Send Me Out.

For our last night of Bible study, I decided to dive into Luke instead of Hosea.

We read Luke 1:26-38.

Which talks about when the Angel came and told Mary that she was going to have a son, and all of her emotions/reactions through that.

We talked about:

- where we think God wants to or might use us

- experiencing God's grace; how it felt and how we responded

- what we are frustrated or confused with

- going from confusion, to questioning, to having faith

and my favorite,

- what does it mean to live by faith in the Word? what does it look like? what step of faith can we take next?

Also look at Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5; Daniel 2:44; and John 1:34.

God has such big plans for us, that we can't even fathom.... in ways we least expected. And like Mary, we have to be ready and willing to serve.

My favorite part: "For nothing is impossible with God. Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.""

What strong faith she had... if only all of us had that strong of faith when God wants to use us. :)

Lacking Virtue?

God knows better than anyone how impatient I am.

Patience, overall, is just not easy for me.... waiting in lines, waiting for people, special occasions, etc.

If I could name one thing I'm just a little MORE impatient about - it'd be relationships. No, no... I'm not saying I want to be married within the next year. Haha. But a boyfriend would be nice.

But I'm torn. Because like Proverbs says, Guard your heart. So, I intend to do so.

But... a boyfriend would be nice.

But, I know God will bring him when I'M ready, and in HIS time.

But, I'm impatient.

Today, for some unknown reason, God kept showing and reminding me all day - be patient. in all things. Patience is a virtue.

Be patient.

Gifts?

I'm doing a small Christmas devotional, about the "12 Days of Christmas"... not sure how insightful or helpful it will end up being... but stuff to think about nonetheless. :)

The first one was about the greatest Christmas gift of all -- the birth of Christ.

If you read Romans 5:15-17, it talks about Adam's family (haha! :P) or Christ's family. Adam's family is the physical family, that deals with sin, etc. But being born into Christ's spiritual family... we have forgiveness and eternal life. My favorite part of my footnotes (what I took this last little part from) says: "If we do nothing, we receive death through Adam; but if we come to God by faith, we receive life through Christ. To which family line do you now belong?"

Christmas has become such a big thing about gifts and presents. But we've seemed to almost forgotten the greatest gift of all... or, the greatest-gift-giver of all.

"This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ."
- Frank McKibben

Don't Look; Be.

At church, our pastor is doing a series on five things to do/experience before you die. Today's "thing" was to have one true friendship.

One true friendship that is not your spouse.

John 15:12-14 says, "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."

The Bible says we should love others because God loves us, and love others in that way. In the words of our pastor, "Love God, love others, love yourself. In that order."

Don't be selfish... carry yourself third.

True friendship isn't found by looking, but by being that true friend. Kind of like, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. How can you treat someone like crap and expect them remain your friend?

The story in 1 Samuel 18 (thru 20) talks about David and Jonathan and their friendship. They had a strong friendship because their friendship wasn't just based on each other, but on their commitment to God; they let nothing come between then, and drew closer when their friendship was tested.

Part of friendships is healthy confrontations.. letting the other one know when they're in the wrong. Don't avoid these. As our pastor said, true friendships form when you can both say the last 10%... the 10% being the part where you say what's wrong.

Best friends will not only defend you in front of others, but say the last 10%, and stay beside you.

God has blessed me with amazing friends... amazing. I'm not saying my friends are better than yours. I'm saying I have the best friends for me. And I try SO hard to be that to them. :)

Blinded.

I saw The Blind Side last night.... it was amazing. I joke that it was just because it had football in it, but really - one of the best movies I've ever seen.

This rich family (more, the mom at first) takes in a homeless kid who doesn't really have family, he lived in the projects, isn't smart... and gives him a home. Eventually, he makes it to college with their help.

The movie made me realize how selfish, arrogant and rude we are. Not just to homeless or poor people, but to each other. Like... wow - we're classmates, family, acquaintances, we live together, or work together... or maybe don't even know each other.... and half the time we're too arrogant or prideful to apologize, or go out of our way to help someone, or just be a decent person and be nice.

