Brother :)

Something very exciting this happened this weekended! I got to see my brother:) He was in Birmingham for a friend's wedding, so we drove to see him! It was great, it had been a while since I'd seen him last... too long. I miss being able to see him all the time. He is such a good big brother!!

I'm sorry I have been so slack in the picture posting department. I will try to get some film pictures up soon. Right now, I don't have a good excuse for not posting any except that I just haven't gotten around to it...
But, have no fear. Soon, there will be some:)
I just need to find a store that carries a rechargeable camera battery that I need.

Until then, Maddy

The Secret of Being Content

"Be happy for each day. Do the things this year that you can do, and when next year comes, enjoy new opportunities. But don't be so impatient that one day you will regret you didn't take time to enjoy each step. Remember: 'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven' (Ecclesiastes 3:1)"

The Lord gave me this quote/ verse as conformation to be satisfied where I am in life right now. Instead of dreaming of what life will be like once I get to a certain age, I need to enjoy this step in life. And be content right where I am. I need to trust God's timing is best and that He will one day answer all my questions. But for now I just need to wait, practice patience, learn to trust Him... and see how I grow. He is using the stage of life I am in now to prepare me for what is down the road. I need to trust what He is doing in my life, because only He can see what is coming next, and He only wants what is best for me... I need to trust, and wait. patiently.

"Times of waiting take us to deeper levels of trust, strengthen our faith, remind us to abide in Christ, and teach us to delight in the Lord... This season of life provides us the ideal opportunity to learn the secret of being content in any situation." -Sarah Mally

His Strength is reviled... 2011

I've been dreading writing this post, not because I'm not excited about the new year, but I know what you want me to write... new years resolutions... what I've learned... I love reading all those things from other people, but I'm not in the mood to write my own, at least not now (and I can't tell you why, because I don't know why myself).
Don't get me wrong. I've learned and grown so much this year, and I am thrilled to have a new year and start another chapter in my long story. There is so much about me that has changed. I have new perspectives, new friends, new schooling... everything. It's hard for me to pick just a few that stick out. Except the obvious ones.

***

So let me continue this post... I'm super excited about this new year. 2011, now that's fun to type:)
I can't even imagine where I will be this time next year. But so many doors have been opened, and I can't wait to walk through them and see what's next for me. Really, I can't wait. I want to know... like, now. God has been working on me. I want answers. Where will I be next year? Will this happen? How will this effect my life?
and I want so many things that might not be His will, but He is teaching me to be patient and wait until He decides to show me, tell me, surprise me.
It's been hard, and I imagine it always will be. I don't like to wait. It's one of my weaknesses, but in my weakness His strength is reviled. And that makes waiting, beautiful.

Happy almost New Year,
Maddy

I am SO Happy!!

Guess... do you know? Do you know why I am so happy??

Well.... ok, i'll tell you...

I got my braces off today!! Ahhh! I am so happy!! Can you tell?

After 3 and a half years, I am MORE than ready to be braces free, and let me tell you it feel so amazing!!

All the orthodontist appointments were worth the result :)

Now, I can proudly smile  :-D

Sr.High Youth (uptown)-FPC

One of my favorite parts of the week is going to youth group. FPC youth group has helped me grow so much through the last 3 years. My eyes have really been opened to see God clearly. I can't describe in words the spiritual impact of being involved in the church youth program has made on me. For starters the staff in great. They all really make a effort (and succeed) at getting to know every student individually and on a personal level. They do a superb job at making you feel right at home :) Also fellowship plays a big part in my spiritual life. We meet in small groups once a week for accountability and prayer. I must say that the relationships built through my 'd-group' has impacted me in so many ways.

Now, here comes the change. Once you enter high school you start going to youth group on Sunday nights rather than on Wednesday. I am really looking forward to spending the next four years in Sr.High building relationships and growing, and growing, and growing. It will be neat to be in a 'd-group' with some older girls that can really help me expand my knowledge and love for the Lord.

