"The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for."
— Bob Marley

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."
— Bob Marley

In God's Eyes

In God’s eyes, there is no judgment, there is only acceptance.

In God’s eyes, there is no pain too hard to bear nor weaknesses too weak to be overcome by His insurmountable strength.

God can embrace us wholeheartedly, opening us up yet sustaining us and healing us at the same time.

God sees all our potentials.

God sees our light when all that we can see are our shadows.

God sees this person who falls but who has the power to get up again and again.

God sees this person who gets hurt but does not become hard or bitter, only softer, more resilient to change.

God sees you.

God cherishes you.

God’s eyes love you more than anyone could ever love you as you really are.

I Was Afraid…

By Meredith

1. I was afraid of the dark until I realized the only difference was the absence of light.

2. I was afraid of change until I realized it's really just a new opportunity.

3. I was afraid of growing up until I realized it's just as fun being an adult.

4. I was afraid of leaving home until I realized my family will always be there for me.

5. I was afraid to let go until I realized holding on is not working for me.

6. I was afraid to accept help until I realized I'm not expected to do everything on my own.

7. I was afraid of failure until I realized it brings great lessons and more courage.

8. I was afraid of myself until I realized I can change my attitudes and behaviors.

9. I was afraid of being alone until I realized I can truly only depend on myself.

10. I was afraid of misfortune until I realized it is a test of my faith/values.

11. I was afraid to say no until I realized saying yes can jeopardize my morals.

12. I was afraid of silence until I realized it is a gift from the Higher Power.

13. I was afraid of losing people until I realized they are brought into my life for a

predetermined time and purpose.

14. I was afraid of rejection until I realized it is often constructive criticism.

i.love.you.

you never know how long you're going to have with the people you love, so stop putting it off...say "i love you" every chance you get.

Shine On - Jeff Carson

Wherever you go, whatever you do,
Don't ever forget there's someone who believes in you.
When you're lost and weary, follow your heart.
'Cause you have a gift, you're one of a kind,
God put you on this earth so you could shine.
You don't have to be afraid of the dark.

Shine on, (Shine on.)
Light up the world with your love.
With faith and desire, you can build a fire.
Shine on, (Shine on.)
And let your dreams keep burning strong.
Oh, shine on.

There will be days and there will be doubts;
There will be those who lie and let you down,
When you just have to rise above it all.
Over the tears, over the pain,
And look for the rainbow in the pourin' rain, (Pourin' rain.)
Like a ray of sun at the crack of dawn.

Shine on, (Shine on.)
Light up the world with your love.
With faith and desire, you can build a fire.
Shine on, (Shine on.)
And let your dreams keep burning strong.
Oh, shine on.

There's a star in every one of us,
Just waiting to be born.
Take a chance, (Take the chance.)
Dance the dance. (Dance the dance.)
It's what you've waited for.

Shine on, (Shine on.)
Light up the world with your love.
With faith and desire, you can build a fire.
Shine on, (Shine on.)
And let your dreams keep burning strong.
Oh, shine on.

(Light up the world with your love.)
(With faith and desire, you can build a fire.)
Shine on.
(And let your dream keep burning strong.)
Keep on shinin'.

sometimes feelings can suck. i want to know why it is easier to be sad and miserable rather than happy and content? i mean why is it that you find it easier to feel sorry for yourself than be happy for what you have? once you get into that mode of despair everything goes down hill from there. there's no turning back. at least that's what i've found. it's like one of those moods where you're sad but you're not. you're happy but you're not. and you just wish you could go to sleep to escape it all. when i get down like this i feel as though the whole world is crashing down on me. i know, i know, drama queen, but that's what feelings can do to you. everything feels ten times worse than it really is. it feels like the world is ending when certain feelings over take you and it just down right sucks. it's so easy to say, just deal with them or that they will go away but when you're in the middle of the awfulness it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. i have no clue what i'm trying to get at, i'm just babbling i guess. i don't even know.

feeling invisible

sometimes its strange how i feel invisible sometimes. the other day in history the kid next to me asked me where i have been all week. i looked at him for a while not knowing what to say. i had been sitting next to him all week and he didnt notice. wow. just wow. i mean i know im quiet. but seriously? sometimes i just dont know what to do. i dont want to stand out but i dont want to blend in either.

BE BRAVE TODAY:)

We were talking one night and something he said caught my attention. For me, getting through another day at school is a miracle within itself and his advice was something to try. He told me to try to be more involved and interested in what I am learning, so that I feel like I'm here for a better reason. At first, I was like yeah right, that will never work, but after thinking it over, I see how it could be beneficial. If I even just act like I'm interested and pay attention more in class than I'll feel accomplished and less like another day was wasted due to school. :)