one week

I leave for my home in Alaska in one week!!!

I've been thinking a lot lately.

I understand that many people say:
"Everything happens for a reason."

True...but it all happens because of the choices we make.

Just because you got burnt doesn't mean it was meant to be that way...maybe you should have not put your hand on the hot stove.

We all make choices and they have direct consequences.

Nothing happens "just because."

Many times, we see the Lord's hand in our lives.

He is there watching over us and guiding us,

but we DO make our own choices.

He will bless us if we choose the right.

I am trying to live a life in which I regret nothing.

I usually avoid all those cliche phrases that Pinterest is pooled with:

"Smile...it irritates those who wish to destroy you."

"Life is like the ocean....every time a wave knocks down your sand castle, you build it up again."

"Do one thing that scares you everyday."

"Sometimes you just have to smile, pretend everything's okay, hold back the tears, and walk away."

But I really want to live my life so that I am happy...more than happy, though...joyous.

So, I am being me.

I am being brave and confident,

willing to always stand up for what I believe!

I want others to see that I am full of joy, as well.

And I want others to feel that joy.

I admit, many things get me down.

Sometimes I don't feel pretty.

who doesn't?

Sometimes I get really frustrated with sloppy people.

Sometimes I am sad because people lie.

Sometimes I am frustrated because my room is so messy.

Sometimes I am angry because people boss me around.

Sometimes I get upset because I have zits.

All the time, I miss my family.

But, it was my mama's birthday a couple weeks ago, 

and it is my papa's birthday TODAY!

I love them so much and am thankful for how great they are!

I'm blessed with such amazing parents.