Monday, December 16

On Love

Now, now. I know several of you probably saw the title of this and freaked out. To those of you who just had a similar knee-jerk reaction to that of Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice upon hearing that Mr. Bingley is coming to town ("It is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.") I offer a hearty "pooh pooh" and tell you: CALM YOURSELVES.

This post is not going to be about falling in love. Check back in about thirty-five years for that one. (Sorry to disappoint.)

I've been hearing a lot about loving other people lately, from people who differ greatly in age, belief, personality, etc... So I just thought I would briefly offer some musings on the subject of love.

At Bible Conference at the college this spring, there was a speaker who talked about Calvary love, which loves in spite of all our shortcomings, and how this is the type of love that we should show in our lives. We love because love is of God and He first loved us, and we love unconditionally because that's how God does it.

Something that actually really convicted me about loving people was reading old letters from my cousin Sara. She was only about six years old, but what she said to me then really touched my heart reading it over again. (I'm going to change it just a little because the grammar and spelling is a little difficult to understand)

"I love you so much since you love me so much. Mommy loves you too for that card. Do you like this? Send your card to me and I will be happy. Will you be happy too? I hope you will be happy.  PJ loves you too. Philip loves you too, and Joshua and Caleb too, and Daddy and Mommy too.
The two best things are Jesus and love."

And in another one...

"Are you loving people?
I hope you are."

Sara's letters made me realize that I definitely have not been truly loving people. When you read her letters, you can tell that she was absolutely obsessed with other people - loving them, making them happy, putting them first. Seeing a little girl (albeit an extraordinary little girl) with so much capacity for love made me wonder how much more I should be able to love now. 

It's not always easy. People won't always love you back. (And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love -Ps. 109:5

But God so loved the world. The whole world. I think I can at least try to love the folks in my little piece of it.

Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7)

Sunday, December 8

On Puns

I like puns, most of the time. I think deep down, everyone has an attraction to cleverness that we can't really ignore. Maybe that's why so many people groan at puns (even good ones).

THEY LOVE IT AND THEY CAN'T HELP THAT THEY LOVE IT AND THEY HATE THAT THEY CAN'T HELP LOVING IT.

People are weird like that. We like to control ourselves and not being able to control something like loving puns deep down in our soul is uncomfortable.

Even though puns are a pretty basic form of humor, they are not completely ridiculous. Trust me, I have a diagram. Sort of. And everybody knows diagrams grant instant credibility.

I went all Aristotle on you all this time and actually organized and defined several different types of humor and arranged them by ridiculousness. The lower they are on the list, the more ridiculous.

The first and lowest form of humor is also my brother's favorite: anything crude. Yes, I know that various bodily sounds are funny - SOMETIMES - but how much thought does it take to make a joke around them? Not much. So even though this type of humor may be funny, it is certainly the most ridiculous.

The next type is actually divided into two sub-types: knock-knock jokes and puns. Since many knock-knock jokes are actually puns, I thought it was appropriate to combine them. After all, a pun is a play on words, so "Knock knock! Who's there? Etch. Etch who? Gesundheit!" is a type of pun. However, I also think that knock-knock jokes are a lower type of humor even than puns, so they do come below puns. Puns are defined as jokes that exploit the different meanings of a word. And they are fun.

As for the highest form of humor, that remains undecided. For a while I considered sarcasm, but to an extent sarcasm is just being mean under the guise of a humorous quip. (Which is partially why it's so much fun) Being mean is something that most people can do quite easily, and consequently doesn't require much thought, so sarcasm is not the highest form. Another type I considered was those irritatingly long jokes written as epic poems or novels or encyclopedias, but those bug me so much that I couldn't handle thinking about them long enough to classify them. Since this classification of humor is a work in progress, perhaps I'll have another post for you later, but since it is not yet complete, I'll just show you my instantly credible diagram and go study for finals. (It's amazing what I accomplish when I need to be doing something else, yes?)

Meredith's Typology


??

SARCASM

PUNS/KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES

C R U D E    J O K E S

Wednesday, December 4

Messes of Pottage

My dog is not too brilliant. (If you've been unlucky enough to meet her, you know that quite well.)

