Sexual Healing.

This is a video that has been going around recently. I LOVE IT.

I am so impressed with how brave this guy is to make a video like this. A GUY.

How many teenage guys do you know who would be willing to say this out loud for everyone to hear?

I love how he is so honest with not only how he feels, and how the bible tells us to feel, but with how our world is. He knows the way our world is. We all do. I love the balance of his belief and real world application.

He knows the truth of how kids our age think about sex. How the radio, tv, and friends all shape our thinking about sex. He speaks the truth about abortion. "It's funny how I was pro life until it happened to me." He is honest about his past. He isn't some saint speaking about sex. He's just as bad as any of us.

This is a 21 year old guy. Seriously, not many 21 year old men believe what he's saying, nonetheless what he believes.

This is a man who knows what is TRUTH. He knows what the bible tells us to do. And he understands Jesus' heart for our purity. He isn't waiting up there to condem us; to yell at us for sinning. He isn't waiting to tally our every mistake.

Jesus wants to protect our hearts. The bible tells us that sexual sin is the worst. Because sexual sin doesn't just hurt other people, it hurts ourselves. Our own flesh. And it stays with us.

Like he said, why else do you think a rape victim's wounds don't go away with the bruises?

The Lord wants us to wait until we are married. To save ourselves for our husbands or wives. Not because he wants life to suck. Or because he wants to make up stupid laws for us. God is taking care of us. He wants our hearts to be wholly His before we give it to anyone else. And he doesn't want us to give our hearts away to every Joe Shmo along the way to finding our husbands or wives. He wants us to be pure.

I believe that Jesus is on our side. Always. So I choose to follow his decrees.

I will wait.

And I love that this guy understands that you can change your heart and mind to follow the Lord at any time. No matter what you do. Its never too late.

"So think twice before you eat what society feeds us, come follow the King, his name is Jesus."

xo/Austin

Rainier's Game YOUNGLIFE!

Monday night was the YoungLife annual Tacoma Rainier's Game! We got there early to get good seats and take advantage of the free hot dog, chips, and drink they offered! It was a blast. Sarah and Emily rode up with me in good ol' Tyrone (my car). We had a blast driving up and making some new inside jokes! Oh, and Sarah decided to make a sign that said "Will Trade Austin for a Foul Ball." As much as I'd like to say it wasn't funny... I really found it hilarious! It was such a fun YoungLife night! I'm gettingso sad that YoungLife this year is almost over! Possibly my last time EVER being a YoungLife leader? Doubtful, but possible. Praying for the best last club ever and Malibu to be packed with Enumclaw kids. I wonder if they have YoungLife in Lynchburg...

 xo/Austin

Quad Date.

Tuesday it was so nice outside that Matt and I went quadding! It was such a blast to ride with him again! We were laughing about our previous quad trips.. Like the first time he ever took me out:

It was Valentines Day in 2010. We weren't officially dating at that point. So it was me, Matt, Kylie, and their friend Buck. We went out in the woods to a track nearby. I was on the back of Matt's bike and Ky an Buck had their own. Then suddenly we realized we lost Buck and Ky. So we waited for several minutes and suddenly Buck came riding up on the back of Kylie's bike. He ran into a tree and the bike died. So after a lot of talking, Matt decided to ride up and get help. After about fifteen minutes, he came back with his neighbor and his 10 year old son. They tied Buck's bike to the back of one and we all started going again. Next thing we know another bike died.. Then another. So we were left with 2 bikes out of 5! After we got them all up the hill.. One started running again, but we still had to tow the other two home. Needless to say, it was a bust of a date. But it was definitely memorable--and I wouldn't change it for the world!

Anyway, yesterday Matt took us up where we went the first time we rode. It was such a perfect way to spend the afternoon. We had so much fun! Just a glimpse of what's to come for the rest of the summer! I love that guy! Going on a date tonight to the Washington State History Museum and Tacoma Museum of Glass! Let summer begin!

