The Voice of our Generation

~ Warning ~ If you don't like politics, this post is most definitely NOT for you.

I am a firm believer that if you want to get things changed, you must be an active participant in the change. 

Politics are VERY dear to my heart, and I can already hear some people murmuring "Oh here we go again, another crazy kid." No, I am not crazy, I just believe in a better America. 

I have been born and raised in a conservative family that let me choose which way to go in my political thinking, so it's not like I was forced into what I believe. I have chosen the route of being a Republican, because the core values in the party align with mine. I believe sooo much that we have what it takes to bring back the modern, yet traditional way we have run American in the past (like the Reagan administration). 

If you love being on the right side of the political spectrum as much as I do, there is an absolutely FANTASTIC website/blog I suggest you read and join!

Future First Lady (http://www.futurefirstlady.com) features a different First Lady every month, has a wonderful store that has some wicked cute t-shirts with sayings like "Red, white, and better than you" and "Is it 2016 yet?", and really is a strong voice for us conservative, Republican women! So check it out!!

Until next time! xx 

Favorites 10/19-24

This past two weeks have been very busy! Celebrating my NHS induction, along with my 16th birthday this past Thursday...life has been great.

Without further ado, my favorites for this special week!

As You Wish- Inconceivable Tales From the Making of The Princess Bride: 
Cary Elwes, AKA Westley, one of my favorite characters in literature and on screen wrote a memoir about the making of this movie, and I may be a tad bit biased, but what a fabulous book! Great job, Mr. Elwes! I managed to cry, and laugh many times looking through photos and reading tales almost as good as the movie. The Princess Bride has just been a major part of my life, it's that movie that I watch I just need something good to watch. Full of witty humor, and a fabulous cast...in my opinion it's a true classic.

International Delight "Peppermint Chocolate Truffle" Coffee Creamer: 
This is completely random, I know...but this is my favorite coffee creamer. I am a coffee addict (that's really sad to say at only 16), and to really enjoy my coffee it has to still has a slight bitterness, but have the taste of the creamer in it. And I am a big fan of the peppermint/chocolate combination, so it's a 2 for 1!

Alex & Ani Bracelets: 
If you've ever met me, you know I love me some Alex & Ani bracelets. I have too many in my possession for to admit to you all without getting embarrassed...
But anyways, basically these tell a story about my life, and things I love and what I stand for.
Here's a link if you'd like to check them out!! http://www.alexandani.com/

Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow in "Barely Branded": 
I don't normally wear eyeshadow because my eyelids are greasy like the rest of my face so it just comes off, but this is fabulous for me! It's a great champagne color which goes with everything, and it actually stays without creasing! It'd be great as a primer also, but I really like it by itself.

What were your favorites! I'd love to know! xx

The Ending

This morning I ditched my Canada mug for something a little more wintery. As I peered out across East Grand Lake, memories flashed throughout my brain. I was speechless. It was my last morning waking up to this until the second of May this upcoming year. 

May I start my saying that this summer was grand. And this weekend was a mini version of it (minus staff bosses who I miss dearly). I got to work in my most favorite place, take quiet walks around the coves of the lake, and share sweet memories with my boyfriend and what we affectionately call "The Crew". What I foolishly forget to bring along with me though, was one of my "books of words". For the past years I've kept records of life moments in various notebooks, the style of a journal but in a blog format. My favorite thing to do is spend hours going through them and be able to reminisce about things I'd almost forgotten about, and praise God for the abundant blessings he's given me over the years. 

On the ride home, I popped "Grease" in my Macbook in an attempt to keep my emotions in check. It failed. I bawled my eyes out, and it was awful. Living Waters is my home, and the people I work with are my family. Today I sat in the office by myself and looked at Volunteer Hall of Fame board. My grandparents along with my bosses Roger & Karen Black, Mark & Susan Olson, and Galen & Lisa Elliot are the most recent inductees. Growing up, these people were my absolute heroes, and they continue to be to this day. I couldn't help but tear up looking at it because my heart felt like it was breaking. These people are true disciples of The Lord, and they mean the world to me. Leaving today hit me harder than it has ever before. When I was younger, I was the definition of a staff brat...but now being older I've realized how much it takes to make sure everything works smoothly at LW. To be able to be a part of that process amazes me every day, and it's killing me that I'm gone.

Wow, I'm crying again. Go figure. Well, here's to the magnificent memories, and only seven months until I'm back home with my family. xx

Time for Celebration!