So the other day, Mom had this huge bone left over from a roast she made. And because we love Grace in spite of her selfishness and stupidity, we let her have the bone so she could chew on it or something like that. Now although Grace has the mentality of a Great Dane, she is most definitely just a quivering little Cocker Spaniel who could hardly hurt a fly. She did almost no damage to that huge bone. Honestly I think she just liked having something to put in her mouth.

But she loved that thing.

She guarded that thing, too.

We found her randomly holed up with the bone in her crate after we gave it to her, and whenever we got too close, she would growl and bare her teeth at us. (Obviously she never learned that sharing is caring.)

We decided to let her just stay in there for a little. We figured eventually she would get bored and come out. But there she stayed, all morning, with a bone she had no clue what to do with, but felt she had to protect. Finally I pulled out her leash in an attempt to coax her out. She almost came, but for some reason felt that her useless bone was worth forfeiting a walk, her favorite thing in her entire doggy world.

I can see the total stupidity of her decision because she's my dog. But I do the same thing with my God. Rather than abandoning the corruptible things of this world for God's eternal riches, I stubbornly cling to my messes of pottage, only focusing on what satisfies my worldly lusts. God is offering me the best gifts imaginable, but I'm too busy chewing on my bone to walk with Him. If I would just look to Jesus, I would see that these things have no value compared to what He has laid up for those who diligently seek Him.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Wednesday, November 20

Randomness is fun - like glitter

Guys. Be warned. This is a post merely for posting's sake and I really have no idea what I'm going to say. It could get ugly.

Maybe we'll pretend I'm important for a while. That will be fun.

Okay, close your eyes and imagine that I'm a famous movie star/author/talk show host/comedian/chef/who even cares honestly. Just imagine that I'm somebody who's somebody instead of being me. All anybody wants to do is know what I'm listening to, watching, etc... Here we go!!

What I'm listening to: The Moldau (from Ma Vlast) by Bedrich Smetana; Christmas music from Charlotte Church, Straight No Chaser, and Josh Groban; and as always, movie soundtracks. Scads of classical music is a given for me.

What I'm watching: The usual Jane Austen era movies like Persuasion (which I watch at least four times a month), Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth or Matthew MacFayden?), Wives and Daughters (Roger is wonderful), etc... We're also watching Sherlock again, yay. I'm a fan of anything that makes me laugh, so I rarely say no to Spongebob. Musicals are nearly always acceptable as well.

Bored yet? Me too. Let's keep going.

What I'm reading: Although I'm really very bad at actually finishing books, I start reading lots, so currently I'm plugging away at The Disappearing Spoon, which is all about chemistry and such, Pride and Prejudice, which I've been reading for like the last three years, and The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict. It's written by the same author who did the Mysterious Benedict Society books, which I loved.

But now I have run out of stuff to pretend you all want to know about me. Plus it's lunchtime, and quite frankly, food beats words in my book. (My book must be a cookbook)

Fare thee well, my dear readers.

Wednesday, November 6


I did an adventure...

Those of you who know me pretty well know that I can be a little tentative to try things that I've never experienced before and don't know anything about.
But I kind of did just that a couple weeks ago.
The fair was in town.
And I went, my friends, oh yes, I did.
Now I'll admit, I was a little nervous. The closest thing I'd ever done to going on funky rides and stuff was something like this:
Yeah...I think that's a little more my speed.
Nonetheless, I sucked it up (after all, my friends were there and I have a reputation to uphold, yo) and after popping some Dramamine, I hopped on the first ride, which was pretty much a glorified swingset.
And I loved it.
I could say some sappy stuff about how it felt like I was flying (cuz I kind of was) or how the wind felt delightful in my hair (it was making a mess of it, actually), but honestly, I don't want to. It was just super cool.
I also got to do bumper cars. It was actually my first time operating any sort of motor vehicle other than a bicycle, and I was so tickled that I laughed hysterically the entire time. (Also awesome)
So from then on I pretty much rode every ride I could get on. I also got to watch a gorgimous sunset from about a hundred feet up on this thing.....