Homeward Bound.

AHHH! Matt is on his way home as I write this. He left Tuesday from Virginia and is in Montana now! It is almost impossible to believe that this year apart is almost over! Look at it now, seems like it flew by! But I know that hasn’t always been the case.

It’s funny to think how perspective can change a situation. Whatever the truth is in the matter, perspective is what makes it awesome or terrible. For example, the fact is that he has been gone for about 10 months. But your perspective is what makes the situation the worst thing ever or something positive.

When he first left, all I could see was the next 10 months ahead of us. I listened to everyone who said “It must be SO hard” and “I could never do it.” It was terrible. All I could think about was being miserable and sad that Matt was gone. Worried something wouldn’t work out. Afraid. Then somehow, I decided to give it all to God. I decided that there was no reason to worry, because God had a plan for this. He knew there was a reason for it! And the moment I let God take control, it all seemed to make sense again.

When I decided to give God the reigns, I realized reasons why He had us 2,500 miles apart. He was making us stronger. He was giving me the opportunity to focus solely on Him rather than having my attention on Matt. He was giving me a reason to go to Liberty. He was letting us both grow up a little bit on our own. He was teaching us communication. He was teaching us how to be responsible. He was teaching us how to love each other only after loving Himself.

I am so thankful this year apart is almost over. And I cannot wait to spend this summer with Matt! But I am also so thankful for the time apart. I know full heartedly that God has used it in our relationship already, and will continue to use it throughout our entire relationship.

I can’t count how many people have said “How do you do it? I could never.” Usually I don’t really respond to this; because that’s what I used to think too. Before Matt and I started dating, I PRAYED and PRAYED that God would change my heart from how I felt about him. Because I knew he was leaving in August. I didn’t think I’d be able to make it a year without being close to him. I didn’t know what would happen. Would we not even try? Would we try and fail? Or would we get married? Crazy fears and worries went through my mind. But with Matt’s confidence and God ignoring my prayers for Him to change my heart, I figured there was a reason for it all, and jumped head first. We both fell pretty hard pretty fast. And before I knew it, I was in love.

For people thinking about not even trying because of a long distance relationship, here’s some advice: 1. A relationship is all about trust, you won’t make it without 100% trust in each other. 2. Focus on the positive possibilities from the situation, don’t be so pessimistic. 3. Trust God with your relationship, even long distance ones. 4. Talk about your BF/GF to people in your everyday life like they’re an everyday part of life, so when they get back, everyone is supportive and excited with you. 5. Don’t give up right away! The beginning is the hardest, give it a chance.

Thank you God for giving Matt and me the opportunity and the strength to make it through this year apart! And THANK YOU GOD it’s over! AMEN!

xo/Austin

Wednesday's Weekly Wishlist.

As a 19 year-old living on my own, I realize that I don't get to go and buy everything I want.. But if I could, these are some of the things I would buy!

1. Head Scarves! I don't know why, but I have been so into these lately! I think they are a great accessory for summer!
2. A cute and simple baseball hat! I have been really into hats lately, and I want to have a generic one that I can wear for work early in the mornings that my hair isn't exactly the cutest
3. I love these relaxed Athleta summer shorts
4. And this Athleta rash guard
5. Since I'm going on Beyond Malibu this summer, I have been giving a lot of thought to hiking! I would love these cute and reliable trail running shoes by New Balance
6. Eating Paleo isn't as hard as I thought it would be! But I would like to have this Paleo Cookbook
7. Something that has become a go-to for me on this diet has been smoothies! I just hate the mess, which is why this Oster Blend and Go Blender would be so helpful
8. I love earings! And I would really love some of these Juicy Studs
9. I am a big fan of these Lululemon head bands! I've wanted some for awhile now, just don't want to fork out the $12 for one!
10. I haven't seen it yet, and I am dying to watch the Beibs in Never Say Never.