Yesterday when I got home, the first thing I did was sprint to the mailbox.
It was there. (Well, they were there.)
I made it into NHS.
Okay, okay...inside myself I already knew that I'd made it in, but I didn't want to seem overconfident and prove myself wrong. Now the celebration can begin! *throws confetti and glitter on all of you*

Next Thursday is the induction ceremony, and I'm especially excited because I'll get to share so many experiences with one of my best friends who is also getting inducted. Overall this is just the best thing in the world for me right now. A HUGE ton of weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

But may I never forget to give thanks where it is due!
I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with my personality, and determination...and that he has kept me on the right track. I should've been trusting him more during this time of waiting.

If you're ever doubting him, remember these verses from the Psalms 121 (A personal favorite).
"The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."


Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! xx

Favorites: Week of 10/5-10

Sleepless in Seattle: Okay, you might as well know that my favorite actor of all time is Tom Hanks. I actually own every movie he's ever been in. But this, along with You've Got Mail are my two absolute favorites that he stars in. (The Green Mile is a very close third) I don't know what it is about him and Meg Ryan...but they're so brilliant on-screen together. I always cry during this movie...and I love some of the supporting actors also (Victor Garber, Bill Pullman, Rita Wilson), and the soundtrack I also really love. Basically you just need to watch it!!

Coldplay, and Switchfoot: These two groups are always my favorites, but I've been listening to them a lot more lately. They're really fantastic when I'm a little bit angry, but also when I'm just relaxing because they're very...mellow. And if you've never heard Chris Martin (Coldplay), or Jon Foreman (Switchfoot) sing?? You're missing out BIG time. Their voices are just so...almost raw in a sense, but just so...perfect is really the only word I can use to describe them.

Revlon Lip Butter in "Berry Smoothie": I have basically every color of the Revlon Lip Butters, not even ashamed to say that. I love almost all of the colors (the Red Velvet one looks pretty awful on me, though), but my favorite right now is the Berry Smoothie color. This one looks very glossy compared to some of the others, with just a hint of sparkle. It's a wicked good neutral berry color for this time of the year, and I've been wearing it every day this week. Check it out!!

Snail Mail: Snail Mail is basically my life. I write my close friends literally ALL the time. It just feels so much more heartfelt. I sent my boyfriend an anniversary card, and he was ECSTATIC to receive it. I love seeing reactions to things like that because it makes me happy along with them. Just waiting on a close friend to be able to give me her address so I can send her some cards!

What were some of your favorites this week?? xx

A Season of Waiting

Ever since I was five years old, I've dreamt of being in the National Honor Society. 

Just to be recognized so greatly for your achievements, I've just been a long supporter of it. So this year, when I became eligible I of course applied right away. I turned in my application on the 25th of September, and my chapter's board had their meeting this past Monday.

So now I sit here and wait. I was told that today would be the day I'd find a letter in my mailbox confirming either my dream come true, or my worst nightmare. Now, it would not be the end of the world, because I can try again next year...but I've been working so hard almost JUST for this. Having NHS on your resume can look pretty snazzy. And ESPECIALLY since I'd like to attend Cedarville University (which has also been my dream since a child, but it's $35,000+ a year) I need all the help as I can get. But anyways...nothing for me in the mailbox at the end of my driveway today.

So now I sit here going out of my mind waiting, because my teachers won't tell me. This is fun, I'm having a greatttt time. (Anyone detect my sarcasm?)


Updates to follow!! xx

Favorites 9/28-10/3

Scandal: Okay, okay...this is not exactly the most appropriate TV Show out there, but I'm hooked. I was a big Tony Goldwyn fan anyways, and fact that the show revolves around Politics? LOVEEEE. I'm on Team Olitz, because...what other couple could you be cheering for? Shonda Rhimes is a veryyyy disaster-causing writer/producer, but I don't think we'll be going through like six seasons JUST to find out that Fitz and Olivia will never be together. It'd be like watching HIMYM all over again (Don't even get me started, it's not worth watching 9 seasons).

Orajel: This is a strange one, but it has been a true lifesaver this week. I have the absolute WORST canker sore in my mouth from biting my cheek while it was numb during a Dentist Appointment. It has progressed and I'm in severe pain because I can't talk, open my mouth, or even keep it closed without it being horribly irritated.

American Eagle Jeggings: I never thought in my LIFE I would ever wear jeggings. That changed in April though. American Eagle's jeggings are not really skin tight (perhaps that's because I'm size 6, but I go a size up) and they are SOOO wicked comfy.

and finallly....

MissGlamorazzi: You might as well know that I adore watching videos on YouTube. And I realllyyy love LifeStyle & Beauty bloggers. I used to love watching Bethany Mota, but then she got unbelievably popular and now is on DWTS...it's too much. But yeah. I've always really loved Ingrid (MissGlamorazzi), even though she's not a Christian, and sometimes her style confuses me...I really like her and her videos. So I've been bingewatching her old videos lately.




Have a happy Friday, everyone! What were your favorites this week?


~Laura~