It was quite a memorable experience. 
I rode one ride that was supposed to be huge and scary but, uh... wasn't, and also a ride that was supposed to be sort of relaxing but made me fear for my life and scream and cry. (Yes, I screamed and cried and cursed the progeny of some of the ride operators in my terror)
Honestly though, the scariest thing I did at the fair wasn't a ride. It was when I took a visit to the public restrooms.
Now that was frightening and psychologically scarring.
I rode a lot of awesome rides, ate some yummy food, saw some funny looking animals, and mostly just enjoyed spending time with good friends.

So let's just say that the fair was a good adventure, and I think I'd rather like to go again next year.

Wednesday, October 30

On the Sunrise

The sunrise this morning was beautiful.

And while I was sitting watching it (because the natural thing to do at 6 AM is to curl up with your fuzzy blanket, open your blinds, and watch the day begin), I had a thought.

You know how all artists have a personal trademark or defining style? Like something to say "This work is mine, and I'm proud of it." Even though each piece of art may be different, that same style or trademark is always evident.

So isn't it the same with God's creations?

That sunrise was a work of art. You are a work of art. Every person, animal, and plant in this world is a unique work of art.

Now I don't start off the day looking beautiful, radiant, and sporting various vivid colors. (Those of you unlucky few who've seen me fresh out of a peaceful slumber know I look anything but.) But because I share a common Creator with that sunrise, the glorious trademark of that Creator is with me, too. Some part of the stunning beauty of that sunrise, no matter how small, I carry with me everywhere. God leaves His trademark on all of His creations. The heavens declare the glory of God, and so should we as Christians. It's my prayer that the trademark of God will be impossible to miss in my life.

So isn't that kind of cool little thoughtful thing to think about during thoughtful thinking time?

Personally, I liked my sunrise better, but this one is pretty stinking adorable, too.

Friday, October 11

I was playing my Phantom of the Opera soundtrack with great conviction (meaning loudly)

Audrey: THIS IS THE BEST OPERA EVER!!!!! *dancing*


I'm not sure whether to be proud or cry...

Tuesday, October 8

Sunday, October 6

On Gideon

I'm a girl.

Yeah, shocker, right?

Since I'm a girl, when I study the Bible, I have a tendency to ignore the guys and just focus on the girls (sorry, guys) There are lots of cool guys to study in the Bible, don't get me wrong, but Ruth, Esther, Rahab, Mary, Deborah, and all those awesome chicks have been there for me through thick and thin. But today in Sunday School we had a lesson about a guy that I really, really appreciated. It kind of stuck in my brain and is something I can apply to my life. Naturally, I will share.

Gideon was kind of like me. He wanted to do something great for God, and he loved the idea of it, but when the time came that God was ready to use him, he kind of chickened out and had to be babied along. Those of you who know me know that a lot of times I have really good ideas and plans, and I'm going to be amazing and adventurous and save the day, and then I wimp out and depress us all.

Anywho, here are a few random lessons I learned from Gideon.

We all know the story about how Gideon was called to deliver the Israelites from Midian. (If that's not ringing a bell, why don't you go enjoy Judges chapters six and seven?) So Gideon found out that God was giving him something he really wanted - a chance to serve. And what does he do?

He asks God for a sign that this was truly the Lord's will.

So God gives him one.

And then what does he do?

He asks for another sign.

I do this a lot. Because I'm WEIRD, I actually don't have much trouble trusting God through hard times. Oddly enough, it's when it actually starts to look like God is giving me what I asked for that I freak out. I think that surely I'm not going to get this thing I wanted and I try not to get excited because I know that I'm just going to lose whatever it is as soon as I start to think it's really mine. But that's not how God wants us to live. NO GOOD THING will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. We don't need to be asking for signs. Just trust that God will give you the desires of your heart.

Lesson number two: Don't be a chicken. When Gideon finally started leading his army to battle, and God was telling him to send people home, the first people to go were the people who were afraid. God can't use people who are going to be scared all the time. Only be strong and very courageous.

One last thing, which kind of goes back to the first one, follow through on your commitments. Gideon got what he wanted and was about to save Israel. Aaaand he got nervous again and was freaking out like "Oh my worrrrrd! The Midianites have like, a gazillion guys and we only have like threee hundred!!! We are soo dead!!! Oh my worrrd what am I gonna do?? I don't even knoowwww!"

Seriously, bro?

