Quotes

“Never do something permanently foolish just because you are temporarily upset.”

This quote not only relates to my life, but it can relate to everyone. Although for me, this quote has a lot of influence on my life. Often times you are really upset about something and feel as if a decision might make everything better or feel like the right thing to do at the time. When you are upset, your mind is reacting to temporary feelings and you might make a decision that could affect things forever. This goes for when you are happy too; often when you are happy you are willing to do something or make a decision that you would not normally do. This quote can affect everyone.

“Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it.”

I like this quote because I think it has a lot of truth to it. People say that life isn't fair and that bad things keep on happening to them when they are doing nothing about it. Yes bad things do happen to good people, but it's how you react  that truly matters. When bad things happen to me, I see what good I can make out of it. I try to think of ways that the situation may be helping someone else while it may be "bad" to me.

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

This quote can summarize most of life, one of the biggest questions people have is why do bad things happen to good people. The tragedy in Connecticut is a serious example of this. When things seem like they are at the worst point is when people learn and grow the most. When tragedy and heartbreak occurs and the things that you love the most fall apart, you learn from them. I try to use these times as a time to learn from it and grow stronger as a person.

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen."

This quote is what makes me push and persevere to succeed in everything I do. I especially relate this quote to basketball. When I'm training and out on the court in front of the people I care about, this quote pushes me to be the best and do what people think I can't.

I chose this picture because Dwayne Wade is training when no one else is to be the best that he can be.

"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying."

I believe this quote can relate to every part of your life. For me, this quote relates to both school and basketball. When people tell you that you can't succeed; make that your motivation to try and prove them wrong. If you don't try, then how do you know you can't succeed?

I chose this picture because although he might have embarrassed himself and missed the shot, he still tried and made the game winner.

What If...

Last year something happened that changed my life forever. If this event did not happen, nothing about my life would be the same. I would have different memories, different experiences and different people in my life.    This was a life changing experience, and everything is different. Sometimes I think, what if? What if we decided that this wasn't the right thing for us? Although this thing did change everything about my life, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Last August, we officially adopted my little sister Haven. She has changed every part of my life. At times, it's difficult. At times I feel like it may be easier without an extra sibling to watch after and take care of. At times it gets hard and I wonder how things would be different if this didn't happen. But those are just temporary feelings in an eternal love. Haven is my precious little sister and I thank God that he placed her in my life. Yes things may be different and maybe even easier if we didn't adopt her, but she's God's child and we're called to take care of everyone. She is now in a much safer environment, we have not only blessed her, but she has blessed us.

If we didn't adopt her, I may have been able to spend more time with friends. If we didn't adopt her, I may have had more free time. But if we didn't adopt her, I wouldn't be the person I am today. If I could go back to the day we met her, I wouldn't change a thing.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time in America where we can take a break from our busy lives and be thankful for what we have. We are constantly going from place to place doing the normal everyday things, but never stop and thank God for what we have. We are so blessed, but we take everything that we have for granted. We feel as is if simple things such as water and food are given, but there are places all over the world who struggle to find food for the next meal. 

We find our identity in the things that we have and compare our social rank to the type of car we drive who the size house we live in when there are people all over the place who don’t have shelter to sleep under. We should spend the quality time that we have with our friends and family and be content with what we have. We have so much to be thankful for, yet many are still not satisfied. They go out the day after Thanksgiving; the day after they say they are thankful for what they have, and tackle people to buy things that they cannot afford. Too often we take everything that we have for granted, and we do everything that we can to get more. Instead; we should be extremely thankful for every single thing that we have, and be content and happy with it. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful and thankful for our possessions and family and friends. Although this is the day that is nationally recognized, we should be thankful everyday for what we have.