A Crummy Plate

I remember when I was a little girl and all I thought about was what it would be like to be a teenager. I wanted to, talk on the phone, have an exciting life, hang out with friends on a regular basis, you know... the things you dreamed about too. Now, I am the age I have always wanted to be and life just isn't as exciting as I had anticipated.
Honestly, life is everything I had dreamed it would be. I have just been too preoccupied waiting for the time my life would get started to realize that it already had. I have wasted my time waiting for what I had dreamed of for years to take place, when in reality I was living my dream the whole time. It's like when you go to a birthday party and you are just so excited to eat the cake, that you don't even realize that the candles have already been blown out, and you have already been handed a piece of cake. You are so busy thinking about what flavor it will be that you don't even take the time to look at the beautifully decorated cake and to thank your friend's mom until the cake is nearly gone.
I'm going to stop and enjoy all the fun games at the party before the cake is passed out. I don't want to miss it. I want to remember eating the cake, and enjoy every bite, because if I don't stop and enjoy it I will be left standing there with a plate full of crumbs, wondering when I'll get to eat the cake.

Announcement

A peek into a new chapter in my life:

Over the past 4 years my family and I have prayed about an opportunity for me to be Home schooled. I always thought it would be fun. This year the Lord gave our family a peace about this step in life. I am very excited to be home schooled my 9th grade year for several reasons.

• I know it is God's will and plan for my life right now. I know this is where He wants to take me on my life journey. I look forward to building my relationship with Him and fully depending on God to take control of my life and lead me.
• There are so many things i look forward to learning. Starting with science. I know there are several neat things to do and places to go to learn about God's creation. Also English: I am thrilled to choose different books to read and improve in my writing skills.
• I feel that with more time at home, I will have a lot more free time to work on the things I love. Photography for instance. With being at school all day and coming home to do homework I don't have much time to take tons of pictures. I also love to cook, paint and draw. This new opportunity will clear up some time for me to work on all those things and enjoy a few more pleasures in life.

I know this is all part of God's plan for me. I know that He will teach me so much over the next year, and I can't wait to see what He had in store for my life!

The Final Days...

The temperature is telling me to go swimming
and the outside is beckoning my name.
The only thing keeping us apart
are my wretched final exams!

I dream of the days when I wake up with nothing to do. Even though it is so close I still feel that it is far away. I have a lot to look forward to over the next few months and even more within the next year (will be explained in a later post). This summer I look forward to all the wonderful opportunities I will have to take countless pictures at the beach, and in my favorite...COLORADO! I am trying to motivate myself into studying for the next for 5 days. I can do it!! Yes, yes... see. There's the motivation I need!! I have gone to school for 175 days this year...I can do 5 more, yes I can!
5 days left of middle school. I have made it through the good, the bad and the ugly. I can't believe high-school is almost here. I can still remember my first day of 6th grade. Truthfully I can. I am sad to leave middle school for many different bitter-sweet reasons, but I look forward to what the future brings and what God has in store for my life. I have been blessed with such wonderful friends and lifetime memories. I look forward to making more of both. :)

Georgia History #2

These are just some more pictures that I need for my power-point due tomorrow. It is coming along great so far. I just have one more slide and a few finishing touches to do. Hopefully all goes well.
I know the pics aren't that great considering it was at night, but I need them for my project.

Growth, Heart Breaks, Friendships and Memories.

Me and one of my Best Friends, Mary Helen Douglas on the first day of 8th grade.

My sister and I before the first day of school


There have been several ups and downs throughout my 3 years of middle-school. Three years of growth, heart breaks, friendships and memories. As I look back and reflect on the the last years I realize how much I have grown. Not only have I grown on the outside, but I have also grown spiritually. There have been different phases of middle-school, different friends, and several other differences. All these things worked together to form me. Even through the hard times, the Lord used all the different circumstances to help me grow. I stopped trying to find my identity in the things that only last a moment and began finding my identity on the things that matter. Sometimes when I felt that all had lost hope and I wanted to turn my back and give up, God was there tugging at my heart. I can't list all the things that I have learned it one post.
I know one of the biggest things I have learned revolves around friends. Not only have do I know who my true friends are, and how a true friend treats you and loves you, but I have learned how to be a true friend as well. I have had shallow relationships in the past. Now my friendships are built on God. Praying for one another, encouraging each other and being there when things get tough. As I have my moments of reviewing, I look back... and through all the tears and hard times I have embraced, it was all worth it to get to where I am now.