So God told Gideon to go down into the camp of the Midianites, which he did, and Gideon overhears these Midianite soldiers discussing a dream one of them had. He says that he dreamed that their camp was destroyed by like... bread or something, and one of his buddies is like "Well, we're dead." And then Gideon is comforted and ready to go conquer them.
Isn't that kind of sad, though? He literally was told like five times by the omnipotent God that He would deliver Midian into his hands. And he's freaking out and has to go get comfort from his enemies.

What?

Don't do that. Trust God. Trust Him, trust Him, trust Him.

And then Gideon conquered Midian (in a somewhat humorous turn of events) and they all lived happily ever after, until the Israelites decided to forsake their God and turn to worshiping idols again, which was a brilliant idea and doesn't exactly make for a great ending.

NONETHELESS, remember this lesson from the story of Gideon who conquered Midian:  Don't be afraid to step out and take what God has given to you.

Thursday, October 3

Mom told me she's going to give me credit on my high school transcript for my blog because I've put so much work into it.

And I just laughed, because duh. It doesn't count as work since it was all fun.

Tuesday, October 1

Teehee... Mobius pop. xD

Monday, September 30

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.
O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.
He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.
Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
But we bless the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the LORD.

Psalm 115

Friday, September 27

Thursday, September 19

On Time

Time is a sneaky little imp, isn't she?

When I was four, I was sure that I'd never make it to the first graders' Sunday School class on the second floor.
When I was nine, I was convinced I would never see the day when I would turn ten and reach the glorious double-digits.
When I was in eighth grade, I knew that surely I would never actually get to high school. (I'm still mentally stuck in eighth grade, though. When people ask me what grade I'm in I'm like, "Uh....")
And now, here I am, a junior in high school, positive that graduation day will never come.

Compared to some people, I'm basically a baby. Despite that, fifteen years is long enough to have noticed a thing or two about time.

First, I've learned that time does fly when you're having fun. It may not always seem to be speeding along, but once the good times are through and you're back to plugging away at everyday necessaries, you realize just how short those good times are. Enjoy them while they last. Ecclesiastes 3 says this: "I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."

Second is that time is a terrible schizophrenic. One moment she's slower than a herd of turtles slogging through peanut butter, and the next she's charging ahead at blinding speed. Who even knows what time is? Is she a sunset? Or a walk on the beach? Maybe even a batch of cookies? Can she even be truly, accurately quantified? Time is similar to the verse in James that says that life is a vapour. It appears for a short time, and then vanishes.

The third thing I've learned is that giving a situation time and waiting on the Lord can do monumental things. I know that my natural desire when something is going wrong is for control. But I don't have any clue what I'm doing. That would be like me trying to grab the steering wheel from my mom while we're driving. She's been driving for thirty years, and goodness knows she drives me all up and down creation. I have no reason not to trust her to do it right. Why in the world would we try to take the steering wheel from our omnipotent God? We need to just calm down, give our situation to God, and trust His judgment and timing. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." And again in Ecclesiastes, "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time."

I don't claim to know much of anything, and these are just my personal observations and thoughts stemming from those observations. I may be way off-target, and that's okay. I have plenty of time to figure out the great mystery that is time.

Wednesday, September 18

When I check my phone three times in ten minutes and have no texts...

Monday, September 16

On College Professors

I'm like actually giggling just thinking about writing this post... It's going to be too much fun.

I have been dual enrolling at Pensacola State for about a month now, so I've gotten pretty used to the way my teachers teach, test, and grade. And even better than all that businessy jazz, being me, I've found something humorous about each of them.

(I'm also going to use Rate my Professor to help me write this post, simply because I think that it's absolutely hysterical what other people say about my current teachers. I shan't name names, but maybe you'll know some of them anyway.)
I shall now tell you about my algebra teacher.
First of all, just understand that he is awesome. He's like the coolest ever (for a math teacher). He somehow manages to make his class fun, which boggles my mind, and I just sit there like
Yeah. It's pretty legit. Plus, he has an awesome beard and looks like Jeffery Dallas.

Next I think I'll talk about my American government professor. He comes to class every day decked out like he's heading off to Hawaii. He starts talking, and an hour and fifteen minutes later, he stops talking, and you'd better have written everything he said down. One student said that he "has a script of the entire history of the world memorized."

