Hope

That saying has been constantly on my mind for the past few days. I am officially a college student now(just warning you all now, my grammar will not improve in these blogs because I honestly don't care). I moved in to my residence hall two days ago, and I am finally starting to get the lay of the law. Last night I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and really made an effort to get to know people and try new things. I am positive that I am not the only one who is nervous and insecure here and I realized that I should just be myself and meet as many people as possible so that they would feel included and loved. I tried to share Jesus's love to all last night. I ventured to the Ridge and joined in on different hall meetings, I ate dinner with a new group, I painted bricks with my hall, my RA and I ran to the Rec. center to workout and play games, I watched the Hawks win against the Packers with a new group, and  finally my roommate and I went to Fred Meyer at midnight to do some food shopping. I was defiantly exhausted by the end of it but I was also very proud of myself! I know that it is up to me to create how successful I am in this experience and that I have to make an effort. I know that it will not always be easy though! Yesterday morning was very difficult... I woke up at 7 am and layer in bed until 8:30 am. Now, you have to learn one thing about me. I cannot spend too much time on my own with nothing todo because my mind wanders to these pessimistic outcomes. So while I was laying in bed I was thinking about how alone I was, how I would have to spend 4 years here, and how much I will miss life at home. The life at home piece was the one that I tended to fixate on. I was extremely comfortable with where I was in my life at home. I had a fantastic family/home life. My parents were there to support me and my brothers were only a half an hour drive away. I loved where I worked and the Youth Group its self. I think that the youth group idea was the hardest one. I know that my mom is only  a phone call away so that is a bit more reassuring, but there is something about the group moving on without me that is difficult to understand. That group has been such a huge part of my life for so long. It gave me a purpose and it was my passion and I knew I was loved there. It is hard for me to look at pictures of the group because it makes me realize how much I love and miss them all but... I have to remember that that is the Lord's group and that it is not about me there. I will always be able to return there and hangout with them, but I also have to realize that it is time for me to fly and grow as my own person. I have to learn what my passions are and what I want to do and more importantly I need to figure out what the Lord's plan is for me. I am hoping that college will help me learn more about myself and that it will also help me gain a more positive attitude towards life. 

My RA had this verse posted on her wall and I LOVED it! 

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off everything that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let is run with endurance the race God had set before us. We so this by keeping out eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of this joy awaiting him, he endures the cross, disregarding shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne." 

I have to strip the negative thoughts and anything that is holding me back from personal growth and my love for Jesus Christ. 

-All-i

I've been taking life too seriously...

This past summer has been filled with anxieties, "what ifs". Fears about school, the future, my career, financial situations and much more. I tumbled into a depression which caused me to return to seeing my psychologist. I wanted to find the big answers to life, like what is its purpose? Why am I here? What am I destined to do the rest of my life?

I leave for school in 5 days and in the last two days I have realized that I don't have to have all of the answers. I just need to live in the moment and experience EVERYTHING that I can while I am still at home, and them when I am at school I need to experience all that that has to offer too. I have always liked things planned out and structured, but during the past few days I believe that the Lord is just telling me to take a breath. I need to enjoy the last few moments I have with my best friends back at home that I will miss while I am away. I have to look positively to the future and feel excitement for what is about to come.

My grandpa sent me an adorable letter today. He could tell that I was a little apprehensive about next attending school in a few days and he gave me some very sound advice. Let me tell you first that I am someone who resents change and failure with my whole heart. It terrifies me to be put in a situation where there is a potential for failure. His letter basically said experience EVERY moment of school. Take risks and put myself out there for everything because I have nothing to lose. He is the kindest, wisest man I know and his advice resinated within my heart.

So I am encouraging you to go out and experience life one breath at a time. Go on a walk and admire all of the flowers. Tell the people who you love that you love them. Sing in the shower. Do what makes your heart jump!

Lots of Love,
All-i

The Beatitudes

"When your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems not only of our countries but those of the whole world." - Gandhi


Those are big words... solving the world's problems and misunderstandings. Living in harmony. No more war. A world filled with hope, joy and peace. Gandhi understood the power of Jesus' sermon on the mountainside in Galilee which was talked about in Matthew 5-7. Crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across Jordan gathered as Jesus sat up top of the mount surrounded by his disciples. Jesus began his sermon with eight Beatitudes.

