2014 for the last time ever

So it is about 3.5 hours away from the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015. I am ,yes I admit, watching High School Musical Three. My lux New Years Eve party consisted of me, a TV, and pizza.
It is sad to think that tonight is the last time for 2014, be determined to make it a great last few hours.

Reflecting on what God has taught me all the way up to this night.

Last New years Eve: i was creating the LARGEST blood blisters on my feet from playing basketball barefoot at a church "Party" at a church I didn't even go to anymore. An embarrassing night that was hot and humid and not deserving of the title 12/31. But God is good.

January: The start of Tournament season. The very first tournament, first week of Jan., Central, SC.  0 degrees. My speech, which should have been around 10 minutes did not make it past 7:30 and also, to note, it wasn't even completely memorized...like it should have been. Nonetheless, I still made it to finals, and I did not come in last place. God is good.

February: My brother turned 16, I attended another tournament. I was not as successful at this tournament. there was another tournament this month at which I redeemed myself. I also got to see a best friend. It was a rough, fun, busy month, but still God is good.

March: I didn't have the pleasure of attending the tournament this month. My birthday was this month. I worked on my speech...a lot. I prepared for the mega month ahead because God is good.

April: The Mega Month. The first week of April was spent prepping. Prepping for the next three weeks where i would only sleep in my own bed about 4 times. The second week. Jonesboro, GA. the last Qualifier tournament. I, got 4th place in my speech, and by the grace of God qualified in debate. the third week. TeenPact. Yet another wonderful week growing closer to Jesus. Week four. The Regional tournament. I made it to semi finals in speech. I did not make it far enough to qualify at the tournament to Nationals. The night I got home, I had an email saying that I needed to call the President of NCFCA (my speech and debate people) I called nervous and anxious. I had made it to Nats. because God is good.

May: The last month of school. the last month to prepare for the National tournament. Oh I also attended National Convention for TeenPact. An amazing week spent with two of my four best friends. God is good.

June: the national tournament. That was an amazing experience. I also got to go back to my birth place  (Maine) for the first time since I had moved away a few months before i was one. I was reunited with my place, for God is good.

July: Camp camp camp camp camp. i spent two week in North Carolina at a camp which I love.

(as you have noticed, i did not spend much time at my own home)

August-October: these months were dedicated to figuring how to live an as-close-to-normal-life as possible. Also celebrating my Absolute Best Friend, Lauren's 16th. God is so good.

November: the start of HALLMARK MOVIES!!!!! Our Thanksgiving was lovely and spent with my grandmother. I also found out that I along with my brother would be staffing for TeenPact, because God is good.

December: These are days spent watching hallmark movies and trying to get in an as Christmasy spirit possible when it is 80 degrees in FL. Christmas day was just so special. My parents really have a nack for making things great. In the week between Christmas and new years was spent preparing my speech for the upcoming season and seeing family. What and amazing God.

Thanks for reading this far :) it has taken me two hours to write and two TV shows, and to sum it all up:

I didn't think I would be where I am this evening, writing a blog post to who even knows, but just hoping that 2015 is going to be even better.
And it will be, because God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Thank you God for your grace and love and blessings of 2014,
good-bye 2014,
with love,
{Belle}

Timing

So its been a while, i know :) 

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and apparently black friday shopping is too. Its a little cray cray in my opinion. Most big stores are opening at around 6:00PM and i was over here thinking, "What about food??" Besides, isnt Black Friday (which I have dubbed Colorful Friday because black is boring) supposed to be on Friday??

||thumper||

Y'all didnt get to meet her, but she is leaving our family tomorrow to go live with our grandparents house in North Carolina with their other cat. Her name is Thumper and I swear she is the most bi-polar cat, with the cutest thumbs (yes thumbs) in the world.

So, that was an adventure for about a week. Oh, and she also climbs trees.

Remeber to be thankful and I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

{Belle}

Can You Even Sail a Sailboat?

So today I had nursury duty at church. It was cool, I am being taught grace for the little girls, whom i once was, for when they are favoring the littlest, and wanting to always hold the kid. I have kind of been passed the job of the nursury now that the leading lady is moving. It is a blessing to get to teach the younger girls how to treat and care for little kids.

After church, me and one of my best friends went on an adventure.

