SURPRISE!

She was so surprised!

Such a beautiful bird

Mom and Riley

Riley and the bird

Mack didn't like it to much

For my mom's birthday this year we went to Discovery Cove in Orlando Florida to swim with the dolphins. This has been her life long dream.
My dad planned everything, and we helped keep it a surprise. When she found out her birthday surprise which she was last expecting they were on a walk. Me and my sister met my brother up at the school. We set everything up, and not only was she thrilled to swim with the dolphins, but her son was home. We packed up and left that day. The whole family.
Before we swam with the dolphin (next post) we got the chance to go into the Aviary. There were so many neat birds of all kinds. Peacocks, turkeys, toucans, and other beautiful birds. We each got cups of food and the birds flew right up and ate out of our hands. One bird even sat on my head. It was so fun! It was so nice to have the whole family together!

Coming up!

Get Excited because I have at least 3 posts worth of pictures from my sister's prom and my mom's birthday surprise. Unfortunately school got the best of me this week with tests, so when I have time I will load, edit and post the memories.
Until then,
Maddy

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. :)

Green Beauty

I took this picture this weekend while I was at Wesleyan. Notice the sun spot :)

Danielle's Prom

My sister's friend, Danielle Vogal asked me to take pictures of her and her date for her Senior Prom. I was thrilled with the privileged to take pictures at Wesleyan in this wonderful weather. Danielle looked gorgeous. I had a great time snapping away. I am proud to present the first pictures that I have edited on Photoshop. Thanks Danielle for a great time :)

PhotoShop

Finally I have a photo editing software account on my computer! Now I can edit and change some of my pictures. It will take some time to figure things out and learn how to best use the tools, but I am one step further in learning new things! I'll try to get some pictures edited and posted sometime later this week! :)

I am Blessed

Susanna, Marah and Kathryn

Livi and Me

Savanna and Mary Helen

Brenley and Lizzie

Anna and Marah

One of the many blessings in my life that God has given me is friends. I have several friends new and old. Friends that make me laugh and smile, friends that comfort me, friends I can depend on, friends I can trust, and friends that Love me no matter what. I am thankful for the joy that they bring me from day to day. We have so many great memories together to look back and laugh at, or remember how we were together through thick and thin. I am glad I have my friends to help me through my walk with Christ. They are there for me, encouraging me every step of the way.

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!!

The GREENHOUSE!

The Greenhouse is an opportunity for Middle school students to GROW in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ (as read in flier), hosted by my church youth group. We will learn what is means to grow in your relationship with Christ, as well as play games, worship, have lots of fun with our friends and sleep...maybe ;). It is from Friday night to Saturday afternoon. I am super excited to go again. I always have a great time and learn so much from the speakers. I look forward to learning more about God's incredible love that he has for me!!!!

Let It Fade-Jeremy Camp

Let it Fade-Jeremy Camp
Have you been walking on a surface that's uncertain?
Have you helped yourself to everything that's empty?
You can't live this way too long.
There's more than this, more than this.
Have you been standing on your own feet too long?
Have you been looking for a place where you belong?
You can rest, you will find rest.
You can rest, you will find rest.

Let this old life crumble, let it fade.
Let this new life offer be your saving grace.
Let this old life crumble, let it fade, let it fade.

Last night I was picking a song to wake up to the next morning, when I came across this recently uploaded song on my ipod. These simple words by Jeremy Camp are so POWERFUL! When I listened to the words of the song several things went through my head, but the main focus of my thought process was peace. There are small things in my life that I haven't completely let go of. These words reminded me that I need to allow God to be fully in control of my life. I am not living for myself, but for Him. To bring glory honor and praise to His name. There are pointless things in my life that I have been trying to make my identity in such as: facebook, friends etc. Through this song, God has remended me that my identity should be found in Jesus, and Jesus alone.

Balloon Glow??

Kerinsa Mullins

TONS of people

One of the hot air balloons that never went up in the air...

I had a great chance to go take pictures with an awesome photographer a few weeks ago! Kerinsa Mullins was my 6th grade English teacher. I loved her class :) Over the past few months, she tremendously helped me out with my photography. We have gotten together a couple times so she could show me the ropes. She has taught me tons. We decided to go to the balloon glow during cherry blossom. Though the balloons weren't as great as we had anticipated, we still had a great time snapping pictures. :) Thank you so much Mrs. Mullins for everything you have taught me It means the world to me!!!

To see incredible pictures visit:
http://www.kerinsamarie.com/

Good Friday

Good Friday is one of the days out of the year when I remember what a huge sacrifice Christ made for me. He showed me the unconditional love he had for me by dieing so that I may have life. There is not one good reason I can think of that he would die for me. I didn't deserve it. I still don't. He was abused, abandoned, bruised, beat, mocked, spit on, and laughed at. He is the perfect example of who I should be. John 15:13 Great love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for a friend.There are times when I could strangle a person, but Christ repeatedly reminds me of the way he showed his love for me. I am instructed to show the same love towards others. Even though I may get treated like dirt, or mocked I still should be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for those around me, because that is what Jesus did for me. I want others to see the Lord shining through my actions and words and know that the God I follow is an incredible God that loves me regardless.