greater pleasures

"I conceive that pleasures are to be avoided if greater pains be the consequence,

and pains to be coveted that will terminate in greater pleasures."

Michel Eyquem de Montaigne

This quote talks about how important decisions are. What you decide today can affect you years down the road. And if you have to work really hard and go trough unpleasant things to get a reward, then it's all worth it! You really need to avoid those superficial pleasures that will hurt you years down the roadl. Keep in mind you aren't looking for immediate gratification, you're looking for greater pleasures... Keeps your sights on eternal things guys! God Bless!

a bang

I was in a car crash last Thursday. Thank God the worst injury I have is a sprained foot so I am on crutches. But I'm not here to moan and complain about that.

Right before the impact all I had time to do was think "am I ready to die?"
My life didn't flash through my head in 3 seconds.
I didn't scream.
I didn't think "oh man I didn't get to do this and that"...

I was just ready.
Ready to meet my Savior.

I hope none of you ever have to be in a car crash, but if you do, I hope you're ready. It was a scary situation, but it would have been terrifying if I wasn't ready.

This is like the 2nd time in my life I could have died. When I was 12 I fell down basement stairs while sleepwalking. My angel protected me then, and he/she is still watching out for me. Don't think God doesn't protect His people. Satan is always out to get us and God protects us as much as He can, but God allows things to happen to us that will teach us lessons, or draw us closer to Him.

Oh and always, ALWAYS wear your seat-belt! Don't make your guardian angel work too hard! :)

Easton Cool camp

This week has been full of answered prayer. Cool Camp went wonderful. There were several little boys fighting over me saying "she's mine" "no, she's mine..." it was so cute! Overall, the kids were well behaved... some small disagreements but nothing we can't handle. I think God's been using these couple weeks to prepare us for the rougher neighborhoods we will be going to. Some kids don't have lunches to bring so we give them sandwiches and things. But I know God will give us the strength to fulfill our purpose, to spread Jesus' joy to the kids.

People need the Lord

Victory

The devil really attacked me last week. I know the Lord has amazing plans for me this summer at cool camp. The first week alone was a huge blessing, and our team has grown even closer.

I usually have trouble with some anxiety when I'm away from home. This week was no different. My team is amazing and they made good food and I went to bed at a good time. But still, I seemed to just be tired and not being able to keep my food down. By Wednesday I felt like calling it quits. The devil was telling me lies like I wasn't right for this, I should just quit, they didn't need me, and that I would just be better off sitting home all summer.

Everyone on my team was concerned and praying for me. I had a good cry in the library and Missy was there with me to comfort me and pray with me. I felt then that my burden was lifting and was gaining faith the God could give me strength to carry on. Even with only apple juice for supper and my lunch in the toilet, I knew God could bring me back and make me strong tomorrow. On Thursday I was a whole new person! I ate a nice big breakfast and ate a full lunch and potato casserole for dinner! I was doing back dives and cannon balls in the pool.

On Friday night we were at worship praising God for a great week. There was sadness because Maddie's cousin is battling cancer and the doctors have only given him a couple months and most of that Maddie will be away from home. But through all the pain, there was gladness and praise in our songs because we knew God is watching over us. When we were done, we looked at the clock and couldn't believe we had been reading bible, praying and singing for two hours. The holy spirit was so strong, we were like, why even go to church? This is better than church! But we did go to church and the message was amazing. It was about Paul and his missionary work. Quite appropriate for the end of that week.

I just want to praise God for his grace. I ask for His continued strength to rely on in the following 4 weeks.

People need the Lord!

Graduation Speech

I wrote this speech to give at my graduation party at my house.

Alyssa's Graduation Speech

First off I want thank God for getting me this far in life. Honestly without Him I wouldn’t be here today or even be alive at all. He’s brought me this far, and I know He has many more surprises and opportunities in store. The future, the possibilities, that’s what keeps me going.

Dad is at work today so he couldn’t be here to celebrate. However, Brent is here, and that’s almost like having him here. Brent really is just like our dad in many ways, he looks like him, he laughs loud like him, and he has his brains. If he hasn’t showed off his math skills to you I’m sure he wouldn’t mind demonstrating… thanks Brent for you help in MY math class. Yes, it’s kind of embarrassing my little brother helping me with my math but what else is family for? J Love you Daddy and Brent!

Mom, thank you, for just being you. Thanks for making today possible by running me around shopping and helping me with the food. I could spend a long time just expressing my gratitude; but this speech isn’t supposed to be a 30 minute speech so I can thank you personally later. When I’m older and can look back on it with more perspective I can really understand how to thank you. At least I’ve heard when you grow up and have your own family or move out you start to thank your parents more… so I guess you’ll have that to look forward to even though you’ll really miss me and my free babysitting and everything I offer to this family haha… but let’s not make this speech about me.