Next is my music appreciation teacher. At first glance, she looks like a sweet, kind old lady who plays the piano for her sad little Baptist church. But then she starts talking, and you learn that she is a past Navy officer with zero tolerance for rule breakers and high expectations. And when she sits down at the piano, she plays funky spunky chunky monkey jazz with high energy. So for her I say simply this: looks can be deceiving.

And now my English Comp I teacher.
He's super cool.
He's like fifteen minutes late to class all the time, which is fine by me because I get to sit and read and laugh inwardly at my apelike classmates. 
He never lets out less than twenty minutes early. 
I was really expecting to hate him, namely because of this review: "omg professor [name deleted to protect the innocent and also because this genius spelled it incorrectly] is a horrible teacher he is very confusing when he assigns papers then he turns around and grades like a nazi. i didnt learn anything and he needs to help the students that ask for it. i would never suggest taking him unless u love to write and can write super well right off the bat because otherwise u will b in the hole :("
Ooh, and here's another good one: "I would tell anyone that like the subject english not to take Mr. [Goodness people, his name is not that difficult to spell] He does not explain things to you well. I will say that he is a pretty funny man, but thats all I could say about him."
I don't know why I listened to those reviews in the first place, since they were obviously from very credible sources who would do well in an English class and know the difference between a "Nazi" teacher and someone who has expectations of his students... Totally.
This is my favorite class now.


My conclusion: College professors are an odd, widely-varied species which will never be fully understood or explained.

Friday, September 13

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalm 16:8-11

Wednesday, September 11


Randomness

I'm weird.
I don't know how this happened, but it's true.

(I also wonder when it is that being weird became some badge of honor rather than a disgrace)

There are a lot of random things I randomly do/think/say/shouldn't randomly say, that make me the randomly random person that I randomly am, so naturally, I'M GONNA TELL YOU GUYS.

Top 10 Random Things About Me
1. I can go from really super quiet to REALLY SUPER LOUD AND SPASTIC in about 2.78 seconds.
2. I positively despise white chocolate. I think it's a disgrace to humanity and the good name of chocolate.
3. I say "Your face" in situations where it really doesn't apply at all, simply because it's become a knee-jerk reaction.
4. I am incredibly obsessed with Jane Austen movies, and particularly the romantic interests of the female protagonists. (i.e. Mr. Darcy, Captain Wentworth -AAAH- etc..)
5. I'm ridiculously paranoid about crossing the street. It takes me like half an hour to get across a fifteen foot crosswalk.
6. I don't like hot drinks.
7. I am against white mint chocolate chip ice cream. It must be green, or it doesn't taste right.
8. I am very easily startled by bugs, people, phones, potato chips, dogs, hats, sheet music, doors, backpacks, trees, glasses, lotion, water, frisbees, flowers, and did I mention bugs? I don't like bugs...
9. I'm kind of obsessed with the way things smell. My room has about fourteen different air fresheners (okay, two), I do happy dances over my body spray, and I immediately flip over any guy wearing a decent cologne.
10. I laugh loud, long, and a lot. (But most of you probably knew this already)
11. I'm not good with numbers.

HERE'S A RANDOM PICTURE OKAY BAI

Friday, September 6

Engines

In my Drivers Ed course.

Which mechanical part or feature listed in Module 9 do you think is most important?
I think the most important part is the engine.
Why is that particular part or feature so important?
The car can't be driven if the engine is not functioning properly.
How do you benefit from that part or feature?
If the engine is working right, I can drive the car, which is always a plus when driving.

I pity the person who has to grade my work...

Thursday, September 5

My Adventure

Today I realized a terrible realization to realize.
I forgot to post about my trip to Ohio.

*Dun dun dun duuunnnn* 
(It's funny because the opening line of Beethoven's 5th was like code for victory during World War II or something like that.)

But I have tons of pictures and all kinds of commentary that you guys don't want to see or hear, so naturally - I MUST POST!