Love these things and want them all! But for some, I think wishing is gonna be as good as it gets! Happy Wednesday! The weekend is in sight!

xo/Austin

Pearl of Wisdom.

"Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong." -Unknown

_____________________________________________________________________

I for a long time wondered how people were so confident with themselves. I was so insecure myself that i couldn't imagine being anything but. I have found that there are three different kinds of people. The Cocky. The Confident. and the Insecure. For a very long time I was extremely insecure. In the past couple years I have learned a little about how to be confident in myself.

I have learned that it is okay to be proud of something you have accomplished. And that it is good to make goals for yourself! When you make goals, you get the opportunity to reach your goals. And I don't know about you, but reaching a goal is something for me to be proud of. Every time I reach a goal, I start to believe in myself a little bit more. And the more I believe in myself, the more confident I am.

Something I was always confident in, was my ability to play Softball. I was a pitcher, and in order to be a pitcher, you kind of need to have confidence, or they'll eat you alive! The reason I was so confident in my ability, was because I worked for it. Like they say, "practice makes perfect." I practiced to be just as good as I was, so I knew if I practiced hard, it would make me a better player. If I practiced lazy, it would make me perform less like I wanted to and I would lose some confidence. Through this, I learned that if you work to achieve what you want, you can. And if you do, you become more confident.

So my encouragement of the day, is if you want it, try it. Make a goal, and strive for it! The harder you try, the closer you will get to achieving your goal. And then you will learn more how to be confident in yourself!

Also, remember that God created you. He doesn't mess up. EVER. He knows what He's doing with everything, including in you. You're perfect in His eyes, so be confident in that! You're a piece of art to our Creator, don't insult His work by lacking confidence!

<3 Austin

Mothers Day.

Happy Mothers Day Moms :]

If there was a way to truly thank a mom, I think it would take much more than one day. And I think it's important to tell your mom thanks every day. Unfortunately I think we forget that. I know I do. If you're anything like me, it's hard to believe anyone molded you into the person you are. Not because I think I did it myself, just because it's a crazy thing to think about. I've always been pretty independent and pretty much all about doing it myself. "I can do my own laundry. I can drive myself. I can talk to my teacher myself. I can make my own decision about a boy. I can do the dishes myself.. (Ok you can help with that)."

The true fact of the matter is that you have a ton of different people who have and who currently are molding you into the person God has made you to be. And the ones who have the most effect on you is your parents. I know my mom is someone who has been there for me through everything. Without even saying anything. That woman is amazing. She has always made sure we had what we needed (and more times than not, what we wanted). She has always been a friend and sure to understand the situation before becoming angry. She is the best. I am so thankful for her. Always supporting me in what I love. Whether that means miserable orchestra performances in elementary school or cold, losing, or stressful softball games through middle school and high school. She is one of my best friends and someone I enjoy spending time every time I can. She is the most selfless person i know and has taught me to not be high maintenance or greedy. Definitely gets the Most Laid Back Mom Award.

How do you thank a mom like that? I just hope I will do half as good as she did raising us when I become a Mom.

Not only is today a day to be thankful for your birth mother, but also the other women in your life that have taken you under your wing and taught you and loved you like a mother. Although your mom is the most influential woman in someone's life, there are others to thank for who you are. Whether they are mentors, friends, supporters, friends' mom's or all of the above. No mother should go unthanked ever.. but especially not on mothers day.

I know I have a lot of "moms" to thank today. Nothing I could say could express my heart or the value of each individual relationship I have with them. But for now, "Happy Mother's Day" will have to do.

Happy Mother's Day, Moms.

Oh Sleeper- Charlatan's Host.

