Friday, January 25, 2013

If there's a will, there's a way!

Another week almost done! Can't believe how fast January is going by, and February is almost here. I'm excited for a new week to start, a new month to begin and another year of awesomeness! Everyday is a gift, so I've been searching for good in each day. Some days it's hard, but I know good is still always there. 
This week hasn't been the best for me, but people have been so gracious. The Lord has been so faithful that I have no reason not be thankful for all of my days. 

This week has been full of school, work, laughs, the bible, some stress, meeting with people/professors, and loving people. School this term; as of right now; hasn't been too crazy. Week three has just past, so we will see how the rest of it goes. Projects are starting up with due dates, and I am still in the process of solving my problem with how much longer I have in school. In all honesty I won't probably be done for another two years, that's how I feel things are going. I am fine with that. There is a greater plan for me, one that I am not in control of. I will be filling out the education program application this week, and I am hoping I can get it all complete without a huge hassle.
 
The rest of my week has been an adventure. I was finally able to get some random things done that needed to get done. File my taxes, complete my Fafsa, register for Praxis i Reading basic skills test, go to the dentist; all the great things that come with being an adult. Yesterday I went to the dentist and got two fillings. Man was my mouth numb! If I had taken a picture I would post it. Guess I'll to remember and do that Friday since I am getting two more fillings done. Little stressful getting all of that done, but it needs to be done. 

Now there is today. I had stuff I thought needed to get done, but there was another plan for me. Thankfully I have awesome resources and people in my life that the day wasn't all that bad. It started with a working driving car. (And this will be the short version, just because I don't feel the need to leave every single detail.) I had class, worked out, then came back home to drive it again. As I went to start my car, it turned on, but wouldn't turn over. Starting making some phone calls, and with great luck I was able to call AAA and have someone from Independence come to my house to and jump start my car battery. I was able to drive where I needed to and was told to drive around for twenty minutes to charge my battery. I get home, (and I have had my share of car troubles, including the battery) turn my car off, then think I should try to turn it on again. Battery. Completely dead. Now I am trying to figure out what to do. AAA guy comes back over, tests my battery and it's overall bad. After many phones calls and figuring out what to do, I am able to borrow a roommates car and drive to exchange my battery for a new one! After about 7 hours of battery trouble I have a running car! :) The moral of my little life story is if there is a will, there is a way. The AAA guy was so great. I had talked to him earlier to see if he could put my car battery in. Because in all honesty I had no idea how. I got home tonight, and he put my battery in around 7, and then my car runs. The thing that touched me the most is how genuine he was. (If you know me, I like to talk and tell stories. I'm the type to make conversation if you are in my presence. So earlier today I told AAA guy, oh his name is Steve. I told Steve that I needed my car because I have a test tomorrow in Portland.) As Steve was leaving my house, I said, "Thank you so much for coming over three times today. Have a great night." He replies with, "Good luck on your test." Alright, so I go inside and my eyes start to well up. He didn't have to say that or remember that I had a test, but it's the fact that he did. 

God makes good in all circumstances. I could have made my whole situation terrible, and wonder why this happened to me. I decided against that. I decided that I need to rely on other people other and learn that life isn't going to be easy. When things seem to be going really well, it's ok to have a bad day here and there. It's really what you make of it overall. So tomorrow is a really important day. At Western we are required to take tests for education (that sadly we have to pay lots of money for). Tomorrow I am taking a test that I have already failed once, and I lack in that area. Prayers for that welcomed and appreciated, among other things as well!

I don't get to talk to a lot of people everyday, so this is my way of journaling and letting out what I need to be said. And a way for the people who want to know what it going on with me to catch up on that. 
I am thankful everyday for the people in my life. You are all placed perfectly in a wonderful plan you may not even be aware of. There are somedays someone is placed on my heart, so I'll pray for you. It's in hopes that you can have a great plan for your life.
Not everyday is perfect, but everyday has a blessing and something to be thankful for!


11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

A verse that spoke to me this week, and has lots of insight in what I need to be striving for.

I hope everyone has an amazing weekend and week! And I want to say thanks for reading! I appreciate all your support :)
Alyssa :)

Friday, January 18, 2013

Being happy is up to you

I have figured in my years of living that you can change your attitude. It is all with the help of God, but it is you who determines whether you are going to have a good attitude or a bad one. I have embraced the fact that I will have a good one. Everyday isn't grand, and I go through my times of stress and worry (which I am trying to work on), but life is really what we make it. That has been my saying more recently.

