Over the past year, God has dealt with me like He's never dealt with me before. I felt convicted about the relationships in my life (social status, friends, etc.) but wasn't willing to give any of that up. God still continued to deal with me and convict me about those things. Finally I just talked to God about it because I was angry. "God why are you asking me to sacrifice people and things in my life that are benefitting me and making me a better person? I don't understand what I'm doing wrong, I don't know if I'm ready to let those things go." But then I realized something. God didn't want to give up his only son as a sacrifice for all mankind, it was a horrible thing. But he did. Because His love for us is everlasting, never-failing, and never-ending. Surely, if God gave up His son to die for us on a rugged cross, surely I can sacrifice the people in my life that I'm putting above Him; so I did. I gave up social media, I gave up those relationships that weren't worth risking my relationship with God because anything you put before our God is an idol. It was the hardest thing I think I ever had to do because, like I said, I wasn't ready to cut ties and give up those things, but no person, no thing will ever be worthy enough. But God is. Which brings me to my main idea. This Sunday, October 9th, I was rededicated and baptized by my community group leaders, my sisters in Christ, and best friends, at a church I feel welcome in and I love. The water was cold as ice and a pleasant breeze is not as pleasant when you're soaking wet, however my friends and parents were on the very front row with beaming smiles and everything was so perfect. I cannot wait to walk on this long life journey with God holding my hand and leaning not on my own understanding but His word and direction alone. On the contrary, trusting God with everything in you is easier said then done. We humans want to always be in control of our lives but the truth is, it's already planned out perfectly and it took me this far in my life journey to finally realize that I cant always be in control of my life and how things pan out because according to God's plan, it already is. I am so overwhelmed with happiness, the love and support of my friends and family, a merciful God, and a wonderful life. I not only want to share this milestone in my life with my close friends and family, but I want to share this moment with everyone I know because I am not ashamed and I encourage everyone to just give all you have to God because He is our one true love and no one, no thing shall or will ever be put before Him.
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1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
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