 For every gorgeous family picture we have, I can guarantee that there are twelve just like this. At first we couldn't figure out how Geoffrey managed to look so serene while the rest of us were being blinded, but then we noticed that his eyes are completely closed. And yup. This is my family.
 This is the kitten that had adopted my Aunt Elaine. She slunk around outside, attacking various shrubs and waiting for food. (She was appropriately named Precious)
 I really missed the pink sunsets we've been having in Pensacola, but Ohio sunsets aren't so bad.
 The lake was maybe twenty feet from the house where we were staying, which was nice. Aunt Elaine had a huge window on one side of her house (it was almost the size of a whole wall) so we could sit in the living room and see this beautiful view.
 And of course, Cameron found a way to play video games...
 I honestly just got incredibly lucky with this shot. We were driving and I knew there was about a two percent chance that I would be able to get a decent photo coming around the corner in our van. So I stuck my camera out the window, crossed my fingers, and shot.
My camera loves me. x)
 Uh.
 One of the best things about playing photographer is when you get those shots that just really capture someone's personality.
This is definitely one of those shots.
 Yes, guys, it really was as picturesque as it looks. It was incredible.

 Another one of those personality shots. This is one of my favorite photos ever.

 This is pretty much what everything looked like along the roads in Ohio (unless it was a cornfield)
 Getting ready to head underground at Ohio Caverns! It was a cool trip, although it was somewhat monotonous looking at wet rocks the whole time...

 My beautimous little sister. <3



Ahahaha.... I'm picking on Dad and he doesn't know it....
 My pool buddy. I think we won...maybe?
 We employ extremely strict technique. This has been practiced for hours and is a complex art that takes years to perfect.

Now I could have posted tons and tons of photos from underground in the Ohio Caverns, but it really would have been pointless. Everything looked pretty much like this. It was interesting, but nothing particularly spectacular, and thusly not worthy of four thousand pictures when one will suffice.

So yeah! Those were a few of my favorites. Because I know that your interest in my life is somewhat limited as a general rule, I have mercifully stopped there. If you want to see them all and hear the long, boring narrative which accompanies, feel free to stop by (and bring a cantaloupe or something)

Monday, September 2

Passing Storms

I think I like storms.

I can say that now, sitting at the computer in the cozy, dry warmth of my home, looking out at the world all fresh and green and clean-smelling. The sun is reflecting its golden light off the water droplets which adorn everything in sight. The plants have all perked up, refreshed by the rain.

I can say that now that I see why the storm was necessary and good. But in the midst of the noise and chaos of the thunderstorm, I can't say that I always like storms. (Especially when they mess up my iPod so I can't hear my music)

Isn't it like that in our lives sometimes, though? When friends move away, when you can't have something you wanted, when you feel like you aren't doing anything right - these are our storms. It's hard to see through the initial pain how any good can come of it. But God brings these storms into our lives to bring us closer to Him and refine us, so we may come forth beautiful as gold in the end. When trials seem to come endlessly, that's when we need Christ the most.

This morning I was really worrying about something that came up suddenly. A little later I was being driven home from a friend's house (still with a heavy heart), and I wasn't really paying attention to the various conversations in the car, but the lady driving us said something about the weather and mentioned that it was "just a passing storm." That comment, though not aimed towards me or my situation, reminded me that God makes all things beautiful in His time, even if it takes a storm to do it.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:25, "The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." It may not make any sense to us how we can make it through our storms or why they're there, but God knows, and past that, it doesn't really matter. We're just supposed to trust His promise that He would give us nothing in our lives that we can't overcome.

In Christ, we have nothing to fear from the passing storms of life, and we know that when they're over, we'll see the beauty that He realized all along.


Sunday, September 1

At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it?-- Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant to step the Ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never!--All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with a Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years. At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide. 
         -Abraham Lincoln, 1838

Tuesday, August 20

Another morning and I wake with thirst
for the goodness I do not have. I walk
out to the pond and all the way God has given us such beautiful lessons. Oh Lord,
I was never a quick scholar but sulked
and hunched over my books past the hour
and the bell; grant me, in your mercy,
a little more time. Love for the earth
and love for you are having such a long
conversation in my heart. Who knows what
will finally happen or where I will be sent,
yet already I have given a great many things
away, expecting to be told to pack nothing,
except the prayers which, with this thirst,
I am slowly learning.

                 - Thirst, Mary Oliver

Monday, August 19

On trusting God

I think my friends all hate me these days. I always used to freak out to them about everything: school, friends, guys, my hair, sour milk - everything.