Georgia History

I just loaded these so I could have them for a project at school. We are doing a History power-point. We got to choose a person, place or event in Georgia and collect information about it. I chose Mulberry St. in downtown Macon because there are some really neat buildings and events that take place there. Ga History is the funnest class ever, and the teacher, Mr.Kitchell is great too :)

My Goal To Encourage

I have discovered that encouragement really keeps me going. Even the small things people say mean the world to me. On the other hand discouragement really get me down... but I think this goes for the majority of people in the world. So I have decided that Since I have experienced the pleasure of being in the spot light or getting a compliment I want others to feel the same way I do. Encouragement is such a great thing. We, as Christians are called to be a light to others. I have the power to lift someone's spirit and bring them down all with the same tongue. Why would I choose to be a discourager. Even though my sinful nature causes me to say things I wouldn't say if I thought twice before I said them, My goal is to give others the joy that I love receiving, and putting them in the spot light. :)

Journaling

Journaling is one of the ways that I use to communicate with the Lord. When I write my thoughts and prayers to Him I can focus better on what I am saying. I come clean with Him and tell Him everything. I don't have to be embarrassed because He already knows everything before I tell Him. He knows me inside and out even better that I do. I love to reflect on the things I have asked God about, and read over the things I wrote. When I do that I can see the ways he has worked in my life. He has answered everyone of my prayers. Maybe not the way I thought, or maybe not immediately, but He does, and He does it how He sees fit to accomplish His plans for my life. I am glad to have a Savior that is constantly pulling for me and working for my good.
This is a song that the Lord has used to open my eyes to see who He really is, and How much He truly does love me!

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, Thank you
The Father's wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, Thank you
Once your enemy, now seated at your table
Jesus, Thank you!!

Things to Look Forward to

I am so excited! I have some great opportunities to take some picture this weekend! I can't wait! I just love capturing the beauty of the world! I will try to post some picture if I get some good ones. There are often times when I realize that I need more practice. We will see how it goes! Thank goodness for warm weather! It gets me even more excited for SUMMER!

Lucy Bug Kross

Don't let her angelic brown eyes, and cold sweet puppy nose deceive you. Lucy is capable of things beyond our imagination. Inside that adorable head of hers is a manipulative mind, full of schemes and tricks that can drive a person MAD! Only joking... I hope!
This four-year-old little fur ball of energy is what enlightens my rough days, makes me laugh and smile, and licks all my tears away. Although she doesn't know what the word 'no' means, or how to 'sit' on command, Lucy brings more joy into our family. We love taking her on family hikes and walks along with our other Jack Russel Terrier, Jack. You should see the two of them in action! Pulling on the leash as if it were a game of tug-of-war, racing to the ball, and fighting for the most attention, or 'love pats'. We love our dogs!
A few summers ago, sometime around my birthday, we decided that eleven-year-old, Jack needed a companion. He had no idea what was coming his way, and he had no way of preparing for this huge change in his life. Lucy keeps Jack young. We got tiny little Lou at a kennel a few hours away. Immediately I knew that she was the right puppy! I spent the rest of my 'relaxing' summer training, feeding, and taking out this very needy dog (puppies are like a newborn baby)
Anyways, Lucy Bug Kross got her name for an obvious reason. She always ate bugs! Every bug that she could lay an eye on became her snack, even though we fed her well. We always joked that if she ever were to get lost, she would survive on bug protein. :) After all the consumed bugs, I am still trying to figure out how she has never gotten sick???
I love every part of Lucy! Her bug eating-problem, her cute brown nose, her baby soft ears, and her ever amazing ability to always bring a smile to your face. Lucy has greatly contributed to the many joys in my life. I am so happy to call her my puppy! :)

