The Grove

So I'm still in shock... I just found out that one of my favorite places is about to close. Yes, The Grove is closing. Friday. And everyone just found out. I know this might sound ridiculous, but The Grove is so much more than a place! I've been going there since it first opened! I've met so many people there-- more than I can count! So many memories have been made there... The Grove is the place that I go when I need to get out of the house, when I want to see friends, when I'm bored, when I need to study, when I want to play cards, when I want to hear good music, when I want to read, when I want to laugh... It's been such a HUGE part of my life! I don't think the reality will even hit until after it closes and I can no longer "go to The Grove." I know you're probably thinking, "Man, she's describing this place as if it were a dying friend." It comes close. It's not about the building, it's about the atmosphere and the people. It's one of the few places I can go where people know my name. It's like a "Grove family." When The Grove first opened up, you could find me there every Saturday night and the place would always be packed. Things haven't changed too much... It may not always be as packed as it was (I think back then it was because we were all just meeting each other and forming new friendships.), but it's still a good hang out on Saturday night. Honestly, it's probably kept me out of a lot of trouble... I know The Grove means so much to so many people. I've had so many great deep conversations with people over coffee there. So many big things have happened there. I even go up there even when it's closed! There have been times when I've sat outside playing cards with friends. Countless times I've stood in the parking lot for hours just talking until we finally decided to leave. I've had Bible studies up there, meetings, and game nights... It's the place where we meet up to go other places and leave our cars. It's the place where my car got jacked up and the wheels taken off! My mind is racing with all the different things that have happened there. I just still can't believe that it's closing. It's extremely sad and The Grove may close, but the memories that I have from that place will always remain. I'm just thankful for the years that I have been able to enjoy The Grove. God has truly blessed us with an awesome coffee shop like The Grove and all the friendships that have been made there. Everyone, please remember to pray for Donnie and all of The Grove staff.

Paper Cuts and Straighteners

A burnt ear, a bad allergy cold, a paper cut on the pinky finger, a fever blister, a broken out face, more paper cuts... What more could I want? haha Maybe a little sympathy... ? Oh poo... And my music appreciation class is absolutely driving me insane!!! I can't wait for it to be over! Oh how I dread that class... People warned me about it, and I like a challenge... but this? I never thought it could be this dreadful. Sorry for the venting... I know it's over petty stuff. All in all, life is pretty amazing. There are some days though... when I just want to stick out my tongue and shake my head!!! Oh well... tomorrow is a new day. :)

One Day I Slowly Floated Away...

So... I leave for New York Friday and I'm totally stoked! I can't wait. I need to get away... I'm going with my mom and Aunt Frances and we're staying at The Wellington. I think it's going to be way above my coolness level... haha

God has been just totally amazing... Well, He's always amazing, but it's just been really cool the past couple weeks at school. He just always has my back and helps me out when I don't even deserve it! He totally makes me smile. :) Bro. John said something in our leaders' meeting this morning that I'd never really thought of quite like this and it blew me away! He was talking about how God knows everything and He knows every thought and action of every person in the past. Every single thing that has ever happened. And! He knows every single word that anyone will ever speak, every thought, every decision that someone makes. He knows it all! How big of a God is that! Bro. John was also talking about how immeasurable He is and His characteristics/attributes cannot be measured. His presence is also inescapable. God is so big and so amazing! It just shows how worthy of praise and surrender He is. I've struggled this week with just being lonely. God is really bringing me through some stuff and I'm so grateful! I just have to keep my focus on Him. It's the only thing that I can do. Focus on Him and look ahead. If there's one aspect of God that means the most to me, it's His faithfulness. He is always faithful to me. I have to remember that and trust Him.

Some verses to ponder:
Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:23-27

I absolutely love my seventh grade girls. I feel like I'm really starting to get to know them better and they are so precious! They are the greatest! Just thought I'd share that... haha

What else... Hmmm... I miss pleasure reading... I've been so busy lately that I've neglected my dear books... It's quite tragic. :( Maybe I can fit some in over fall break... Maybe...

Here's a picture from my babysitting adventures... I think one of the reasons I love babysitting is that I get to expend all of my energy! I can be crazy with the kids and they don't care! haha Any who know me can understand this I'm sure...