1. The poor in spirit will receive their spirit/hope from heaven
2. Those who morn will be comforted
3. The meek will inherit the Earth
4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be fulfilled
5. The merciful will be shown mercy
6. Those who are pure in heart will see God
7. The peacemakers will be called sons of God
8. Those who are persecuted because of righteousness fill find theirs in the kingdom of heaven

And Jesus ends the topic of the beatitudes by saying, "11. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kind of evil against you because of me. 12. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." He lets us know that living for him will not be easy, we will have to deal with doubters and prosecutors. He also promises us the glory of heaven. 

Over the next few days I hope to tackle breaking down the Sermon on the Mount peace by peace.

-All-i

The little things.

Today I was reminded that the little things in life are the ones that usually matter the most. A little kid hug, a smile, a question asked at the opportune moment these are all things that can turn my day around in an instant.

My day started this morning at 7 am. I quickly got ready and scurried out the door to run to a new church for the 8 am service. The service was magnificent. The Lord spoke to me in all aspects of worship; singing, prayer and through the message. My favorite part of the service was the congregation.  I was raised Presbyterian so there is no hang raising or singing to loud but at this new church there are no limits. The whole congregation's voices echoed off of the walls while hands were reading up to heaven. Everyone was so genuine with their love and worship. I was so inspired with the male population of the church! They were humble and so vocal about their love and it made me desire a man who had that kind of passion. 

From church service #1 I ventured to church service #2 at my home church. I listened to my best friend deliver the word of God to the elderly population of my home town. The Lord was present at the instance as well. I worked in-between services #2 and #3 recruiting golfers for our golf tournament fundraiser. I had many pleasant conversations and brief moment catch ups but, I had this overwhelming feeling of sadness/remorse that washed over me all at once. I realized that I only have one more Sunday service with all of these people before I leave for a year. That church population is my family and it breaks my heart knowing that I will not see them every week. As I tried to shake my mood I prayed a prayer of comfort. I knew that I kneaded to find a peace and a bit of hope that would let me know it is okay. Right after I prayed that prayer Jefferson Bethke posted this on Facebook, "Don't let anyone steal your joy today. If you got Jesus you got everything." After reading that there was a sense of calm that overwhelmed me. 

I was walking back from the office to the sanctuary for service #3 when I ran into my youth pastor's wife and 4 beautiful daughters. The two youngest ran up to me and gave me the tightest little kid hugs. Then the littlest one, Taylor, grabbed my hand with one of hers and walked with me into the sanctuary to find my seat. She stood in front of me and I wrapped my arms around her as we entered into worship. I prayed that the Lord would open my heart to receive his direction and that I would have no limitations as I worshiped. Then I sang, I sang with all of my heart and so did the whole congregation. I was AMAZED the whole congregation in unison were singing praises to our savior. I was overwhelmed in that moment. Tears came rom nowhere and I hugged Taylor with all of my might and she rested her head on my shoulder. 

After the service I continued to recruit golfers and a mom who's daughter is a part of our youth ministry sauntered over to me and asked me how I was heeling about school and aced for my address. She reassured me that everything would be okay and that she would be there for me at any moment. Then Taylor's sister Riley ran over to me and gave me a big hug and told me that she would miss me next year and then later in her father's office he said the same thing. Jesus showed me that I will not be alone next year and that there are plenty people who are back at home praying for me. 

I am so thankful that the Lord directed me to this church and allowed me to meet these people. I owe so much to MPC Student Ministries for supporting me over the past 7 years and I hope to spend a lifetime giving back. 

Here are some pictures of the precious Taylor(pink) and adorable Riley(white). 

 

This is the newest promo video that I created for MPC Student Ministries.

Loving the little things,

All-i

Festivities

This weekend is my favorite Mukilteo weekend. It is the great Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival! Parades, fudge carving, beer gardens, fireworks, and friends are just a few nuggets that bring me joy. Tonight is the beginning of the festivities down on the water front. There will be food and community gatherings.