Mandy, she couldn’t be here today because as usual, she is she’s following in my footsteps. She's doing lifeguarding at Dorney Park like I did back when I was 16. I told her not to do it, because the people there are crazy, and stuff but that’s the real world I guess. Like a lot of other stuff I tell her what I think she should do and she does the opposite. Us two, we are opposites in a lot of ways so I guess that’s expected. Thanks for being lighthearted and usually cheerful. Thanks for helping me in my Spanish class and in Karate, both of which you are better than me. You’ve been a faithful friend and companion for the past 17 years. I’ll never forget playing barbie town, toy horses, bear town and all our fun memories that you love to tease me about. My first crush, my first job, my first boyfriend and breakup, you were there through it all and usually didn’t say “I told you so.” I don’t mind that you aren’t here today because you’ve been here enough. We have college life to share too, we’re gonna get sick of each other eventually. You’ve stolen my friends enough… not really stolen, but we’ve shared like everything since you were born… so please get your own friends and own interests in college. I think you’d steal the spotlight today if you were here because you truly are wonderful and I admire you. Thanks for all you do. J

Lanaya, I was already about 12 when you were born so of course you’re the baby of the family and I love you very much. When you were little I’d change you diapers, feed you, and basically be your mommy when mommy was busy. I love you very much and hope you don’t miss me too much as being your roommate. I might even miss the toys you leave on my bed and on the floor eventually… but maybe not.

Now that I’ve talked about my family I will talk about my friends…

Thanks Korah for being my first best friend when I moved here. We had so many fun sleepovers, adventures, secrets, campouts, the list goes on…

And Levi, Korah’s brother, thanks for being my friend too. I don’t think of you as just Korah’s brother now though, you’re up here with my besties. We now share common interest like music, photography, and our love for animals. You’ve really matured since I first met you when you were like in 6^th grade. And thanks for being my first prom date for my last prom ever… I really didn’t want to go single again.

Thanks Gwyn and Eve for being here today and for being here the past year or so. My high-school experience would not be the same without you guys. Gwyn thanks for getting me out of my shell more and for all the fun sleepovers, and dances. You’re a hoot. Eve thanks for being funny and nice and caring. It’s amazing how we kind of have a three-some going here, since I kind of introduced you two somehow at that silly school test we had to do. It’s amazing how you find your best friends without even really trying. You guys are two of a kind and I’m really going to miss you. You are both amazing friends and I really hope we don’t lose touch. As I write this I hope I don’t tear up in front of everyone.

I have friends in Minnesota, California, Indiana, Virginia and more… Thanks for being there when I needed you most Curtis, Courtney, Sarah Crew, Andrea, Laura Wehr, and lots more. Some of you I’ve known since I was 9 years old, and some a shorter time but you’re all very important to me. I don’t see you very often but it means so much to know I can talk to you anytime I need to. Kelly, thanks for taking care of our dog Guy, and for helping me celebrate my 18th birthday and for being a good friend. Heather S, we’ve really bonded even though we only met like 6 months ago. Since my extended family doesn’t life close-by my church family is really like a big family. I don’t want anyone to feel left out, so please don’t feel bad if I don’t mention you. Mr. and Mrs. Dekle, the Werts, Heather and Justin, Mr. and Mrs. Stenhouse, Linda Lepage, and everyone else here today. Thanks for being a part of my life.

I’ve only lived in this area for maybe 6 years but they have been some of the most important years of my life and I feel I was meant to be right here. I will definitely have to come back often. We make memories everyday and some will last a lifetime. I hope we make some lasting memories today.

seven

Last night I guess it was, I was having random thoughts as usual and I realized something. I won't mention names, but I have like 7 best friends. That's kinda cool because it's like the number of completion... and when one drifts away for me, then somehow I get a new one not long after. God works in such neat ways to let you know that He cares!

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

Graduations

My sister and I both graduated from cyber schools this year. I went to PACyber and she went to PALCS. I had my ceremony on the 12th, and she had hers on the 18th. We are very proud of each other, and it turns out, we will both be going to the same college! :) I thank God that I have come this far in my life.

good-byes

In just ten days I'll be leaving with the other Cool Camp staff to start off the summer. I'll really enjoy meeting new people, working with the kids, and swimming every day! :) But it's very bittersweet because shortly after I get back, I'll be going to college. So really, yesterday I said goodbye to my friends for one of the last times, because who knows when I'll see them again. When I come back from cool camp it's possible my parents will have found a place in NY already. Then I'll be off to my place in Pittsburgh. I tend not to cry in public, but today I did cry in my therapy session. It's like all these feelings bubbled to the surface. I don't just want to up and move after 5 years, but there's nothing I can do about it. There are so many things I'll feel like I'll be missing. I hate good byes.

Senior Prom

I did have a date this year to Senior Prom. It was lots of fun!

