1.22.2011

Saturday.

Teenpact homework.
She & Him.
Looking like a grandma.

Oh, yes.

It's just that kind of day.

1.15.2011

The Practice of the Presence of God

Of Necessary Practices For Attaining The Spiritual Life

1. That practice which is alike the most holy, the most general, and the most needful in the spiritual life is the practice of the Presence of GOD. It is the schooling of the Soul to find its joy in His Divine Companionship. Holding with Him at all times and at every moment humble and loving converse, without set rule or stated method, in all time of our temptation and tribulation, in all time of our dryness of Soul and disrelish of GOD. Yes and even when we fall into unfaithfulness and actual sin.

2. We should apply ourselves unceasingly to this one end, to so rule all our actions that they be little acts of communion with GOD; but they must not be studied, they must come naturally, from the purity and simplicity of the heart.

3. We must do all things thoughtfully and soberly, without impetuosity or precipitancy, which denotes a mind undisciplined. We must go about our labors quietly, calmly, and lovingly, entreating Him to prosper the works of our hands. By thus keeping heart and mind fixed on GOD, we shall bruise the head of the evil one, and beat down his weapons to the ground.

-Brother Lawrence

1.13.2011

2011

(Excepting the fact that this is the 13th of January, I shall now talk about 2011.)

Welcoming in a whole new year. It seems strange since it feels like we just did this for 2010. Perhaps I'm simply getting old.
Well, it's sad to think there never, ever will be another year 2010. But that we've begun a whole new year full of things yet to happen is exciting.
I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, but I did make a list of things - reminders, if you will - I'd like to do this year.
But first, I shall reminisce on many wonderful memories that 2010 holds. . .er, held. Well, still holds.

Anyway.

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from 2010. (Yes, I did just say photographs.)

In January, Katie left the States for a more scenic countryland - Florence, Italy - where she lived for many months. Finally, she came back home with so many tales and adventures and thousands and thousands of pictures.


In February, I took a road trip with three of my lovely friends to see Gone With the Wind at the Orpheum. (Read about that here.)

And then, TeenPact MS happened! (Read more here.)

April brought with it Spring and lovely days in the great outdoors.

In May, I wrapped up my finals, thus finishing my Sophomore year, and then went on to burn Walden with classmates. (You can read about that adventure here.)

June: National Convention!

July.
Tennessee.
Adventures.
Sunny days. 

August.

Camp Moriah, Santa Fe, tea parties. All things Summer.

Oh, and turning 16. That was kinda big. Little party. And big surprise party - thanks, Katie. :) I love surprises.


September sunshine and balloons.

October was filled to the brim with lovely Fall days, dear friends, campaigning for Senator Nunnelee (who won the seat!), and seeing Wicked for the second time!

November: Golden leaves and pumpkin spice.

December was wonderfully exciting because. . . 1. I had my first white Christmas! 2. My parents celebrated 25 years of marriage. 3. I applied to, interviewed for, and got a job as an assistant counselor at Summer Camp.

Most importantly, God has been so gracious to pour His love out on me this year. His mercies have indeed been new, morning by morning.

And this is the part of the program where I share a few of my resolutions:

-be dilligent in pursuing Christ.
-finish old books before starting new ones!
-be prompt in replying to letters. write more letters, and send less emails.
-run. consistently.
-be spontaneous. (how oximorionic. one cannot plan spontaniety.)
-go for a picnic!
-practice patience.
-play piano for at least 2+ hours every day.
-keep up with blog.
-sketch once a week.
-do something fun/new with hair this year.
-learn to cook. well.
-write character sketches.

My list keeps growing. The real thing is even longer. But I shall try to keep up with them!
What are yours?