I'm currently spending my quiet times in my bible looking through the life of Paul the Apostle. His testimony was so crazy, going from a persecuter of Christians, to one of the founding fathers of the Church. God used him for so much of His good, and Paul's words in the letters he wrote are ever important to our everyday lives. I started in the book of Acts, reading about Paul's transformation from Saul to Paul the Apostle. It is inspiring to read Paul's story and to go through His life and the teachings of his life. If God could use a slime ball like Saul and make him arguably the most dedicated and well known apostle of the bible, what does that mean He could do for you or me?

Matt and I are interested in different kinds of music. I like more chill songs, love the raw voices; Matt likes screamo... A lot. I personally don't understand why the singer would scream the lyrics if he has such a pretty voice I know he has. But what I have found, is that it's a good thing that Matt likes it. If he didn't, there would be lyrics I would never know about that are so amazing and thought provoking.

Below I have copied the Lyrics to one of Matt's favorite songs. He showed me these lyrics and they blew my mind. If I would have listened to the song, i never would have heard what this really is saying. Thank God for my amazing man. Teaching me little by little every day.

The lyrics are Paul talking about himself, not realizing so until God points it very clearly out. Paul looking at who he was is so disgusted he asks God how he could have forgiven him. Why he let him kill so many of his children, and God's response is "I love you." This song is such an insightful look into the heart and regret of Paul and of God's amazing grace bestowed upon us.

Thank you God for using even the worst of us to be used for your Great Will. Amen.

_____________________________________________________________________

Charlatan's Host

by Oh Sleeper

"Sleep takes its hold with a sinking pull. And now that I'm alone, this burst of light
fills my lids and I'm awake to the songs of horror. Your ill-bought greatness, he's seen it all from the frame.
One day you'll reap the seeds of a shadowed past, and I can only hope I'm there.

You tried to satisfy the thirst of a thousand ages,
But built a stack of bones as your monument to dead vanity.
It's just a shrine to the words you use to wreck. Tell me, How can you sleep?
How can you just welcome the wine and throw out your nets?
You throw out your nets and set fame to bait the noose. Set fame to derail whats innocent.

Why spare the life of inglorious waste? Why let him live?
He's just hunting your own! How can you just sit there and watch?
"Because i love you more than you know. Look again and tell me what you see!"

In the window was me. The massacres were all me!
Oh God, please! Please! deliver the penalties for all of this from me.
I'm not finding justice, no warrant for mercy...
don't give up on me. Don't give up on me!
What happens when I turn and run again? And again, and again?

"I will forgive you."

And what happens when I lie to your face?

"I will forgive you."

Oh my God, I can be so defiant to some one who's arms stretch to me.

"I will forgive."

Don't give up on me! Don't give up on me!

"I have forgiven you!"

I'll awake to new purpose to fight this body.
No longer will I play the dark shepherd.
Let not my words be ripped from the throat of a horror.
Oh, forgiver! Where is justice in letting me live?"

<3 Austin.

The National Day of Prayer.

Today, is The National Day of Prayer for these good ol' United States. I was curious about how this came to be, and why its such a recognized day, so like anyone with a Smart Phone, I decided to Google it. Apparently the day was recognized as a National Holiday in 1952 by the U.S. Congress. How crazy is that? When it was originated, it was meant to be a day of prayer for the Government of the United States. It shocks me that our U.S. Congress believed that prayer for our country was important enough to make a holiday out of it. I found it crazy, because that is exactly what the bible tells us too. Who knew the Government knew anything about the substantial power of God?

I don't know about you, but I would say what out country needs right now is a National Day of Prayer. With all these crazy accusations against our gov't for illegitimate birth certificates and mixed feelings being shared about this death of Osama Bin Laden.[I am not saying I agree or disagree with anything happening, this is not a political blog and never will be.] What I am saying is whether people like it or not, the people who are governing our country aren't going anywhere soon, so instead of hating or worshiping them, the very best thing we can do for them is pray. Your voice doesn't matter more to anyone than it does to God.

