My Open Diary

Good evening everyone! WOW.  It has been a hot minute since I wrote on here!  Between my travels to Israel (which I will be sure to write about in a future post-stay tuned) and catching some sort of flu the week I got home, I had a difficult time getting around to the computer to write.  But praise the Lord I'm back on track! Sooo, I'm going to be real with you guys.  I had that spiritual high my entire time spent in Israel.  I had my nose dug into the Word everyday and I just felt God revealing so much to me.  However, the second day I got back, I felt this heavy weight on my shoulders.  I felt a lack of intimacy with our Lord.  The conviction was real, guys.   I don't find it necessary to type the entire ordeal on here, but what I will say is that although beating around the bush may seem harmless, it is still not okay.  Not to your loved ones, to yourself, and definitely not in the eyes of our God.   God really ope...

It's Christmas Eve!!  The most wonderful time of the year!  Eeeek I mean what is there not to love about Christmas?  We have tree's garnished in decorations and twinkling lights brightening up our homes, gifts to wrap and give to our loved ones, those Macy's runs to pick up some last minute gifts... although it may be mildly hectic, it is still good.  However, despite whatever chaos that may be in my dwelling, I will never fail to look up and remember what this beautiful time of the year is all about.  The birth of Jesus Christ, the King of all kings, the Prince of Peace, and my beloved Lord and my Savior. To think it all started from the birth of Jesus, to crucifixion, to the resurrection.  Beloved Jesus, thank you for humbling yourself and coming to earth to save us from deadly sin.  Thank you for being the perfect sacrifice.  Thank you for dying to our sin and for rising again.  Thank you for casting away the darkness we once sat in...

So it is no doubt that children are a blessing.  I know as adults we are to be positive influences in a child's life and to help teach them to grow up to be an ideal human being in our society, right?  Well, I couldn't help but notice how much I learn as a person whenever I am watching my wonderful 2 year old nephew, Jensen.   I adore that little boy to the heavens and back.  He is a miracle baby and I thank the Lord every day for placing him into my life.  I woke up this morning on the wrong side of the bed.  It was one of those mornings where I couldn't help but feel burdened by all of the elements around me putting a heavy weight on my shoulders.  Disclaimer: It is finals week at my university.  Enough said.  However, my sister texted me asking if I was able to watch Jensen last minute for the day.  Of course, I agreed! Let me tell you, the moment Jensen walked through my front door, beaming with that contagious smile he prou...

Good evening everyone! So if you don't know me already, I have a humongous weakness for sweets; specifically chocolate and cookies.  Like, there will never be a time where I will not be in the mood for them.  I like to think of it as a blessing in disguise... don't ask why, I just do, haha!     Well, with that being said, I have been deprived of these things as I am a couple days into a fast.  Fasting is such a privilege and joy and I love how God challenges me with my faith.  Putting God first and growing deeper with Him is truly such a joy!  However, like I mentioned before... no sweets. I mean, yeah I can eat a banana and call it a night but if I'm being honest, it just doesn't cut it for me.   Hallelujah for pinterest because as I was dilly-dallying on it I came across a very easy 3 ingredient recipe to make a healthier, dairy-free, gluten-free take on oatmeal cookies!  I was skeptical at first, but after I tried one I knew I j...

When you can't find the words to accurately depict how awesome something was, a picture will be sure to fill in the blanks!  Worship  Rebecca and I  Not my own picture above; but a wonderful "in the moment" shot mid worship! Ryan playing piano God's grace painted in the sky at dusk. Basiccon was an awesome conference to attend, no doubt.  If I were to sit here and explain to you every detail as to how Jesus moved and impacted so many lives in that 3 day weekend, this would be several pages, haha!  However, what I can tell you is that we all have issues we have to face that are inevitable.  But when you accept Jesus in your heart and follow Him, everything just starts changing.  Through Him, you will be stronger to face those problems.  He is a reminder that no matter how lonely the enemy may make you feel, Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.  Jesus understands everything we go through; He has been...

Good afternoon people! So this weekend, me, my wonderful boyfriend Ryan, and my awesome brother in Christ, Mikey, all drove up to our friend's college to attend this Christian conference in Rochester, NY.  My best friend, Rebecca, has a BASIC (Brother And Sisters In Christ, acronyms for the win ayo) group at her school.  Therefore, she kindly encouraged us to tag along!  We were above and BEYOND stoked.  When we got to her school, we went straight to the BASIC meeting; where I met a whole bunch of other awesome people.         All the people that came to the conference from her school is pictured above:  Ryan, me, Mikey, Rebecca, and my two new amazing brothers, Tyler and Johnny.          Before I get into the meat as to how much of an impact BASIC had on my life; I just have to mention how truly blessed I feel to have been able to experience this event with such genuine, hilarious, quirky, God fear...

Good morning beautiful creations! This morning, as I woke up to get ready for class (8 a.m. yuck) I went about my routine as usual.  Get out of bed, brush my teeth, boil water to make coffee, read my daily devotional... you know the drill.  However, this morning took a different turn when one of my closest friends informed me that she and her roommates' got into a car accident last night after leaving dinner.  She was the one typing so I knew she was okay, however that pit feeling you get in your tummy when you're nervous and anxious was very tangible. So many thoughts came pouring in my mind.  She reassured my friends and I that everybody was okay- a few minor injuries, but they were okay. The car accident was not minor.  They lost control of the vehicle turning around a sharp corner and went airborne thus hitting a tree.  After hearing the details as to how it happened, all my mind could point to was pure gratitude and adoration for the One that prote...