High School Relationships

Everyone wants  to be loved, and everyone enjoys being appreciated, but some will do anything to gain this. Most teens want to be in a relationship, but some go out of their way to be in one. They seek "love" from anyone who will give it to them. Although love is a beautiful thing, if it isn't true love, it will only end in someone getting hurt. Many teens try to find their identity in someone from the opposite sex, and they will change who they are just to be liked by someone. I believe that most high school relationships are pointless, because most of them involve two people in desperate need of love, and they are only in the relationship so that someone will make them feel better about themselves. But when the person who you put in the center of your life and placed all your hope in leaves, you will be left empty and unsatisfied. Placing your identity in Christ will be the only thing that will satisfy you in the end. Although most relationships at this age will only end up in broken friendships and ruined reputations, some will not. Finding that one person who truly loves you is one of the best feelings ever, and you will know when you do. You shouldn't have to change anything about yourself for this person to love you, but instead their love should come natural. When you find this person, you should center your relationship around growing together and growing each others relationship with Jesus. For most, it will take a while to find this special person, and you have to be patient. But some feel  like they have already found the person who they want to be with for the rest of their life, and I am one of them. :)
 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

If I Die Young Response

The song "If I Die Young" was written by The Band Perry. This is a well known band, and this particular song is one of the most recognized. The song is about life, and the fact that life is never as long as you think, and that sometimes it is cut off short. I imagine that this band experienced a sudden unexpected death, and wrote about their feelings in this song. This song describes death as something that will eventually happen, but for some it will be sooner rather than later. The artists successfully use analogies and symbolism; using a knife to describe the end of a short life. They also talk about what happens after death. They give instructions about how to treat someone after they die young; saying to lay them down in a river and cover them in satin and leave them singing a love song. I think that they successfully portrayed their feelings through this song, and used them to give people something to relate to. Many can relate to this song, because most have known someone who died at a young age. Finally, this song tries to describe that you should live life the way you want to, and live it to the fullest, because you won't be here forever.

Analysis of “I Cry” by Tupac Shakur

I think Tupac wrote this poem to not only express his feelings, but to give something that people can relate to. I think that he is trying to express the feeling of emptiness. Most people have experienced what the author is writing about. Way too often people are depressed and hurting and they feel like no one is there for them and no one will listen. He describes the empty, helpless feeling that you get when you have no one to turn to in a time of suffering.  Shakur does an excellent job in this poem, as he clearly expresses feelings that many can relate to. In this poem, he talks about the world and how fast it moves, and addresses the fact that not many people care enough to stop and listen to your problems, instead they only care about their own. It also makes you think about the times when other people may be hurting, and if makes you want to be there for other people when they need you. The author uses metaphors throughout the story, describing his tears as “bitter and warm.” He uses comparisons like this to give you a better image of what he is talking about. These metaphors also help you relate to the poem, and it gives it a more personal feel. Overall, this poem was very well written, and clearly expresses a topic that many can relate to. 

How to Make Brownies

Are you Looking for a Sweet Snack or Yummy Treat for a party with friends and family? If so, you should try making some of these delicious "Hershey's Triple Chocolate Chunk Brownies." Your 4 easy steps and less than an hour away from  the best brownies of your life!

Ingredients:

Mix the Pouch Ingredients with the Water

For 20 Brownies You Will Need...

• 8" or 9" Square Pan or 11" x 7" Rectangular Pan
• 1 Pouch Brownie Mix
• 2 Tablespoons Water
• 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 Eggs

2 Eggs

Allergy: this product contains wheat, milk and soy ingredients.

Cook for around 50 minutes

Instructions

1. HEAT oven to 325 degrees (metal or glass pan). Grease (or use cooking spray) bottom of pan.
2. STIR amounts off brownie mix, water, oil and eggs listed at left in bowl until well blended. Spread in Pan.
3. BAKE 49-51 minutes (if this is your first time baking, stick a toothpick in the brownies to see if they are done).
4. Let cool and ENJOY!

ENJOY!

"Gravity"

 "Dear Hip Hop, this didn't happen because, of swag, drug references, or stripper anthems." -Lecrae

Christian Hip Hop has always had prejudice and label making critics, but Christian Rap artist Lecrae is trying to get rid of all the skeptics. Lecrae released his most recent album on Tuesday, and to many, this is his best yet. The deluxe version of the album titled "Gravity" was ranked number one in the world by Tuesday afternoon, and the regular version was at number seven! But what amazed me most about this album is how humble he has continued to be. He is consistently tweeting things like, "For more reasons that I can explain I'd ask you to buy an extra physical cope of Gravity and give it away," and "Feels like I'm shining like the moon. Tempted to say "Look at me!" But we all know the moon just reflects the suns light."

