One song that has spoken to me greatly as I've gotten older and faced the struggles that so many girls face is Jonny Diaz's song, More Beautiful You. I appreciate this song from a guy's perspective, encouraging girls that the way they are is beautiful, and not to settle for lies from Satan and the world telling them they're not good enough.The lyrics are simple and straightforward, with a poignant message that I believe every young woman needs to hear.

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I opened a new blog entry because I feel the need to write something. Then I stared emptily at the blank screen, at a loss for words. It's not that I don't have a topic to write about - it's because I have too many. Words and ideas swirl around in my brain, a constant stream of thoughts that barely give me a moment's peace. It was the same way last night. I couldn't sleep because of the lyrics that kept showing up and tapping me on the shoulder. They begged to be written down, so how could I resist? Yet the penmarks on my page have yet to form one, complete song. They are still a bunch of random thoughts, scribbled out in the frenzy of inspiration. But it's getting there. And that's what matters.

I've had the random desire to read my Bible more often. It's highly unusual for me to have that happen, so I'm trying to soak it up all I can. I still have so much growing to do as a Christian. My life has yet to make total sense, to fit into the bigger picture. But isn't it that way for all of us?

I think we're scribblings on a page, placed exactly where God wants us. And we can rest in the fact that he's working in our lives, as the Author of Life. He'll take care of us and weave us perfectly into His plan. Someday we'll all be part of a beautiful masterpiece. We're already a part of one now - we just don't see it yet.

But until then...we're getting there. And that's what matters.

on my mind: lots of things...like how kids say the funniest things, how amazing it is that God loves me, and my new pair of humongous sunglasses. :P

praying for: Noah, as well as some other requests.

what I want to do this week: Write a little more of the story I started last night, maybe do some creating, play my guitar, and enjoy my family.

song of the week: Take Me As I Am, by FM Static (the lyrics in my title is from that song. It's worth a listen.)

what God has been teaching me: to let Him handle my life and to trust Him completely. Believe me, it's not an easy lesson to learn.

random fact about me: I. Hate. Peas. They're disgusting.

quote of the week: "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss.

these are a few of my favorite things...: rain, sunshine, music, and Sharpies.

looking forward to: babysitting some little boys this week, seeing my grandparents, and talking to my friends.


according to Him...: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."