These days won't last

These days won't last. I know they won't. But I pretend they will.

The sunshine, the laughter; everyone together.

Next year, I'll be hours away at college. 

Next year, the baby will be four years old.

Next year, I won't be surrounded by the giggles of silly little girls.

But these days are here now, so I'll cherish them while they're here and recollect them when they're gone.

stop and shine

It's amazing how the words we say shape our attitudes. When I complain about the weather, it seems worse. When I talk about how tired I am, I feel more exhausted. When I discuss the fact that I have senioritis, I lose more motivation.

Words are powerful, and I tend to use them too negatively too often. We often talk about how our words can hurt others, but what about how they hurt ourselves? There's a reason the Bible says in Philippians 2:14, 

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

We must not complain because we need to be shining as lights for God. We can't go around with a negative attitude, tearing down ourselves and other people, and expect to shine brightly like we're supposed to. 

So go. Stop complaining, and shine.

Delight 365 // Days 89-98

Here is the next installment of my Delight 365 challenge. I've definitely been enjoying the warmer weather and longer daylight hours. 

Day 89

"There are seven days in a week, and someday isn't one of them."

via

Day 90

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Day 91

"The God if Israel said,

The Rock of Israel spoke to me:

'He who rules over men must be just,

Ruling in the fear of God.

And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, 

A morning without clouds,

Like the tender grass springing out of the earth,

By clear shining after rain.'"

2 Samuel 23:3-4

Day 93

"When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches.

Because You have been my help,

Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

My soul follows close behind You;

Your right hand upholds me."

Psalm 63:6-7

Day 94

"Nobody is ever too old to dream. And dreams will never grow old."

Anne of Windy Poplars

{this photo is currently a secret; I'll post it soon}

This is a quote book that I made for this dear girl's birthday present, and I had to make sure she received it before I posted a photo. *smile*

Day 95

"When You said, 'Seek My face,'

My heart said to You, 'Your face, LORD, I will seek.'"

Psalm 27:8

Day 96

"When I see the winter turning into spring

It speaks to this heart of mine more than anything.

Underneath a blanket of snow, cold and white,

Something is stirring in the still of the night.

"And maybe my eyes can't see,

But You are surrounding me.

Here in the wind and rain, the things that I know.

Tender and sweet, and strong as my need,

I know the voice, I know the touch.

Lover of my soul."

"Lover of My Soul" by Amy Grant

Day 97

"Even the most menial tasks, if undertaken for God's glory, are holy."

Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan

Day 98

"The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life."

Jessica Hische

So here it is

I procrastinate. I don't upload pictures for more than a week (and haven't yet). I tell myself that I shouldn't blog empty words, that I should wait until I have something important to say or some gorgeous photos to share or some huge thing happens in my life.

But sometimes I sit in AP Statistics and realize that I don't need fancy words or perfect pictures. I want those, yes, but right now, I don't have the time. Tennis season just started, and I'm trying to make some more seasonal items for my Etsy shop, and I'm telling myself that I really do need to complete my homework.

So here it is. My ramblings after taking a practice AP test. And my decision to take time to paint my little sisters's toenails, to read books, to spend time outside as the weather warms up, whether or not I've blogged or journaled or slept enough.

"We waste so many days waiting for the weekend. So many nights wanting morning. Our lust for future comfort is the biggest thief of life."

Joshua Glenn Clark