It seems sometimes we're too blinded by what's "wrong" in our life, to stop and consider that someone may have had it worse, or is having a rough time now.... and help them, or just be... NICE. This lady took that kid in off the streets and gave him home, which is huge. But, how often do we do something a fraction of that size?

Movie Quote.

"My mother always told me the hardest things to do in life are to trust, to have faith and to forgive."

How true that is.. especially in my life right now.

Trust isn't always easy - especially for me. It's not about holding grudges, it's a defense. But, if I learned anything this semester - trust God more than you trust people. With that, when times get hard... that's when people lose their faith and stray farther and farther from God. When actually, in these times... people need to draw closer to God for strength and comfort. One of the hardest things for people to do is forgive others. I, too, have a difficult time with this - whether people are close to me or not. But, the Bible says if we don't forgive others that God will do the same to us.

Right now, I have to trust what God is doing and stay strong in that... and forgive those who have hurt me.

Love.

Friday is "To Write Love on Her Arms" Day.

In short, TWLOHA is an organization to help those who suffer with depression, addictions, self-injury and suicide. It works towards helping those people get rid of those thoughts and habits, and reminding me there is a hope and they are loved. (Here's the site if you to know more.)

I had never heard of TWLOHA until last year. I participated/supported it for a few select people, and because I believe there are a lot of people out there suffering and need help.

This year, I'm participating again. Close friends, and probably people I know - but don't know what they're hiding - are suffering. But, some have gone through tough times but now know how much they really are loved - my friends, family, and God.

"How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings." -- Psalm 36:7

Some people, who suffer with these problems or not, don't know how much God loves them. Sometimes, you are the only influence of God they have or see in their life. And how often do we not show love to everyone around us; friends, enemies, strangers?

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." -- Romans 5:8

Friday, consider writing love on your arm for those suffering. Maybe you don't know anyone (or aren't aware of it)... but if someone doesn't know about TWLOHA, you can share the story.

"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other." -- 1 John 4:11

But, more than just on this day... we (me included!) need to show more love to each other.

Stop hating and judging, and start loving.

To those reading this who might be suffering, you ARE loved. By me, your friends, family... and when all else fails, God :)

"...but love covers over all wrongs." -- Proverbs 10:12

Question of the Day.

Today, I read the story about the Prodigal Son (Luke 15).

In this passage, Jesus is teaching sinners about their need and opportunity to make themselves right with God. Which, is needed so much these days... there are people who don't even know God, but then there are people who are struggling in their faith.

This passage just talks so much about how easy it is for humans to rebel against God. And it shows how horrible the son felt when he strayed from God and wasn't communicating with Him at all. When he finally decided to repent, and turn back home... that was a huge step, and it took a lot of courage to do that. People don't like admitting their sin... I mean, who wants to step up and say, yeah... I was doing wrong?

Jesus paid the price for our sin, and when we follow Him... we get the greatest gift ever - eternity with God.

The most difficult part of this story is watching the son stray from God. We see it every day with people we know... and sometimes we don't do anything but watch, and sometimes we help and it doesn't work. But sometimes, we have to just love and pray for them, and wait. And then: "But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."

The question is, which character are you?

Self-Destruct.

This is probably just going to ramble and not flow very well.... so just brace yourself.

The sermon on Sunday was about forgiveness. The pastor challenged us to (before we die) live one day without any resentment/bitterness towards anyone. On the other side of that, acknowledge that you are the reason for someone else's pain or anger. I know I've hurt people, and even though I've (mostly) let go of the anger towards people who've hurt me.... I can't be certain that the same has been done for me. Which, I'm the type of person that - if you hate me, then that's not my problem. But, I would hope that people would at least forgive me.

My pastor said, "Forgiveness isn't pretending it never happened, unlimited second chances or just forgetting." He went on to say that it's forgiving their wrongs, remembering it but not holding a grudge. I use to be able to hold a grudge with the best of 'em... but now I look back, and what was the point in that? What was gained?

I guess the messages were heard backwards, because tonight at Bible study we talked about our actions and judging others. (Hosea 8, in case you were wondering.) No one is perfect. But, there are things we can work on. Tonight was a lot about how we tend to put things or people in front of God, and turn to those instead of/before God. It continued onto facing God's judgement, and those who deserve praise will be praised - and those who don't.... won't. Knowing you're in the wrong and not changing your behavior is just putting you on the path to destruction. (That's one of the verses paraphrased.) And although the Bible says we are to point out the sins of others, it's not our place to judge. God places the ultimate judgement.