My Realization

The average person spends around 10 hours watching TV in a week, and about 10 minutes talking to God. I thought about that, and remembered that the Lord has done so much for me. He came to this earth poor so that I could be rich. He suffered so I didn't have to. He loves me in spite of all my many sins, His love is unconditional. I could go on and on, listing the things that He has done and sacrificed for me. After all these things, I would still watch TV over spending time to talk, praise and thank the Lord. I find that when I do spend more time in His word, I end up much happier that I would watching American Idol to find that my favorite singer had been reluctantly booted off the show. If He has sacrificed so much for me, and done so much then the least I can do is spend more time with Him. Because of this realization, I am deciding to dedicate more of my time with my Father, learning more about His flawless life, and how I can become more like Him.

Spread Your wings

Just go for it! I often find myself choosing not to do things because I don't think I can, I don't think I will be good at it, or I am afraid I will end up flat on my face in a big pile of falure. In reality I just need to spread my wings and fly. I have no idea what I am capable of until I try it. I need to stop being afraid of messing up, or not doing everything perfect the first time I try something. In fact there have been times where I didn't want to do something, and I end up being pretty good at it, and loving it. Through spreading my wings and flying for the first time I have found some things that I am really go at. Most of all, I have found something I love. Now daily, I continually practice, and get better, and better every day. I can already see my improvement. Next time I don't want to do something because I am afraid of the outcome, I will remind myself that with God I can do all things, and there is no reason for me to ever be afraid! :)

Home

Sometimes, when I was little I would buy a box of celeal just for the prize inside. I'd get all excited and reach my hand in the box to grad this ever so amazing prize only to find a plastic figure with no eyes... dissapointing right? I know what you are thinking, I should have known. Companies always lie to sell their product. Yes, I know that, but at the moment when I was in Wal-mart all I was thinking about was the cool new toy that I would get to play with when I got home. Not only was the toy not what I would have expected at all, but the cereal would taste like the plastic wrapper that my toy was wrapped up in to keep it from getting all sticky.
There are so many disappointing things in life... friends will let you down, your family will let you down, something won't go the way you planned it out in your mind. One thing I know for sure that will not dissapoint me is my real home... heaven. I say my real home because where I am now, Earth is only temorary. I will have way better things in heaven waiting for me. I don't know exactly what it will be like, but I DO know that when I get home and reach my hand in the box it will be even better than I ever imagined!

Little Taste of Heaven

Have you ever gotten chills down your spine? I don't mean the ones you get when you are cold. I'm talking about the warm, good feeling ones you get. The shivers you get when something great happens to you, like a good hug right when you need one, but even better. My mom tells me that when those satisfying little chills travel down your back you are getting a "little taste of heaven". This little treat is rare, and once you get it you crave to have it again. I love moments in life that God gives us to remember, and to yearn for an eternity of those moments that come and go so swiftly now, but will eventually last forever. That is what heaven will be like. It will be so great that not even the words that I type at this very moment, or a word that any amazing poet uses can descried. I can't wait for that day!

Value of Friendship

I was thinking about what it meant to be a good friend... so i goggled it, yes i goggled it. Here are some quotes that I found thoughtful and sweet about friends. some of these may seem silly, but when you think about it they are all true! =) You're...
My Friend,
my companion,
through good times and bad
my friend, my buddy,
through happy and sad,
beside me you stand,
beside me you walk,
you're there to listen,
you're there to talk,
with happiness, with smiles,
with pain and tears,
I know you'll be there, throughout the years!

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere."
-Tim McGraw
"Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher."
"A true friend is someone who knows there's something wrong even when you have the biggest smile on your face."
The best kind of friend is the kind you can sit on a porch and swing with, never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you've ever had.” ~Unknown~
“Friends are those rare people who ask how you are and then wait to hear the answer”