Adventures of the Gloriously Ruined

svnly:

And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is love

hopinginmystery:

A group of Christians showed up at a Chicago gay pride parade in July. They were holding up signs saying “I’m sorry that Christians judge you” “I’m sorry for how the churches treated you” and “I used to be a bible-banging homophobe, I’m sorry”

this was put on by the Marin Foundation. I love them more than pretty much anything ever.

(Source: iwilltrustinyou, via gerkle)

this week- I’ve been working 56 hours (good ole spring break).. then tomorrow morning fun exciting disney time! 

next week- my entertainment class goes to fantasmic back stage!

week after that- girl trip to Miami for three days.. THEN my sister gets here (:

that week- i’m with my sister all week.. 

THEN IT’S MAY. 

and my darling boyfriend Jared DeFriese gets here less than two weeks. 

and he gets here around the 13th? 

I leave May 18th.

WHERE HAS TIME GONE?

SO BITTER, SO SWEET

svnly:

Did you know malaria kills a child every 30 SECONDS? Does your favorite favorite graphic tee provide a life saving mosquito net for a child in Africa? This one does!

I know I haven’t updated in awhile..

Quite sometime actually.. Sorry about that! I know that my Grammy has been a little upset.. Sorry Gramgram..

SO MANY THINGS TO GO OVER.

I’m not even sure where or how to begin. But here comes honesty flowing out of my mind, into my tiny little fingers, typing onto this computer screen. Because there are so many things to say, how about I just talk about what’s on my mind right now. Starting where and how this all began; Africa. More so- My children there. It’s 2 am here and I can not sleep. My mind is tossing and turning of things the Lord has been teaching me lately. It’s funny to see what God puts on your heart. Here I am in Orlando, Florida interning at Disney World yearning to be all the way across the world with these children I have fallen in love with. Although I miss my little darlings, I know that Jesus is in control and that he will use me and put me exactly where I’m supposed to be. Which is Orlando, FL right now. 

I have gotten SO many different opportunites since I have been here. Auditions with entertainment, meeting vice presidents, taking entertainment classes, meeting people and making connections from all across the world, and much more. I know that I was (and am) supposed to meet all of these people. But being a Disney Princess and such is no longer my goal. And it’s definitely not where my heart is. 

As I say that, let me explain. Coming here I was a little ‘iffy’ on my motives. I just got back from Africa and it was a bit frightening to make that transition. My first post on this blog was my story of becoming gloriously ruined. I feel the Lord calling me to ministry and I’m open to where, what, and when the Lord wants me. But as I say that, I feel as if I started getting off track with my time here. My focus became on pure entertainment and my goals on how to network and get into the Disney entertainment world. That’s not all bad, but my focus became self absorbed almost, wanting to glorify myself and follow my own plans. 

Thank you Jesus for being so faithful, patient, forgiving, loving and for never giving up on me. How awesome is our God? As my focus left the one who saves and became about me, I fell. And fell hard. But we have a sovereign and beautiful God and I feel him renewing every broken part of me. And I’m back on track following the foot steps of the Lord. Nope, I’m not perfect and never will be; but because of Jesus Christ I have the authority and power to be an overcomer. 

Jesus uses our faults, struggles, and brokenness to glorify him. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” As I feel led to missions and to spread the Love of God, he has taught me that there are more mission opportunities than just going all the way across the world. It could be your next door neighbor, it could be inner city downtown, it could very well be Disney World. My story won’t be the same as yours.. And we might not be called to the same thing. But I encourage you to open your heart and ask God where he wants you. 

As for me you wonder, I’m just taking one step at a time. Sometimes we have to go out of our comfort zone to find where Christ really wants us.. It might seem like where you’re called is a completely different world and environment.. But what the Lord has taught me lately is that we’re all humans and equal. And everyone needs to hear and experience the true Love of Christ.

I will continue to pray for my little Ethiopian and Rwandan babies and their orphanages. I can’t wait to see them back in December. I feel the Lord now telling me it’s time to start raising that money for December again. Yep, It’s time for Africa.

SO MANY THINGS!