We went to Chipotle for lunch, then to a couple boutiques in Sanford, then to downtown Sanford, and then to some Goodwill's. There I bought a flannel, a tank top, a cute sweatshirt, and the best of all, a little green light up dinosaur for my desk, or for my bed. Seriously obsessed with the thing. 

Most adorable thing in the entire world.

Also, my favorite quote of all time, from my friend, in context of how country club/new england prep guys can be kind of {not muscular} "Just because you can stand on a sail boat, doesn't mean you can sail one" -Brooke

Those two things {dino and quote} make me so happy.

Also, now I want goats. {long story for another day}

I need help naming my dinosaur, leave a name in the comments please!

That was my Sunday

{Belle}

Truths in the midst of Darkness

I think it is sad to say that things in America are about to get worse before they get better, but I think it is true.

This nation was founded on the truth of the Gospel, hard work, and knowledge.

I don't want to see us forget that. 

So yesterday I saw the Maze Runner. It was good, but it was different than the dystopian movies we have become used to. This one was more realistic that it made it way more intense. 

I have a question, why do all the teen movies have to do with kids dying? Seriously, why do we spend money to go watch kids die in movies.

I plead guilty to the fact that I like going to see the Divergent, Hunger Games, and now The Maze Runner.

But really, why do they have to die? It provides teens with no hope that if they have to over come a BIG obstacle, they may not make it.

When I worry about things, I always go back to Psalms 91:1 -

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of The Almighty. 

Rest in that truth today :)

{Belle}

Only on a saturday

Only on a saturday will I wake up at 11:00

I was up till well past midnight last night watching a movie, and i realized i was making the biggest mistake by doing that because i like feeling refreshed in the morning. So my morning thoughts for you are take your actions into account and see how they will effect you the next morning or even the next week 

October 1st

 So it is so good to be back. I had to take some time away for electronics. It is just a quiet morning here but I cant wait to share with you some more of my very exciting life *read with sarcasm*

{Belle}

Forgiveness & Grace

I get these really deep blog post ideas, and then I go and do something and totally forget it.

Today, was well, a bit dramatic.
I got an opportunity taken away (I think), fell of the long board, and uh, i still don't think my parents have changed their minds.

I am working on forgiveness and grace right now. I am not the quickest to forgive or the quickest to give grace. Today was a great example of grace I did not receive, and forgiveness I don't know if i am willing to give. But, then, in the Lord's prayer, we ask God to forgive us as we have forgiven others. So what makes me expect to be forgiven if I am not willing to forgive others?

I, i guess you could say, have a tendency to get disappointed over big things, and yes, little. but I just feel like its and end-of-the-world situation, but I know its not. i just wish that situations like this would stop happening to me.

It is incredible to know that God always forgives, and i think i will come to forgive.

Actually scratch that, i know i will forgive.

I want to leave you in the truth that forgiving is worth it.

Have a great Wednesday.

{Belle}

The joy in the big, little, and giant.

I am finding more and more how much the little things matter. Like the little blister I have on my foot...painful. Or like a night spent staring at the night sky looking at the moon and stars watching the bats dance in the sky, all while talking to my best friend.

Today, Labor day, I had the blessed opportunity to go and spend time with some of my favorite people on earth, well more like 50 of them. 

Currently, i am watching a recap of the Super Bowl, what a sad day, and just trying to remember all that has gone down today. Seriously, it is all a blur.

Here are some bits and pieces of my day:

1) I got to see people that i had not seen from about a week to about a year ago.

2) I long-boarded till I got this little (more like giant) blister on my foot)

3) I worked a little on biology

4) Thought about and thanked Jesus for all that He has given me. 

I just think about how different my life would be if I did not know the people I know today.

Sorry for the short post, but remember to be thankful for who is in your life, I hope ya'll have a fabulous week!!

{Belle}

Confidence

As a teenager, I personally know how hard it is to have self confidence. I had a conversation with some girls and they were telling me what it is like in their school. They told me that if you be yourself in school, then your are made fun of. Being different is not a cool thing. This brings me to a song I heard on the radio today called Cool Kids by Echosmith. It talks about how the "Cool kids" seem to be able to fit in. But what are we trying to fit into?