Today, I read something, and my favorite blurb said, "In being immersed in the Bible, the words became part of who I am. They infuse my attitude and my actions. Over time, I don’t so much think, ‘now what is the Biblical approach here?’ I just do it. But not in my own strength, my own authority, but through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. I seek to be immersed in the Word so that it becomes part of my thinking and my actions. I seek to live the Word, that who I am reflects the love of God." I think lately, my struggle isn't not seeking His word... but sharing that joy and desires to others. It's hard to not become stationary in your faith, I believe, if you aren't seeking His word daily (or every other day at least...).

"We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit."

New Thoughts.

So, every week, the girl Bible study leaders on campus meet together and talk... sometimes productively, other times not as much. There's not always a specific topic... just whatever comes up.

This week, we got to talking about relationships and boyfriends.

Which, what girl doesn't need to hear about that?

Here's some of what we talked about:

There's no dating in the Bible. Maybe "dating" one or two people, but then that was it... and they got married. Does that mean we don't date? Not exactly. Should you pray about whether or not this is the guy you're supposed to be with? Yes.

What's most important in a relationship is that both people are seeking Him and praying. Therefore, we (girls) shouldn't worry about if we're ever going to get married or find someone... we're not going to miss him. If you're both seeking God, He will bring you together. And if/when you start dating - your relationship should be about keeping the other more focused on God, rather than focus on each other.

You should consider every guy like your brother, until God shows you he should be more than that. Guard your heart.

Having JUST guy friends is good - God is teaching you how to JUST be friends with guys. .... Since sometimes in marriages there can be jealousy of opposite sex friends, etc.

God will bring you someone in time. Having the desire to get married isn't bad though, because He gave us that desire - and if you have that desire... He's not going to not fulfill it.

Hosea 7.

“I want to heal Israel, but its sins are too great. Samaria is filled with liars. Thieves are on the inside and bandits on the outside! Its people don’t realize that I am watching them. Their sinful deeds are all around them, and I see them all."

- God sees and knows everything. We, like Israel, often forget this. thoughts like, "No one will ever know," or "no one is watching" may tempt us to try to get away with sin. If you are facing difficult temptations, you will be less likely to give in if you remind yourself that God is watching.

- Ezek 24:13 - "Your impurity is your lewdness and the corruption of your idolatry. I tried to cleanse you, but you refused. So now you will remain in your filth until my fury against you has been satisfied.”

- Sometimes He tries to purify us through difficulties and troublesome circumstances. When you face tough times, allow the sin to be burned from your life. Look at your problems as opportunities for your faith to grow.

- Jer 2:19 – “Your wickedness will bring its own punishment. Your turning from me will shame you. You will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon the Lord your God and not to fear him. I, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”

- Sometimes we lose focus and don’t realize our actions. We’re the only ones accountable for our actions, and God will punish us for them if we don’t ask for forgiveness.

“The people of Israel mingle with godless foreigners, making themselves as worthless as a half-baked cake! Worshiping foreign gods has sapped their strength, but they don’t even know it. Their hair is gray, but they don’t realize they’re old and weak. Their arrogance testifies against them, yet they don’t return to the Lord their God or even try to find him.”

- How do we “mingle” with them, but not take on their actions? Where do you draw the line?

- The half-baked cake can also be related to only loving God halfway… when actually He wants our full devotion.

“The people of Israel have become like silly, witless doves, first calling to Egypt, then flying to Assyria for help. But as they fly about, I will throw my net over them and bring them down like a bird from the sky. I will punish them for all the evil they do.”

- We often go to parents or friends for help, when God is the one who can solve our problems. (Even though there is such thing as seeking wise counsel, we still need to turn to Him.)

“What sorrow awaits those who have deserted me! Let them die, for they have rebelled against me. I wanted to redeem them, but they have told lies about me.They do not cry out to me with sincere hearts. Instead, they sit on their couches and wail. They cut themselves, begging foreign gods for grain and new wine, and they turn away from me.”