Retainers

This morning I went to my Orthodontist, Dr. Frey, and got my retainers! I really like them, they're gold sparkles on the bottom and turquoise on the top. :) My new smile really is a huge boost to my self-esteem! I only have to wear my retainers at night, so that's nice.

summertime strains

yesterday i went to an amusment park called knobels about 1.5 hrs. from my house. i was sick... and it was very hot. but today was even hotter. I was almost as sick... but not as tired. Tonight I wanna sleep 14 hours... I've been up for 15 hours so why not. anyway today i went to dorney park with levi and my sister. got sunburnt and am now putting on aloe vera lotion. have a blister on the bottom of my foot. anyways... this friday is prom... hope my sunburn is a tan by then! :)

"Cool Camp" & summertime...

I got accepted to be a counselor and arts director at cool camp this summer. It's a program my church puts on for five weeks at 5 different churches. It reaches out to kids, helps them learn about God, and show them that being a Christian is cool. One of the highlights is that everyday we go to a pool to swim for a couple hours! I'm really excited about being involved, and being a blessing and gaining a blessing. A bonus will be the Christian fellowship and earning money for college.

Today we're showing our house again. We don't know when exactly we'll be moving or if we'll have a place to go when the house sells. We're just living on faith alone right now... :)

This Sunday is my graduation party and I'm really excited about that. My best friends are coming, and we're going to have lots of food, fun and games. The next day I'm going to Knobels [I've never been the before], with Levi and his family. Later that week we're going to Dorney Park which he's never been to before. A couple years back I worked at Dorney as a lifeguard, and this year that's what my sister is doing. She seems to follow in my footsteps a lot. I could name lots of things, but I won't.

Then June 3rd is prom, and that weekend is retreat for cool camp!

Then June 11 is my graduation and June 12 is beach day at Jersey shore.

The next Friday is Geneva day and the next day is my sister's graduation... and then my sister and Levi will be gone at Piedmont.

Then, just a week until cool camp begins. All in all my summer is pretty packed!

These next couple weeks will be kinda boring during the week... just babysitting my 12 year old brother.... like he really needs a babysitter... Idk.. when I was his age I was running the home when my mom was gone.

I hope to hang out with my friends as much as I can... because I'll be leaving soooooo soon!

Where has the time really gone?

I'm going to keep busy with violin,

sewing,

knitting

and whatever other hobbies I wanna do. .... but I'd really rather hang out with my buddies.... but they're busy most of the time....

Can't wait to make friends at college.... I plan to get outta my shell and be a social butterfly... and just have lots of fun!!!! Good, safe fun. :)

may 17

I'm a hero. I gave blood. I got some heels for prom, it's in just 2 weeks! I'm going to Dorney soon! Seeing POTC this weekend. Finishing High school this Friday. I'd say it's been a pretty eventful month.

Karate... health.... future

On the 29th I will be testing for my yellow belt in karate, so wish me well! It's been quite a journey, battling with asthma and other things that made me want to just QUIT! I'm going to the doctor Tuesday to try to see what the cause of my chronic pelvic pains could be. And of course I'll probably be sent to a specialist, and have to have gross medical stuff done. I'm so scared about what it could be, but I'm trying to have faith. Lately, my life seems to be getting together, with graduation, getting my braces off, and moving soon, it feels like maybe I'll get a new start. Then, this new battle comes my way, along with other people's struggles that entwine with my life. Let me just say... friends, and whoever else is out there, please pray for me.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

In, not of

29 days...

Twenty nine days until the last day of school. 22 more days after that is my graduation ceremony. A few days after that... or maybe before, we'll have a graduation party. After that is summer, but no vacation for me, I'll be working all summer. Picking berries maybe, or some other job. Then July I hope I get into the cool camp program that our Pennsylvania conference is putting on. Then August college starts. Everything is still up in the air because I don't know when we are going to sell the house and move. So needless to say... I've been stressed lately.

Beaver County...

Where my life began....

Where my life will really start!

yippy yippy yayy yayy

I'm going to be in my friend's wedding on April 10th!
I went to the orthodontist this morning, at an unearthly hour, but thank goodness I'm on track and I'm getting my braces off on April 19th! Everytime someone's hand wasn't in my mouth, I was yawning. I need to adjust my body to get up an hour earlier, daylight savings is on Sunday. I'll try getting up at 7, then 6:30 then 6. I am used to getting up at 7:30. Some may say that's sleeping in, but to my sister, it's crazy early haha.
Yippee!! I'm excited about Spring Fling on the 26th. :)
I am in the mood to go shopping (for clothes). I have some birthday money, not much but enough for what I need. I love my friends.
We're putting our house on the market on Sunday. I'm going to miss this house.
I'm getting my yellow belt in karate soon. My little sister might have asthma. She keeps me up at night with her coughing, poor thing. Maybe I should sleep in my other sister's room tonight.
If I keep up at the pace I'm going, I should have my history and math courses finished my the end of the month, that leaves me with Engish, Sociology and Spanish. :)