What's your story?

I want to hear your story! Everyone has one, everyone's is different, everyone's is special. Send me a picture, and tell me what the story is. You may just see your story here!

Examples....

This is another picture I took myself, this year actually. I know it is different than my over posts, but hang in there with me.

What do you see in this girl? Happiness? Laughter?
Who do you think she is?

Her name is Erika. She has been a great influence in my life, because she is beautiful on the inside and out, which is why I needed to add her to my "Story People." Erika was my RA (resident advisor) my freshmen year of college. I was so blessed to get to know her, and that she would spend quality time with me, truly getting to know me. I don't think anyone forgets their freshmen year of college. You can probably look at hundreds of photographs, and each one would remind you of another story. Freshmen year does something to you...whether good or bad I guess; I know for me, just looking at this photograph, I can remember that feeling on move in day: meeting Erika for the first time, meeting new friends, trying new and exciting things..... I bet you can remember something from college??

Erika taught me, shared with me, and whether she knew this or not, I was able to learn so much form her just by watching her. She lead by example. She taught me how to disciple others, by discipling me. She taught me how to pray, by praying with me. She showed me how to be a friend, by being mine, and be a leader, by leading me. I can truly say I aspire to obtain those characteristics that she possesses. She was never to busy for me, whether I was in need of help, a listening ear, or just someone to hang with. She showed me that growing up did not have to be a scary thing, and that I could be whoever I wanted to be at college. Funny thing, she showed me all I wanted to be, just by being.... herself...Just look at her!

unforgettable memories

Memories make us who who are, create the person we will become, and there is an abundance more on the horizon. What a creative thing God created. Memories; who knew! 

I tried thinking about my favorite childhood memory; and honestly, I have too many to write down.

The first childhood memory I could recall was being in Mammoth Mountain. The first time I went to Mammoth, I was seven years old. It was the embarkment of many adventures to come. The pine trees, the fresh soil, and crisp air, are all so vivid in my memory. There were trails waiting to be discovered, fish jumping on the crystal blue lakes, and there was an adventure waiting on every corner. Year after year we returned to mammoth mountain, staying at the same lake, but creating new memories each new summer. Our cabin had the most beautiful view of crystal craig, along with a little church to the far left. The best view from our cabin though, was the dock right out front, which daddy could be seen fishing on every evening while we cooked supper. 

I also remember spending many summer nights, holidays, and sleepovers, at grandmas. My grandma lived on a lot of property, which was a heavenly playground for children. We had a swimming pool, big dirt hills, a swing set, wall ball court, tons of fruit trees, and a big treehouse. Add the 13 plus cousins I have, and we sure knew how to have a fun time. 

These memories I have are small, but fulfilling. I never want to forget the happiness and joyful feelings I felt while experiencing those things.They have helped to shape me into who I am today. No matter where I go, or who I become; Whenever I get married or have kids, I can always cary these memories with me. Even the memories that are hard to look back on, we should never forget the way they impacted us. Look back into your own childhood. What things make you..well you!? What can put a smile on your face, make you laugh every time, or still get you chokes up when reminisce over it?

I decided to write about this topic because of this other book I have read. It is a devotional on Joshua, another great leader. It is called “Live Fearlessly,” by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose. There is a great story I liked that I think fits the topic of keeping the details in all the important memories.

“Bishop G. Bromley Oxnam was honored to give the annual Memorial Day address at the National Monument at Gettysburg. He concluded his speech reciting Lincoln’s famous address. Afterward he felt satisfied with his performance. That is, until an elderly man remarked, “son, you made an awful mess of Lincoln’s speech.”

Oxnam asked, “What do you mean? I didn’t miss a word. Look at my notes.” The old man interrupted, “Oh, I don’t need your notes. I know it by heart. I heard it the first time around.”

The Bishop was humbled to realize that this man was present when Lincoln originally delivered his address. he was curious about how his delivery had differed from the president’s.The old man explained, “Abe put his hands out over the people like a benediction, and said, “That the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, should not perish from the earth.” He went on to admonish, “You got the words right, son, but you missed the message. You emphasized government, Lincoln talked about people.”

The book goes on to say, “Monuments sometimes recall situations with a harshness that fails to recall emotion of the original eyewitness.”

Every time I remember my grandmas house, or spending time with my family in Mammoth Mountain, I need to remember every wonder I saw, because that was something God created. Every time of laughter I reminisce about, I need to thank God for the joy and happiness in my life. Memories without meaning behind them can be dull. A life full of happiness, along with thankfulness to our Savior for those times, is reminiscing with the right perspective.