- Amos 2:8 – “At their religious festivals, they lounge in clothing their debtors put up as security. In the house of their god, they drink wine bought with unjust fines.”

- What do we use as security instead of Him?

“I trained them and made them strong, yet now they plot evil against me. They look everywhere except to the Most High. They are as useless as a crooked bow. Their leaders will be killed by their enemies because of their insolence toward me. Then the people of Egypt will laugh at them.”

- A crooked bow is unreliable. Its arrows miss the target, and its owner would be quite vulnerable in battle. Life without God is as unreliable as a crooked bow. Without God’s direction, our thoughts are filled with lust, cheating, selfishness, and deceit. As long as we are warped by sin, we will never reach our true potential.

- Nahum 1:9 – “Why are you scheming against the Lord? He will destroy you with one blow; He won’t need to strike twice!”

- Psalm 78:57 – “They turned back and were as faithless as their parents. They were as undependable as a crooked bow.”

- (Not saying our parents are faithless…) But our generation is “louder” and more active in their faith than our parents and grandparents. And we talked about how we come to college and develop our faith, and why we do what we do, etc.

Loudly I'll Sing, Loudly I'll Live.

A reoccurring theme I've been hearing about lately seems to be how we live, or present ourselves... how people perceive us. Or more importantly - the people you surround yourself with.

What and who you surround yourself with, reflects in your actions. It reflects the way you talk and think; your outlook on life.

I found it ironic at the time (high school graduation), and find it ironic now... that my mom chose this quote to play in my segment of the senior slideshow: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Emerson

The sermon in church yesterday (Click here) talked about discerning God's will for our life. And, about how there are some "ill-intentioned" people in your life who try to drag you away from that, that can be friends or people who aren't really your friends.

Some friends really are only for a season; God brought them into your life for a reason, and they aren't in your life anymore for another reason. But, you have to look back and realize why and see how much things have changed - for the better.

Surround yourself with people that won't drag you down, that won't cause you to stumble. And do the same to someone else.

"Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."
- Romans 14:13

Gracias.

I know, two blogs within an hour? Really, Jessica?

Yes. This one's reaaaal good, and couldn't wait 'til tomorrow to share.

I'm doing a little study/devotional over the next few weeks over the spirit of Thanksgiving, and giving thanks to God. Mostly because I feel as of late that I am not thankful/content enough or as often as I should be with what God has provided and blessed me with.

Psalm 92:1 -- "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High."

(footnote) -- During the Thanksgiving holiday, we focus on the blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips every day. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders, and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving and humble.

Too Much or Not Enough?

So, I love Vanilla Chai Tea Latte's. a lot.

Tonight, I got one. And drank it rather fast...

oops.

Shouldn't of done that.

Big no-no.

20 minutes later, there was no more chai in my stomach.

Being in the weird deep-thought mood I've been in lately, it made me think of how too much of a good thing can be bad. Or, the opposite... how too much of a bad thing is bad -- well, any amount of a bad thing is bad.

But there's one thing good thing you can't get too much of... God. His love, His strength, His peace, His Word... any part of Him. :)

So, why don't we over-indulge in that?

Not the Biggest Loser.

I'm not much of a TV person, I have about two or three shows I keep up with.... that's about it. And I really do not enjoy reality shows - they give off such a fake vibe, and have too much drama.

But, there is an exception. I love Biggest Loser.

Tonight was a really good episode.

Jillian had some in-depth talks with a few of her group members about their past and their journey while on the show.

First, was Abby. Abby lost her two kids and husband in a car accident two and a half years ago. As any normal human... she had a long grieving process. Until she came on the show, and began finding herself again. During her talk with Jillian, she said, "I'm going to live again, I'm not going to just exist." I've been thinking a lot lately about last year compared to this year, and just about the past in general. I look back at certain points in my life and see times when I stumbled in my faith, when I was strong in my faith, and times I was so far from my faith that I wasn't even seeking Him. It made me realize how often I let things/people/situations get under my skin and affect me. I look back at last year and realize how much I missed (even though I grew a lot from the situation) because I dwelled. I don't want to do that again.

