our fears and failures, and become... His princesses.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.

John 15:16