Remember this Moment

 Leyla

There's so much I would love to say about Leyla, but the first thought that comes to mind is her loyalty and honesty. She's beautiful inside and out. She can do anything she sets her mind to. Leyla works hard, perseveres and never gives up hope. She pushed me in high school to never give up and was one of my best friends. Her heart of gold and hilarious sense of humor always kept me smiling. She's going to make a difference in this world. I'm sure of it.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

 Nathan

We definitely had our struggles. Both of us didn't believe that we would even make it through high school. We would sit in the back of praise band and share our secrets, dreams and stories. I cherish this boy and his friendship more than anything. I know that I can come to Nate about anything and he would never judge me. He has strength. It's something I really admire. I don't think he gives himself enough credit. He has accomplished so much and has come so far. His faith is so unique and powerful. I love it. I love to hear his thoughts about certain topics in the Bible and where he stands. He's a great guy. I don't know how I would've graduated from high school last year without him by my side. I'm beyond thankful. Now, we're both going to be attending the same college and I couldn't be more excited. I pray our friendship will continue to grow stronger. Nate is the best friend a girl could ever ask for.

Isaiah 41:10  Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 Allison

At first, we didn't agree on anything. We would fight over nothing that held importance. Looking back, it makes me laugh because we could've spent all that time being friends. We quickly developed a friendship despite our differences. Allison is beautiful. God has blessed her with so many talents. She's a leader, a dancer, so intelligent and a great  friend to her three best friends- Jennifer, Becca and Shannon. Her loyalty to them and her family really shines. When she loves, she loves with her whole heart. I know for a fact that she loves the Lord. I can see it when she dances as strange as that sounds. I can see it when she babysits. She's a lover and will fight for what she loves. Allie will go far in life because of this. She truly knows how to love and I pray Allison, that this will never change.
 I love you always.

1 John 4:7-8  Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

 Kristen

When I think of Kristen- the first word that pops into my brain is: Successful. Why? Because that is what she is. Kristen was a cheerleader, girlfriend, best friend of many, on yearbook, on dance team, beta club, etc. Kristen did it all and never lost sight of what was important- The Lord. She continued to be loyal to her family and her God. I admire that the most about her. She always has time for the people she loves and makes time, regardless of her busy schedule. She's so beautiful and has a big heart. I have so many memories with her that I will never forget. She was one of my best friends. One of my cheerleaders in life to keep going. I will never forget her and am so proud of her for heading to U of M. She'll be successful there too. I know it.

1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

I love all of you. Always live & love fearlessly.

You find a way to replace my pain with love.

I think it must be the rain falling on my rooftop, puddles in the pavement, splashes from the tires of cars driving by, that has made me want to sit down, reflect on my life & talk to God.

This time, last year, I was sitting in Psychology class. It was my senior year and first year of not having my boyfriend, Tommy, at school with me. I was nervous about it, but God gave me the most beautiful, three friends a girl could ever ask for- Chelsea, Becca and Kristen. The times that I share with them are probably all in my top ten favorite high school memories.

The year before that, I was a junior- figuring out who I was and supporting my boyfriend, Tommy, as he conquered his senior year of high school. It was probably my hardest year. I lost my best friend the summer after Junior year. It destroyed me. My heart was in pieces on the hospital floor, saying bye to his handsome face. I had Melissa & Tommy though, who loved me- even when it was hard.

2 years ago, I was a sophomore. I was struggling with who I was at my old school. I couldn't figure out why I was at school. I didn't care about anything. I had Timmy by my side at school and that's all that really mattered to me besides barely passing my classes. I had a boyfriend, Austin, who I faced some struggles with in my life. The struggles weren't his fault. They were just challenges thrown my way that I had to face or runaway from. I kept choosing to run. I kept running and running until I ran into Tommy- who changed it all.

Today, I'm a high school graduate & freshman in college- living my life fearlessly. I may not have the same people in my life that I did in the past, but I am thankful for every memory that I've had with them. God has a way with situations. They're handcrafted and beautifully made. He has all the details painted out. I have found where I belong.