We all can't fit into one mold. It is physically impossible, and definitely not something I would want to be a part of. I just wonder, how many kids in school these days act how they act just to be cool. Do you know how cool it would be if we all were our selves. There actually would be "cool kids" because they are all not the same.

So back to confidence. Where do we get our self confidence?? I have been lacking in self confidence a lot lately. Like an example, I am seriously contemplating sharing this right now because I am worried about what people will think about it and my thoughts on life. I have no idea where I am getting this confidence.

Actually, yes I do, Proverbs 3:26:

For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

So, yeah, it comes from God and that's about all I got.

I find it a blessing to be different from the rest of the world. Just think, the only one that matters, knows our differences, and yet He still loves us. 

I encourage you to think about that as you head into this first week of September.

Here's a question, When are you at your most confident state?
For me, it is when I am in the presence of my 3 best friends, no make-up, pearl earrings, and my good ol' pair of sunnies.
I would love to hear from you, share in the comments section!

{Belle}

Delights&Dissapointment

This morning, me, my mom, and my sister went to the mall (it was one of those rare occasions) because my mom had to pick up her watch. While we were there, we did some minor shopping. 

I had this assumption that Urban Outfitters and H&M were these magical and wonderful stores that had great style.

 How to be proven wrong 101:Go to the Mall

Lets just say i was wrong. In Urban Outfitters, I was greeted by a sweet young girl, that sad to say, had everything hanging out in all different directions. I seriously hate saying bad things, but i was just appalled at how people are dressing nowadays. 

H&M, i love the store, like lots, but still, it didn't meat the standards of great style with great prices that was supposed to happen. All of the classy thing were expensive while all the ugly (in my opinion) were super cheap.

God calls us to be modest, and treat our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit, not show every part of it off to the world.

Now gone with the bad stuff, here are a few of my highlights of the day...

I got to spend five hours with my mom and sister. What a blessing. I have to say, ya'll, my mom is so cool. She is really my deciding factor. I am a very indecisive person so i really can only make my best decisions when I am with her.

I also bought the cutest pair of TORTOISE sunglasses.

Anthropologie is now my new favorite store.

I know a lot of popular stores are unpleasent to shop in. Not Anthropologie. I feel like I am walking into a peacful, not-in-the-mall store.

I also got to go out to lunch with my mom and sister.

I am truly so blessed with the family that I have.

I hope ya'll are having a wonderful weekend!!!

{Belle}

So today i would like to talk to ya'll about being strong.
In Matthew 10 verses 32&33 it says-

For anyone who denys me beforend  men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven. But to anyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.

The path to heaven is a narrow path where the path to destruction in the wide. And as a Christian today it's getting even harder when all around us they just want to come crashing in. I've been A Christian since I was eight and as of gotten older I realize that more and more the world does not like Christianity and wants to go to secular worldly ways and that's not what God has called us to do. Christians all over the world are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. 

Be strong and courageous is what the Lord tells us to do. I encourage you to do just that and to also be praying for our brothers and sisters.



So today one of my school assignments was to sketch a pond, so i did.
While i was there i saw this massive bird fall put of a tree and plop into the water. Not like dive into the water, it like landed in a tree but couldn't grab on to it fell out. That was probably the highlight of my day. 
I am in the perfect setting right now, its pouring down rain, and the house is quiet. Ah all love here. 

I have a new addition to the artwprk in my room that i just love.


So exctied to be adding this.

Love ya'll,
Belle

So happy today because as of tuesday, a dear friend won the election, and is now the representative of florida house district 31.
Jennifer is only 23, her opponents bashed her because of her age.
She still lives at home, she was again bashed for that.
She was told a grassroot campain wouldn't stand against big money, and there she proved then wrong.

More and more young people are having an impact on this country. My generation is rising so what do we want to see chnage in this world. I whole heartedly believe that Representative Sullivan is going to make a difference in florida for the better and start putting are state back on the track to a better place.

My question for you all is how are you going to impact the world. We all can, this is not about recycleing while that is good, but it is about showing your peers that America is going to be in a better place because of what we are doing.
The next generation is rising like a storm i am so proud to see a young person start to make a change for the better.