In this album, Lecrae raps about topics such as the prejudice people he faces, and how we need to share the gospel with the world. His lyrics are filled with scripture, and he has a way of explaining the gospel clearly enough that even people who have never heard the name of Jesus know what he's talking about. I don't think there is ever going to be a better album in music. If Lecrae stops writing music, there will never be a better album. But  hopefully Lecrae will continue to rep Christ with everything he does, Romans 1:16!

You can buy his album here! :) http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/gravity/id548968787

Is Technology Ruining our Families?

Technology seems to be taking over our world more and more everyday. Everywhere you go you see smartphones, tablets and computers, it seems like everyone has them! Although these things are fun to use, Psychologist are starting to realize that these devices that we thought were harmless may be messing up our family time or social life.

Many experts and psychologists have studied whether or not technology does in fact decrease the time that we spend with our family and friends, or perhaps even increase the time spent together. I think there could be two sides to this argument according to who you are. For example, some families use things such as their iPad as a way to interact with their family; playing games together or video chatting with someone out of town. But others are so obsessed with their phones and computers that they rarely are seen without them. And I will admit, these things are amazing, never before have we been able to see and talk to someone who lives in another country with a click of a button, or see exactly where on friends are at any moment of the day. (which is honestly a little creepy) But when we become addicted to these high tech toys they start to become a problem.

As I researched this topic, I read others opinions on the subject and what they are doing to try and stop or reduce how much their family is using their phones and computers. Many families are starting to set up places or times in their house where digital devices are not allowed. Others are taking it a step further and not only making their kids unplug from their phones, but are doing more family activities during this time. Are these devices becoming a problem in your house? Some of our family friends are testing this out and not allowing anything with a screen to be used during certain hours of the day, and not allowing them at the dinner table. As you can see in the picture, our family hasn't exactly jumped on the bandwaggon yet. But as technology increases, and more products come out, I believe this problem will continue to grow and technology will begin to take over our live. So even though these things are fun to use, family time is essential, so spend time with loved ones while you can.

This is the website I used while using my computer to write this blog...ironic isn't it?
http://butler.osu.edu/topics/family-and-consumer-sciences/news/tuned-in-or-tuned-out-how-is-technology-affecting-your-family

Response to "The Children's Story"

I found "The Children's Story" very weird, but not just weird. This story was also strangely interesting. I think that this story could be similar to what would have happened a long time ago. The new teacher was weird, and it was creepy how she knew everything about all these kids when they had never seen her before. I also thought it was crazy how she could convince them to like her so quickly. This story gave me a better understanding of what the Nazis might have done and how they would of treated people years ago.

What is Identity?

Do you know your identity? I don’t mean can you describe yourself, or do you know what you enjoy doing. I mean do you really know your true identity? Honestly for most of us, this answer would be no because if you think about it, very few of us actually know what our true identity really is.

Obviously this isn't my identity :)

Yeah, so what if they're two?

How do you identify yourself, is it based on the size house that you live in, or much money you have, or even the people you hang out with? Sadly, I think that this is how most people these days identify themselves, whether they will admit it or not this is what defines them. If you do find your identity in the things, you will never be satisfied, you will always want more, and when you die, none of these things are going to mean anything. Identity is a very commonly used word; people will often talk of identity theft or identity crisis. A lot of people go through an identity crisis. These people will change the way the act from one day to the other, they act different at school then they would around the parents. They are just never really sure who they want to be. When someone commits identity theft, they are trying to be someone else; they don’t like who they are, or their identity, so they steal someone else’s. 

This is "Identity theft" (sort of)

Another thing that a lot of people do is try to be like someone else. They will do anything to be like the other person, buy the same stuff, hang out with the same people, and act the same way. Once again they are desperately trying to find their identity in something, anything; most will never be satisfied with who they are.

 Everyone finds their identity in something, whether it’s earthly things that won’t be worth anything in the long run, or something that you will be satisfied with and will actually mean something when you die. I believe that if you find your identity in anything but Christ, at some point you will be disappointed. So what do you find your identity in?

-A