And now, I'm learning to trust God. And I've hardly a care in the world (The exception being my upcoming algebra class. I'm scared silly about that.) because duh. Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world. (I know that He who is in me is greater than whatever mysteries are contained in the wonderful world of algebra, too. I'm working on really trusting Him even with that.) Nothing can pluck me from His hand.

In other words: God ain't gonn let nothin hurt you, hun.

Since I've started trusting God and surrendered myself to His will for me, things have been so very different, I hardly believe it's all real. I've been blessed beyond what I could possibly imagine. I've been given crazy opportunities that I've never had before. I've made wonderful friends I would never have expected.

But I've lost some things, too. I've had to give up activities and interests that I truly enjoyed. I've lost some opportunities that seemed oh so appealing. I've lost some friends that I thought would be with me forever. It's hard to give up the things of this life. God didn't say it would be easy. But it will be worth it.

God seems to have fun surprising me more and more with the amazing things He has for me. It's crazy whacked out that I'm so blessed, because I don't deserve any of what I have. It's true that every day with God is an adventure. I never saw it so evident in my life before.


Change is one of those potentially scary, unavoidable things in life (like death and taxes). It can be intimidating to think of leaving your comfortable overstuffed sofas and root beer float world to venture into the unexplored who-knows-where, but God has promised to be with us all the way.

So really, what is there to be afraid of?
"This book has pores. It has features. This book can go under the microscope. You'd find life under the glass, streaming past in infinite profusion. The more pores, the more truthfully recorded details of life per square inch you can get on a sheet of paper, the more 'literary' you are. That's my definition, anyway. Telling detail. Fresh detail. The good writers touch life often. The mediocre ones run a quick hand over her. The bad ones rape her and leave her for the flies. So now do you see why books are hated and feared? They show the pores in the face of life. The comfortable people want only wax moon faces, poreless, hairless, expressionless. We are living in a time when flowers are trying to live on flowers, instead of growing on good rain and black loam. Even fireworks, for all their prettiness, come from the chemistry of the earth. Yet somehow we think we can grow, feeding on flowers and fireworks, without completing the cycle back to reality. Do you know the legend of Hercules and Antaeus, the giant wrestler, whose strength was incredible so long as he stood firmly on the earth? But when he was held, rootless, in midair, by Hercules, he perished easily. If there isn't something in that legend for us today, in this city, in our time, then I am completely insane."
-from Fahrenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury)

Sunday, August 11

Road Trip Survival Guide

Hey everybody! Guess what?

I'm going on an adventure!

Please tell me you read that in a Bilbo voice....

I'm actually smack dab in the middle of my adventure. Right now I'm in Tennessee, and tomorrow we'll continue on to Ohio. I honestly don't know what in the world we're doing  up there, or why we're going, but I'm told that at some point, we'll be going in a cave. (Auto-win!) 
I suppose right now things aren't very adventurous, since I'm sitting on a hotel bed, covered in blankets, sipping my Arizona tea and watching Duck Dynasty. (AND writing a blog post, because I'm just awesome like that.)

No, not exactly adventurous.

But they will be adventurous. Probably. Maybe.
Now. Since I'm in Tennessee, obviously I'm not in Pensacola. And that means that somehow, I got from Pensacola to Tennessee. And that's part of the adventure.

I rode in a van with five other people for eight hours. And lived to tell the tale (at least I have so far)
Road trips with your family can be challenging, but I've been on enough of them that I consider myself a sort of expert. Here are my tips on how to survive those delightful family road trips.

1. Headphones are invaluable when it comes to traveling with your family, particularly if you have younger siblings who have a tendency to be...vocal. I hope it goes without saying that you should also have good music to accompany your headphones. (Like Liszt's piano concertos)
2. Poptarts, just because Poptarts make things better. Always.
3. Books, simply because books are stinking awesome. They can keep you occupied for nearly indefinite periods of time, provided that you bring substantial literature.
4. Ideally, come into the trip slightly exhausted, so you can sleep. And sleep. And maybe sleep some more.

This is my fool proof method to survive long car trips. You can bet that I'll be the one zoned out in the back seat. And I'll be loving it.

Aren't you guys proud of me for writing a post while I'm gone? I'm hoping to get some pictures while we're up here, and if I get any good ones, I'll post some. 