This last week has been an eye opener. I haven't made too many changes lately, but I am taking some good courses in school, and I know later I will freak about most of them in some way. One that brought some concern, only because of the time was my music education class. It is at 7pm on Thursday nights. Normally around 9 or 10 I am trying to settle in for the night, but I am not getting home till at least 9:45. So I went to class this last Thursday, we get there and start taking notes (the norm for first time having class). Then my professor is having us up playing an introduction to each other game. We also were dancing around the room, singing, and playing drums on the ground. The best part is that we can be silly! I love being silly :) For a lot of people improvising dance moves isn't in their comfort zone, but for me that is another story. I do tend to get embarrassed very easily, but I have learned to have fun. If people judge me for my awesome skills or lack of, that is their problem. As long as I am having fun I'm digging it!

I'm realizing more and more each day how faithful and trust worthy God is. I thank God for all He gives me and blesses me with, but there are times where I am doubtful when I know I shouldn't be. But this week God showed me that believing is the key!

I am so happy that today is finally Friday. I have had such a long overwhelming week. Good things have sprung and that makes me happy! When I least expect it good comes from all circumstances. I feel like I did so much this week and I also figured out some exciting news. I am further ahead in my education then I thought and if I get my butt in gear and talk to A LOT of people I could maybe apply to be in the education program at my school for Fall 2013, instead of Spring 2014. I have to give it all up to the Lord. It is out of my hands, but I need to go forward and not stop with what needs to be done. I ask for prayer in this time that I can get the paperwork and classes figured out. If I have to apply later that is the Lord's plan. This is going to be an overwhelming as I get that ready for this next week.

This weekend I want to devote to some business, but I also want me time. It is the three day weekend and I wish I could have gone home, but many things make it so I couldn't. I hope to find some time for myself. Lately I have been listening to these amazing podcasts from Solid Rock. A church in Portland. John Mark has some amazing preachings that I have found and am getting so much insight. So it I had the choice I will be listening to those too, instead of watching movies :)!! If anyone feels like striking up a conversation this weekend, please do :) I miss lots of people from home, and friends that are all over.
Until next time! Thanks for reading :)

Lyss

Thursday, January 10, 2013

The start of a new year

Today I decided I would start a blog, for multiple reasons. One is that I like writing and I want to utilize what a tool that can be. I also believe life has so many opportunities and people should get to know each other. By me writing downs thoughts, feelings, and what is going on in my life it will open up something different about me that some people may not know. Glory should be given to the Lord, this is another way for me to express how good God is.

To catch up with what's been going on in my life I just got back to school after a month long break.  I spent my break back home in Ocean Shores. It was so encouraging to be home and be around people I love. Lots of new memories, and some sad memories as well. Over break I got to hang out with a lot of people, old friends and new friends. I brought in the new year at Peter and Lindsey's house with most of the Fry clan and Alyssa (no I don't talk to myself or about myself in third person). What a great time that was to be with friends and play tons of board games and laugh!
During break I went to a lot of basketball games, boys and girls. It was fun to watch everyone play and to see old friends there that were visiting for the holidays. Yesterday the girls had a basketball game and it was so strange not to be there, but soon enough I hope to see them play some more. I got to enjoy time with the Lord many times, in everyday conversation, at church, and bible time with Jordan. And there were so many time I had to stop what I was doing and take in the beauty that God created on this earth. Growing up at the beach I never took advantage of how beautiful a place I lived in. Sometimes the ocean waves would catch me off guard, or the peacefulness of the canal when I went out paddle boating. Everything that surrounds us is created by God and I need to take a moment everyday and be thankful for how glorious everything is.

Since I have been back to school I started up classes and I also started working again. It's nice to be on a schedule with a routine, where I also have some time to do the things I need so I don't go crazy. I'm getting settled in to having classes a few days a week and no class Tuesday's and a very late class Thursday's. I've enjoyed being back home with my own belongings and my own bed. It's been nice seeing familiar faces of friends and chatting and catching up. I love living in a place where God is so evident. Being here has been such a blessing. Even though school is a struggle for me and I get discouraged because it is taking me a few extra years to finish up I know God has placed me here for a reason. I am getting to know some amazing Godly people, and He is helping shape me into the person He wants me to be. I can't describe how blessed and thankful I feel for being here, but it is truly a one of a kind feeling. I am excited to see where life is going to be taking me in the next couple months here and school. And how the Lord will be showing me His love and love for others.

This will be a fun adventure to fill people in on what is going on in my life. I feel that I am at a place right now where the Lord is working and I want His work to be known. I may not always have time to get together with people, but if you want to call, or text me feel free to. I also want to start skyping with people more. It has been placed on my heart lately that friends and community is super important and can't be replaced!

Love to all. Hope you had fun reading, and if you did read all of this I appreciate the love!

Till again,
Lyss :)