Second, was Shay. Shay had a troubled childhood, with a drug-addict mother who didn't love her. Shay felt that it was her fault, and she always had to fight for her love. Jillian said, "until you forgive yourself, you're just going to keep killing yourself... until you stop blaming yourself!" Which again, made me realize that even though I don't dwell on some things, I really do need to forgive myself of things from my past.

Amanda had a meltdown tonight, because Jillian was pushing her... and she couldn't take it. She couldn't take the pressure, she thought she was going to fail. I instantly thought of the verse that says God gives us a spirit not of timidity, but of power, love and discipline. Amanda said she felt extra pressure since she was one of the more fit girls, but she had never been a leader of the pack... she had always been the fat girl in the back. (Rhymes, I know... her words - not mine!) But that phrase made me really think about my first year of college and into this semester... I always was the girl in the back, but I think now (at least some of the time) I'm in the front. If not in a group, at least in myself... I'm more confident than I was.

This is getting a little more in-depth than I expected.... so I'll leave you with my favorite Jillian quote from tonight: "You have to fall down a few times, you have to make a few mistakes... it's how you learn, it's how you grow."

Talk is Cheap.

Hosea 6:

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.”

"The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever." -- Hosea 14:4

- When our will is weak, when our thinking is confused, and when our conscience is burdened with a load of guilt, we must remember that God cares for us continually; His love knows no bounds.When friends and family desert us, when coworkers don't understand us, and when we are tired of being good, God's love knows no bounds. When we can't see the way, or seem to hear God's voice, and when we lack courage to go on, God's love knows no bounds. When our shortcomings and our awareness of our sins overcome us, God's love knows no bounds.

"Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly." -- Zeph. 2:1-3

“O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?” asks the Lord. "For your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight."

Many find it easy and comfortable to maintain the appearance of being committed without deep and sincere loyalty. If you profess loyalty to God, back it up with your actions.

"Then they remembered that God was their rock, that God Most High was their redeemer. But all they gave him was lip service; they lied to him with their tongues. Their hearts were not loyal to him. They did not keep his covenant." -- Psalm 78:35-37

- Talk is cheap. God wants our conduct to back up our spiritual claims and promises.

God doesn't want us some of the time, He wants our complete devotion.

"I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.” -- Psalm 40:8

"I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces— to slaughter you with my words, with judgments as inescapable as light. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust."

- Why do you worship? What is the motive behind your sacrifices and offerings?

"Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams." -- 1 Samuel 15:22

- Religious ceremonies or rituals are empty unless they are performed with an attitude of love and obedience. Being "religious" is not enough if we do not act out of devotion and obedience to God.

"You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering.The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." -- Psalm 51:16-17

- You can never please God by outward actions, no matter how good, if your heart attitude is not right.

"No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." -- Micah 6:6-8

- In your efforts to please God, examine these areas on a regular basis. Are you fair in your dealings with people? Do you show mercy to those who wrong you? are you learning humility?

“Gilead is a city of sinners, tracked with footprints of blood. Priests form bands of robbers, waiting in ambush for their victims. They murder travelers along the road to Shechem and practice every kind of sin. Yes, I have seen something horrible in Ephraim and Israel: My people are defiled by prostituting themselves with other go" restore the fortunes of my people."

"Do you really think you can steal, murder, commit adultery, lie, and burn incense to Baal and all those other new gods of yours, and then come here and stand before me in my Temple and chant, “We are safe!”—only to go right back to all those evils again?" -- Jeremiah 7:9-10

All of that, was our Bible study tonight. Bolded is what our study was over, italicized is the other verses we read, or the footnotes in my Bible. I heard a new song yesterday, called New Again: "Whatever happens, whatever you see...Whatever your eyes tell you has become of me, This is not not the end, I am making all things new again." which I found to be so fitting for this study.

We are made in Him, and we should live for Him. I am nowhere near perfect, just like everyone else. I've been on that path, when you stop following Him... and I never want to go back, and don't plan on it. But, we are human, and even when we follow His path, we make mistakes. But that's why it's called a walk, it takes steps... every day, to grow closer to Him. Just because we are followers doesn't mean we are automatically "safe" and will get into Heaven, we have to ask for forgiveness too. Though, that doesn't mean act however you want and then ask for forgiveness.

"Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."
- Romans 14:13

Just a Thought.

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?""

I was reading Matthew 14, which the last part talks about when Jesus walked on water. The verses above are when Peter decided to walk across water (obviously...) but began to sink when he starting losing faith.

It got me thinking about how often we, or... I, sometimes doubt what God is doing. Sometimes I get caught up in everything, and catch myself asking God why? or why not? I have to remind myself, literally, almost daily that it's all in His timing. He has a reason. I just wanted to post those verses as a little reminder :)

This passage also goes well with something I was told yesterday:

"God has a plan for you, and though right now you're thinking, "What are you doing, God?!" He knows what He's doing. He wants you to accomplish things and be the person you can be. There's always a reason, though sucky, crazy, and at times psycho, God doesn't want you to miss out on anything. He wants things to work out exactly as He planned."

:)

100 Things.

that make me happy :)

1. Running in the rain.

2. Black and white photographs.

3. Finding good quotes.

4. A new shirt.

5. Seeing my pictures from Europe.

6. My prayer moccasin joke.

7. Sitting in church beside my friends.

8. Being complimented.

9. Finding a good sale.

10. Fun, late nights with friends.

11. Talking to my Grandma Shogren.

12. Seeing God work through other people.

13. Laughing at nothing.

14. Inside jokes.

15. Good days in the cafeteria.

16. Talking to an old friend.

17. Being able to sleep in.

18. Getting my paycheck.

19. Seeing God's beauty in a sunset.

20. The way the WT clock tower looks at night.

21. The sound of rain on windows.

22. Cloudy-but-not-too-cold days.

23. Hearing my favorite song on the radio.

24. Making pointless Facebook videos.

25. Getting snail mail.

26. Good critiques on my art.

27. Doodling with Sharpie's.

28. The smell of laundry right out of the dryer.

29. Movie nights.

30. The feeling after working out.

31. Seeing pictures of newborn babies.

32. Coffee.

33. Giving or receiving hugs.

34. Walking around campus at night, talking with a good friend.

35. Surprises.

36. Wearing a summer dress.

37. Passing a test I thought I failed.

38. Watching snow fall.

39. Family time during the holidays.

40. The smell of Febreeze.

41. Good hair days.

42. Blogging.

43. Long road-trips.

44. Getting a massage.

45. Painting my toenails.

46. Enjoying my job.

47. A good fountain Diet Dr. Pepper.

48. Hearing live, amazing music.

49. The smell of Mexican food.

50. Acoustic guitars.

51. Having friends who love God.

52. Seeing my sister.

53. Going to Camp Discovery.

54. The feeling when I see a guy I like :)

55. Knowing I did something right.

56. Walking through art galleries.

57. Playing volleyball.

58. My grandma's sugar-free apple pie.

59. Finding other diabetic friends.

60. Short lines in Wal-Mart.

61. Having a class canceled.

62. Afternoon naps.

63. A new pair of sweatpants.

64. Seeing leaves rustle along the sidewalk.

65. Getting a new haircut.

66. Knowing I have a God that loves me.

67. Looking through my scrapbooks.

68. Having my art complimented.

69. Taking a really good picture.

70. Reading my favorite Scripture.

71. Shopping in Hobby Lobby.

72. Cleaning my room.

73. Coupons for free food.

74. Tanning by the pool.

75. Reading a good book.

76. Taking a bike ride at night.

77. Driving with the windows down.

78. Singing loudly to Taylor Swift songs.

79. Two-stepping.

80. College.

81. My Macbook.

82. Seeing my friends happy.

83. Painting.

84. Hearing fire cackle.

85. Going home for home-cooked food.

86. Underlining something in my Bible.

87. A good blood sugar.

88. Scrapbooking.

89. Remembering how I felt my first day of college.

90. Rearranging furniture.

91. Smell of freshly baked cookies.

92. Getting packages in the mail.

93. Watching live sports.

94. Long weekends.

95. Hearing thunder.

96. Going to the Soda Shoppe.

97. Yearbooks.

98. Long talks with friends.

99. Hot showers.

100. Teddy Bears from Dollar General.