Oh, and by the way, the sunsets are much prettier in Pensacola than they are here. 

Friday, August 9

My Life in a Top 10 List

I was sitting here with a blank expression, staring at the computer screen and wondering why there were no words appearing in the box.

"WHY THE WORDS NO COME OF THEIR OWN ACCORD?"

Oops.

A peek into the mind of Meredith.

I have another top ten list for you guys. I think I've done this one before, but it kind of changes based on what's going on in my life, so.....

TOP TEN THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR - Take 2

1. God. It sounds kind of cliched, I'll admit it, but it's true. God has been very busy blessing me lately, and I am so thankful for His love and grace.
2. People. There are so many people in my life who have been a great encouragement to me this year, and they are more dear to me than I could ever tell them.
3. Cheeseburgers. Just cuz...well duh.
4. Music
5. Air conditioning. This is one of those things where you don't really appreciate it until it's gone. And ours was gone for about four days this week, and let me tell you, I appreciate it now.
6. Art
7. Vacuum cleaners
8. Shorts
9. My camera
10. Iced tea. Preferably minty iced tea. One of the simple things in life that makes me happy.

I'm chuckling as I read back over that list, because it really does sum up my entire life pretty perfectly. That's what I'm all about.

Here's a random picture of a baby that I think would be my spirit animal if I had a spirit animal, or if it was an animal.

Wednesday, August 7

Summer Memories #3 - Special camp edition

I went to camp again. It was fun. It was educational. I miss it desperately.
I did a lot of things I didn't really expect to do, too. 
I freaked out and dove into the bushes (not my fault...)
I made record time getting to dinner after rehearsal.
I played pool and didn't kill anyone (although my dignity did kind of take a hit)
I taught a complete musical illiterate to play the opening of the Super Mario theme (a surprisingly fulfilling experience) 
Okay, enough talking, on to the pictures. ;)
 This is the choir, which was AMAZING this year. I think the addition of the voice department really helped us out; we had some really good singers this year. (I was not one of them) And of course, we have a wonderful director, Mr. Owens.
 This woman is spectacular, magnificent, one in a million, talented beyond belief, motivating, inspiring, etc... It was a huge privilege to have a short time to learn from her.
 Of course, I was bored and since I was totally overwhelmed with this piece at the time, I decided to go all artistic in the practice room instead of practicing (a genius idea, I know... "I can't play this piece so instead of practicing LET'S TAKE PICTURES!!!! HAHAHA!!")
 This is my wonderful roommate/camp mom/forever best friend from Virginia, Jessica. She was always there to encourage me, fix my hair, lend me her shorts so I could go play outside...she is amazing and I love her. <3
 Two of mah gurls all dressed up funny for tacky Tuesday!
 More tacky Tuesday people. It's hilarious to see people's reactions.
 Me and Bekah! I was so glad she came for drama camp! Since we were both there for one of the brooding artist type camps, we got to see each other a lot! I love her! <3
 Do you see this child right here? He is the reason that I got scared and dove in the bushes. He is a meanie head. But also cool.
 We were being bad and getting photographic documentation of what a wonderful job our counselors do. ;) Seriously though, the counselors are all amazing. I think they must be super-people, because they do all the things they do on little to no sleep, and they put up with our antics and don't generally bite our heads off. It's awesome.
 Because I had the wonderful opportunity to play with the orchestra, I got to sit backstage and misbehave during orchestra rehearsals (as opposed misbehaving in the audience) I had a little too much fun with that...
 Also had a little bit too much fun with this guy. (Connor/Timothy/Nerd Boy/who even knows what this guy's name is?)
The gorgeous roses I got after the concert. I loved them. x)
 Me and Mo, who, simply put, is the coolest counselor ever. So is AJ. So is KiKi. So is Dylan. So is Kayla. So is Suzanne. So is Dylan (who is the lion to AJ's puppy...)
Me and the Barbosas, who come from Brazil every year to work with the orchestra. They were so much fun to work with and I'm so glad I got that opportunity this year.

So yeah! That was camp! And of course there were other things that I didn't feel like writing (because I am a terrible, lazy blogger) but that is the gist of it! I suppose I'll have another random post up soon, probably, maybe. I don't really know.