Tomorrow is what I am pumped up for. I will break up bright and early for the parades. I will pass out water courtesy of Windermere. When I was but the wee age of 5 I would walk in the children's parades with my chocolate lab, Cocoa. Then the following day I would dress up as a clown with my parents company to pass out balloons. We now have transitioned out of the clown state and balloons to just passing chilled bottles of water. After the parade I will trudge down to the beach in hopes of meeting up with my friends. We will indulge in delicious delicacies and saunter up and down the beach a multitude of times. Then at the end of the evening we will all sit in a heap at the beach and watch the firework show.

It is the little things that bring my heart joy. I hope you are all doing will and I pray that any pain of discomfort, whether it is emotional or physical, will be relinquished/comforted by the Lord.

Talk to ya soon,
All-i Rose

Here is photo of us last year at the festival.

I am 19...

Wow! That sounds weird. I am a 19 year old human being. Jeez I am getting to be a geezer! Just Kidding, kinda.

Today I am going to share 19 little nuggets of wisdom that I have learned during my last 19 years. Enjoy!

1. Being kind never hurts anyone.
2. Use your blinker.
3. Family means everything.
4. You must walk before you can run.
5. Life is hard, but, we are not alone on this journey.
6. As a family you must stick together. Through the good and the bad...
7. The Lord loves you with all of his heart. You were create perfect in his eyes and he longs for a relationship with you. 
8. Lasting relationships take lots of work.
9. It doesn't hurt to take chances.
10. You must love one another with great compassion and you must also be willing to forgive one another.
11. Ask questions and a lot of them.
12. You can do ANYTHING that you set your mind to.
13. Dance as often as possible. It will cure any sadness you may be experiencing.
14. You only have to please yourself.
15. Finances will always be a burden.
16. Cherish the relationships that you make and tell people that you love them, often.
17. Everyone is going through some sort of shit. Most people are not public about their burdens.
18. You have to make a change to see a change.
19. Be weird. Don't  be afraid to be yourself. Don't change who you are to "fit in". You will fit in with your own group if you are who you create yourself to be. 

My brothers and I last year on my birthday. 

We were at my brother Aaron's(blue shirt) wedding rehearsal dinner.

Now I am off to celebrate my day of birth! Love you all and dance a little today... for me:)

-All-i Rose

Responsibilities

In 1 hour and 45 minutes I will officially be 19 years old. I don't know how I feel about it. Last year when I turned 18, an official adult, I didn't feel any different. But, this year, 19, I feel like an adult. I am now aware of the many responsibilities I will have next year, and each year older I get the more responsibilities I will retain. I don't like that... The last 18 years I have been raised in a safe bubble. My finances were paid by my parents. And everything I ever really needed was handed to me. I am not aware that that is not how real life is and that scares me, ALOT!

Yesterday, I couldn't sit and be still. I was mulling over the same thoughts that would bring me to an uncomfortable state of thought. The main questions that I was pondering were:

1. What is the point of being here?
2. How can I make a difference in this world?
3. What will I do for a career?
4. How will I be able to financially support myself in the future?
5. What does the Lord want me to do all about this?

And that last question cleared a lot up for me. The lord doesn't want me to know all of the answers. If I knew all of the answers I would not need him. The only thing that I can do is rely and trust in him. He will provide. He doesn't let his followers go hungry. My primary worry at that moment should have been how my spiritual heath was. Last night, around, 11 pm, I decided to do something. I decided that I needed a change of venue to possibly feel a push from the Lord, or at lease get a little bit of guidance from new individuals who are united with me through Christ. So I looked up the hours of a new church. And then I set my alarm and fell asleep.

This morning I work up at 7 am sharp to go to New Life Four Square Church, and I loved it! It was just what I needed in that moment. The worship music was straight from my heart and the lyrics matched exactly what I was thinking. The pastor was relevant and I was able to follow and retain all that he said. The people were friendly and it gave me hope with having the strength to find a new church next year. After the New Life service I went to Starbuck and read Acts or an hour while sipping on my Skinny Caramel Macchiato. Then at 11 am I went to my regular church service and felt at home. 

The Lord made me realize today that in all I do I must do it for him. If I do that and worship and praise him and most importantly if I proclaim him as my lord and savior, he will direct me and guide me. There is so much in store for me in the future. Each year, as I get older, I must just praise the Lord and thank him for the opportunity to share his gospel and love to this broken world.

Lots on my mind, 

Alli