God is here.

As I was cleaning the refridgerator for Mom this afternoon, I was listening to some music. Lady Antebellum's "I Was Here" played. That song and "American Honey" are the only songs by that group that I liked. While it played, I was thinking back to the first time I had ever heard it. Last summer this song popped up on one of my Pandora stations. Immediately, I loved it. If anyone of you know me, I don't like leaving things at status quo. I don't like to settle for mediocre. When I really thought through the words, I realized something. There was so much of the word "I." The song is full of the attitude that "I can do anything without anyone's help; I will do it all, and everyone better remember me for it." The sentiment of that song is still something I could relate to, especially with my last year of high school coming up. It is in everyone's nature to want to be remembered, to leave some kind of legacy, to make a difference. I know it's in mine. 

I've been thinking a lot about this coming school year. God is going to do great things. I am so sure of it. In all honesty, I have unshakeable faith that God is going to work in the hearts and lives of the students at Harvest like we have never seen Him work before. All of those amazing things don't just happen by accident with His children just standing around doing nothing. I am also absolutely certain that this year is going to come with gigantic challenges to those who profess to be Christians. I'm counting myself in that one. When God works, Satan is also working to discourage believers, sabatoge God's work and deceive even more unsaved people. God can do AMAZiNG things, and it really is my heart's desire to witness Him work!!! It's my prayer that we (I'm referring to other students at Harvest who are Christians) stand united as Christ's body in our school and make a difference in the lives of those around us. I'm really tired of seeing passive rebellion, hypocrites, and cowards all around me. What we need as a school, as a church, and, on an even greater scale, as an island is revival; but that first starts in your own personal life. Revival in your own heart first.  

God has been teaching me that this year I need to stand for Him, no matter what it takes. I'm laying all on the line. My soul cries out to Him to change our school, our island: that all would come to repentance. But I know if I want to see change, I need to lead by example. Whatever it takes, Lord, I'm willing to do. Even if I stand alone. 

This year, my senior year, will be different. It doesn't matter if nobody remembers Ruth Anne Natividad. So long as they know who Jesus Christ is...that's all that matters. I am nothing. Christ is everything. 


I Was Here by Lady Antebellum
"You will notice me
I'll be leaving my mark like initials carved
In an old oak tree, you wait and see

Maybe I'll write like Twain wrote
Maybe I'll paint like Van Gogh
Cure the common cold, I don't know
But I'm ready start 'cause I know in my heart

I wanna do something that matters, say something different
Something that sets the whole world on its ear
I wanna do something better with the time I've been given
I wanna try to touch a few hearts in this life
Leave nothing less than something that says "I was here"

I will prove you wrong
If you think I'm all talk, you're in for a shock
'Cause this dream's too strong and before too long

Maybe I'll compose symphonies
Maybe I'll fight for world peace
'Cause I know it's my destiny
To leave more than a trace of myself in this place!

I wanna do something that matters, say something different
Something that sets the whole world on its ear
I wanna do something better with the time I've been given
I wanna try to touch a few hearts in this life
And leave nothing less than something that says "I was here"

And I know that I, I will do more than just pass through this life
I'll leave nothing less than something that says "I was here"
I was here." 

I do want to do something that matters: live for God. At the end of this year, I want nothing more than people to look back and say, "God is here."

Because it was annoying the guts out of me...

I found my favorite poem....EVER!! :D


Dream in Color by Adi Rudik
She dreams in color
Of fields of splendor
Of old and new
Of memories past and future longings
She says she dreams in color, of me

I dream in one shade
Flickers of images
Snaps of life
Glimpses of reality and nothing

She dreams in color
A clear picture in her mind
A life outside of life
A real within the unreal
She dreams in color, of me

I envy her dream and vision
Her mind's fine eye
I dream in one color
The color of her eyes.

I mourn.

So all I can say today is that you cannot expect from people what they do not have.

I cannot expect social graces from people who have grown up with no need for them.
I cannot expect respect from people who have not yet learned humility.
I cannot expect joy from people who have heavy hearts.

Today I learned that sometimes people don't get enthralled, ravished, and thrilled about learning and knowing new things about God. Maybe I can say that's a shame. It is a shame that you don't want to take a step of faith away from mediocre, comfortable Christianity.

My dad.

You know, I think I've been to the moon and back with adventures with my dad. We've crossed oceans, cities and streets to be with each other, literally and figuratively.

Dad,
I love you so much.
You've sacrificed for me.
You've taken care of me.
You've loved me beyond comprehension.

I respect you so much.
You've taught me how to
Work dilgently,
Love unconditionally,
Serve humbly,
Live honestly.

I don't think I could ask for any better dad. Sure we've had our ups and downs, but time and time again, you've shown me your love so faithfully. I could never doubt your love...ever. Your love for Mom and our family is the truest kind.

I'll always be your little girl. And you'll always be my greatest hero.
I love you, Dad. Happy Father's Day.

Memorial Day.

Today is Memorial Day. As much as I am thankful for those who have died for my freedom, and as much as I specifically love American history...

Honestly, it is hard to understand and personalize the gravity of the death of many brave men and women-when I am an American whose "fathers" did not die in American wars. It's an ambiguous and abstract feeling.

Nonetheless, I am forever grateful. Whether I realize the depth of their sacrifice or not, there are countless lives that have been spent so that I can be where I am today.

This day is a human reflection of the Ultimate Sacrifice Christ was for us. Jesus demonstrated His love for us, while we were yet sinners. He put His life on the line. For us. To give us the freedom from sin.

Maybe you can personalize this kind of sacrifice more than I can. Just remember. Today's a day we look back at our history: personally, nationally, and universally and remember. Don't let the heroes of our past become unsung.

Love Lead Me On.

"Someday I'm gonna go out to the country
I'll drive til the highway ends
Chasing after picture perfect sunsets
To take away my breath
I'm tired of living in the city
The world's got me tied on a string
Wanderlust has overcome me
Like Lewis and Clark I'll dream
There's a million different ways to go
Only God can know where I will call my home

Love lead me on
Where no one else has gone
Faith keep me strong
Love lead me on

The open road can be so lonely
I'm longing for someone to love
If only I could share my new surroundings
Open the doors above
There's a million different ways to go
Only God can know where I will call my home

Love lead me on
Where no one else has gone
Faith keep me strong
Love lead me on

Faith keep me strong
Love lead me home"

By the Afters.

I love this song. I thought about today while I was basking in the sun. We had water day today, and it was an absolute BLAST!!! I am really sunkissed. I love not burning in the sun. Deepest sympathies to those who do. This summer is going to be great. I can feel it in my bones.

Good times.

Ok, so I typed this blog out earlier, and it was nice and long...but the silly computer got confused and deleted all that I wrote :D

Anyway, I'll just summarize. I love to work. I love going to sleep really tired. I don't like to sit at a computer and type all day, not that kind of work. I like to run errands and talk to people and fill up inflatable pools, crazy stuff like that.

Today in Bible study, I realized I really ought to be learning something every day. It's easy to see spiritual change after a week, or several months or several days, but God is continuously working in me and growing me that there should be a distinct, no matter how small, difference between today and yesterday. :D

I've been reading through Colossians for my Bible reading. Tonight I read about my life being hid in Christ! Isn't that amazing!!! I share the same spiritual eternal life attributes that God has! I have eternal life that unbelievers don't understand the depth or width of how AWESOME that is! No one and nothing can take that life away from me! It's been really good. Really really good.

I'm so excited to grow this summer! It's already exponentially better than last summer. Not as many tears. ;)