I just want to tell you that it is a beautiful thing when God gives you the right message for the struggles you are facing at the right time. When God puts us through different things, He is pushing us closer to Him. I just pray I have the ears to listen and the trust that He knows my struggles and that I can trust Him completely and give Him my burdens fully.
I ask that ya'll would pray for that for me and I will be praying for you all too.

Saturday encouragement

In my neighborhood, there is a strip of grass that separates the sidewalk from the road. That strip of grass belongs to the county. They can put what they want there as long as it is a necessity. But as a homeowner you want it to look good because it is in front of your house. So you weed it, cut the grass, and edge it. 

In the same way we dont belong to ourselves. We belong to God. And since we are His representation, we take care of ourselves. 

I know i sometimes think that I know things about myself that no one else knows about, but i am wrong. God knows us better that we do. In Matthew 10:30 it says "but even the hairs of your head are all numbered" 

Its a beautiful thing to know that i have a loving father who knows me inside and out. Matthew goes on in verse 31 to say that we are more valuable than sparrows. 

I would like to tell ya'll take care of yourself for God's glory. For we are His holy temple and home of the king of kings. 

 

One final encouargement from Matthew 10:32+33 "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me  before men, I will also deny before my Father. "

Those words are in red, they're important. 

The night before our stars (and stripes)

Finding a way to celebrate the fourth and fulfill the celebration it deserves is hard when you are in Florida. It only does four things, Rain, thunder, lightning, and rain some more.

Tomorrow I am going down to Melbourne, FL with my family to meet with some of my moms family. I am oober excited because they are on a river so when you are on the dock you can look down and see all of the other homeowners launch fireworks from their dock. There is something magical about seeing sparkles in the sky.  

But, nonetheless, it is Independence day after all, not 'Sparkles-In-The-Sky' day.  Where are the signs of gratefulness to our founding fathers? Or are we too wrapped up in what this world has made of, of a symbolic day. What if we remembered our roots? What if we remembered the plan that the founding fathers had when they created and signed the Declaration of Independence.

What they had envisioned was a place where we could live out the American dream, that is what deserves to be celebrated. Let's not lose the reason we celebrate tomorrow in sky sparkles and red, white, and blue clothing.

Happy Night Before our Stars (and stripes), and have a happy fourth.

-Belle

Monday, June 30

Today I read an article in the paper with the headline, "Study: Teenage offenders shouldn't be behind bars". When I first read this I did not know what to think, so like all people should when their minds are not functioning properly, I hunted down opinions from fellow law loving friends. Otherwise known as text two close friends.
Here is one point of view, "I think that, knowing kids today it is a good thing for them to spend time in 'jail'. Most people commit the crimes they do because of their situation at home. Getting away from that helps them see why they need to turn their life around. People who commit petty crimes don't actually go to jail either... So it's really for the serious or repeated crimes."

Very knowledgeable if I do not say so myself, and no it was not said by me. :)

I love the judicial system. I love law. I love crime shows.
So, just like a good parent should, they spank their children. So when we do something wrong, say, commit a crime, then we deserve punishment.
Also, as me dear friend stated, teens who commit petty crimes don't go to jail.

But what i am wondering, why do they believe they should not go to jail?
Part of the article said that teens need more emotional help than they can get in jail. Which we are emotional wrecks most of the time.
 Obviously not all crimes are deserving of jail, probation and community service are great alternatives.

But let me ask you this, if the crime is big enough, do you believe that teenagers should go to jail?

(Do me a favor, don't commit the crime in the first place) 

Sunday, June 29th

What makes life so special?
  Today, at my church, the cars in the parking lot with valuables visible, were broken into. A family mine is close to had windows smashed and valuables stolen. A church down the street had the same thing happen to them.
  God works in mysterious ways. I know that because I have seen it happen. I don't know what the lesson in the break in today will yield. I do not know what is going to happen at all. That is one of the beautiful things about the ways God works. We do not know what is to come but we know it will all work together for the glory of God.

This accident just happened to happen on the day I started this blog. I will only post on occasion things like this.
I would like ya'll to know me.
Name: Belle
Age: (?)
Things I like: Preppy style, Jack Rodgers, Diet Coke, YA novels/movies, travel, writing, poetry, Starbucks, and a good pair of tortoise sunglasses.

Trust me, there is a lot more than that on my list of things I like but lets be real, ya'll would probably stop reading it.

Can't wait for the adventures.