First off, congratulations to my beautiful sister and Corbin! Baby Ella June, God’s little blessing, has finally arrived in the world! She’s 7 pounds 1 ounce, healthy and precious! I’m already in love with her! I’m SO proud of Lauren Michelle, she’s one of the strongest girls I’ve ever known and I know that Ella will always be EXTREMELY loved. Can’t wait to make it home to my family to join in the fun with miss Ella. Eeek! I’m an aunt! :) SO excited to do some spoiling..

Secondly, Jesse Blythe DeFriese is ENGAGED! I’m so excited and happy for her and her handsome fiance, Samuel Skidmore! I know that they’ll have a beautiful marriage! They complement each other so well and I can’t wait to watch everything unfold. Jesse Blythe is going to be a STUNNING bride and I can’t wait to see that little lady walk down the aisle. 

As for me, I’m alive and well! Missing the crud out of my family and friends! Last night was my first night I truly felt homesick and a little sad. But thanks to my darling boyfriend, he talked to me for hours and allowed the Lord to speak through him. I can’t tell you how blessed I am to have Jared DeFriese in my life. He’s such a great leader and I love watching God work through the guy. Thanks Jare. 

Anyways, I start my new training tomorrow and get my costume. I’m pretty sure I wear like a Chinese thing. Isss gonnna beee hooooootttt! (if you work at disney, you understand..)

Miss you all and promise to update soon!

i love this song.

so good.

2 Cor 5:17

(Source: photosetcxo, via magnifythegood-deactivated20120)

Let Me Try To Sum It Up.

1. Paint/Glow Party/Party Bus/Downtown Orlando

2. The Never Ending Getting Nasty stuff Out Of Your Hair.. And off your feet..

3. Parttay’s of Mario in 1005..

4. Meeting Fellow Neighbors By Burning Popcorn.. 

5. Chad coming over. Rappin’ Chad, What’s your favorite color

6. Chad being invited to my midnight floridafamily breakfast birthday party..

7. Chad singing to Tim..

8. Then Arden..

9. THEN Ali

10. Getting home at 4:15 am.. Being at WORK by ten

11. Ames Colombian boys.

12. Brazil.. 

13. Receiving a life supply of food.. 

14. Having the most random, awkward, best memories and the time of my life.

I love my roommates.

Role Change!

This day has been nothing but God-Given! Yes, it was quite the adventure waking up finding your bathroom door locked. BUT! That’s what makes it fun, right?! Always a great story. Oh, and security helped us out and saved the day!

After our early morning dramatic event (and three cups of coffee) I decided to have my quiet time to reflect, listen, learn, and allow my savior to prepare my heart for the day. 

(There is SUCH a difference in my day when I set aside some time to spend with the Lord. There is no denying that. I think Allison Harper and I had a discussion about that once.. Maybe twice.. Okay basically every time we have a heart to heart.. Which is quite often.)

LONG STORY SHORT: My merchandise magic kingdom job.. Has now transformed into an attraction/entertainment Hollywood Studios job! YAY! I get more of an entertainment environment job rather than just merchandise (strollers).. God you are so amazing! I can’t wait to see what Christ has in store.. Again, I trust he’ll put me exactly where I need to be to allow me to learn, grow, and build up his kingdom and glorify His name. I’m His and He has my life; I’ll follow Him wherever he leads.

But also, that is the coolest thing ever! I’ll be working on the Great Movie Ride! Which is SO AWESOME! I know that my Grammy will just love it.. It’s all about old movies (the best) and Hollywood. It’s wonderful.

After everyone got home.. Amy, Erin, Amber, and I went to celebrate.. CICI’s celebration. We all ate way too much and had way too much fun. I love the people that have been placed in my life. We are all SO different that it’s scary.. but somehow, in someway it works. And I’m very grateful for that..

I’M ALSO GRATEFUL FOR.. Those people in your life you barely know.. That make such an impact by their generous, compassionate, hearts. I can’t thank you enough.. You have shown me a kind of kindness that has changed the way I now view things and people. I promise one day to pay it forward. :) You are such a beautiful person inside and out. I just love you.. And am so excited that this is just the beginning of our friendship. 

Family and friends I love you all so dearly. I must now go walk in the living room and ask why my lovely roommates are screaming.. I probably know why..

Rappin’ Chad, What’s Your Favorite Color?