Kimbo and Co.

Today was inspirational with a hint of trauma. I was able to go to Cafe Helios, a very fun cafe in downtown Raleigh - I highly recommend it, with my AP Composition teacher whom I greatly admire. We talked for almost 2 hours about a lot, but specifically God and His undying love and I was so overwhelmed, it was such an encouraging time. I was able to tell her, briefly, my testimony and I got so excited. I also realized that it was a 2 years ago yesterday. Therefore, 2 years ago yesterday, I was made whole. If only words could describe how surreal that is. Knowing that my God sees me, sees my sin and how filthy I am, but has washed me completely clean. He sees not my imperfections and how many times I fail him time and time again. It is honestly completely overwhelming when I really stop and think about it, which is what I have done. God has all rights to look at me with disgust and disappointment and anger as to what I have done in my past and what I do every day and how many times I fail him, but He doesn't. He instead loves me so unconditionally in so many ways. I am truly awestruck. If only I had that kind of love. To love someone who has hurt me, disappointed me, and wronged me - to see beyond that and love them with the kind of love God does. It brings tears to my eyes to realize what a great sinner I am and how indescribably great God is.

I am also overcome with joy because my best friend, whom I have been separated from since last August, is coming home on Saturday at 4:25PM from Germany. She is such an amazing person: her faith, her beauty both inside and out, I could go on forever. I am eternally grateful for her for dragging me to Getaway 2 years ago because it was there I found God for the first time. There is really no telling where I would be without her. She is one of the wisest people I know and I am so proud to call her my best friend. I will probably not get one wink of sleep on Friday night because of her homecoming; which is unfortunate considering I have to take the ACT on Saturday morning.

The trauma in my day? My teacher placed in my care her 4 class fish, or as she calls them "Kimbo and CO". Kimbo is without a doubt one of the strangest fish I have ever laid my eyes on and his eyes are going to pop out at any second, I am convinced. For those of you that know Kimbo, you know what I'm talking about. I plan on renaming the other 3 fish, which are goldfish. If you have any ideas, let me know. I am thoroughly excited, however, because I have 4 new roomies for the summer. I sense a little jealousy in my beta, Swiney. Swiney is short for Swiney Todd because I got him for my 17th birthday and I had Swine Flu (aka The PIG) on my birthday. 'Twas quite fun... Anyways, trauma. I got the fish and put them in their new home and after a few minutes after I thought all was well and there was peace in the tank, I heard a banging noise. I look over only to find one of the fish backed up against one corner then swimming at full speed only to be stopped by the other side of the tank. The fish did this over time and time again, which thoroughly traumatized me. I'm not sure how they're adapting to their new environment.

Also, check out Peter Bradley Adams, he's pretty great. Specifically Los Angles and Little Stranger. Pandora always has the greatest selections. Thanks Pandora.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

I absolutely love those verses. It's a great reminder to remember when living the Christian faith. As Christians, we are told to leave our old self behind, and fix our eyes on Jesus. I think it's so beautiful.

I'm not sure when I will blog next. I will be at the Getaway retreat this Sunday through Friday. It is where I got saved and am therefore extremely excited. I'm sure I will have lots to blog about when I get back. Until next time...