The bible says a lot about prayer. We are told to pray boldly [Hebrews 4:13]. We are told to pray daily [Psalms 86:3]. We are told to pray for healing [James 5:16]. We are told to pray for our enemies [Matt.5:22]. We are told to pray about sorrow and joy [James 5:13]. We are told to pray for wisdom [James 1:5]. Basically, we are told to pray about everything!

What's on your prayer list? Enough? I was talking to a group of friends a couple days ago, and we were talking about just this. What i realize, is in my head, some things are more important to pray for than others. Like, "why would i spend time praying about something so petty, when God has other things to worry about?" So my issue goes unprayed for until i break and "give in." The truth is, to God, no prayer is petty. He wants to know our hearts told to Him by us. He already knows it all, but he wants that relationship with us that requires us to tell Him everything.
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have. We have direct contact between ourselves and God, through Jesus, and not to take advantage of that would be crazy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I have the best prayer life ever, but I am saying I know when I pray daily about everything, my life seems to be a lot more enjoyable. There's something about knowing you're not in control that makes life a little easier to get through.

Someone has challenged me to make an answered prayer journal. So when I am in a state of hopelessness, which does occasionally happen [I'm a nineteen year old girl! I have hormones, cut me some slack!], I can look back and see that God is faithful and does answer prayers.

Something I'm learning is how He answers. The crazy thing is, sometimes I'm not right. Hard to believe, I know. But when I'm not right about what I'm praying for, God always answers, only sometimes the answer is "no." Sometimes He says no! And a lot of the time when he does, I later thank Him for doing so. Sometimes, when your heart is in the right place, he will say "yes". And others He might say "yes, but not now". So what I have learned to do, is pray for my heart to match His. If its in the wrong place, I ask Him to change it so I will be happy with what His will is.

I have seen my own prayers answered. I know it happens. Sometimes big prayers and other times small ones. I trust God to take my prayers and act. Whether the act is subtle, significant, or just drawing me closer to Him. What are some prayers God has answered for you? Care to share?

I believe in prayer. I believe in the power of the Lord. And I believe if we all give our worries, joys, pains, questions, requests, days, conversations, relationships, finances, everything to God in prayer, the world will change. I challenge you to extend this National Day of Prayer into a National Month of Prayer, or maybe a year. I am willing to bet your life and the lives of those you love will be changed in doing so.

<3 Austin

Factoid.

Here i am writing my first piece for a blog. I feel rather odd writing things.. like anyone actually cares. but then again, maybe you do. I know I'm one of those nerdy blog obsessed girls.. I'm sure I cant be the only one in the world! To start I decided to give Twenty-five Random Facts about me!

1. I am a Christian, and put my life on my faith.
2. I am madly, crazy in-love with my boyfriend, Matt.
3. My house burnt down the summer before my Senior year of high school.
4. I love sports, and played softball all through high school, rather successfully. [Now I'm coaching!]
5. I really love thinking about and planning my wedding!
6. I am really good at frowning.. and am really proud of it.
7. I grew up on a farm my entire life [with a minimum of 40 horses at any given time], and now live in an apartment in Puyallup with two of my best friends.
8. I secretly love to sing.
9. I'm one of the most competitive people I know.
10. I am obsessed with musicals.
11. I want to travel the world.
12. I'm one of those "planner people."
13. I am attempting the Paleo Diet [let's see how this goes!]
14. I can solve a Rubicks Cube in roughly a minute.
15. I actually enjoy running.
16. I really am kind of a Bossy Pants.
17. I have been working as a barista for the past three years, and am NOT addicted to coffee. [close.. but not quite there.]
18. I love scrapbooking and DIY projects.
19. I look just like my mom.
20. I have watched Pride and Prejudice easily 25 times.. and it never gets old.
21. I am a YoungLife leader, and couldn't imagine it any other way.
22. I really love kids.
23. I appreciate "Fun facts."
24. I drive a bright yellow Mitsubishi Lancer.
25. I plan on naming my future dog, Mable.