Ten things I’ve learned about my own dating life

  We’re still babies. Little tiny babies who are still learning & relearning everything constantly, but God has already taught us more than I imagined through this really big deal. This is what I have learned about my very-own dating life.

(Sounds much more grown up than it is in reality, I promise).

1. Dating is magical.

 I really never felt inseparable/head-over-heels in the past (which caused some freaking out...), but dating Brody  instantly created a bond which I never bargained on. Being completely vulnerable with and committed to someone is a crazy, crazy thing. Meeting up  from whatever stressful thing that occurred to getting to sit down and  to cuddle and talk is, bar none, one of the greatest earthly joys imaginable. I never, ever, ever imagined how incredible dating my favorite person could be. There is a sturdy amount of watching movies on Netflix, eating pizza, and laughing fits. And you know? It's a hundred times more romantic than any of that sappy stuff. 

2. Being best friends is ridiculously fun. 

We're especially lucky because we enjoy doing almost all of the same things. Some things to greater/lesser degrees, but we definitely scored in the "shared interests" category (for example: our love for animals , lol. see also: Many other likes!!. I didn't anticipate being so excited about just hanging out with the same person as much as humanly possible.  Brody and I pretty much do alot of stuff together. Playing, socializing, shopping, and we are still really big fans of each other. 

                                           

3. Laughing is vital.

 Laughing really hard and then making out. Brody has the gift of not taking himself too 

seriously. And bringing some humorous perspective to silly arguments.

4. Playing games is the bomb.

It's our secret power. Brody, like a lot of men, likes to bond over doing something instead of always just sitting and talking. I, like a lot of all? women, bond over talking. Playing games is a win-win, because we're doing something and we can talk easily. Unless it spirals into a competitive tantrum from one of us me. 

4. He's different than me. 

Also different than he was yesterday, or will be tomorrow, or will be after he's had a snack. As I get to know him more and more, I find out more ways that he's just designed differently, and how he communicates/processes/hears/learns might be different in a way that I don't understand because (duh), I'm not that way. It's scary how much I assume people think the same way I do, and how often I should just shut up and actually hear someone explain how they feel/think about something, instead of being bossy, judgmental, and controlling. Also, newsflash: men & women are astonishingly different in a million ways, but not always in the ways you'd expect. And my particular boyfriend isn't like anybody else's boyfriend, and my job is to learn him & love him, instead of saying "wait a second! the books I read said you were supposed to respond THIS way!"

5. God puts two different people on the same team for good old sanctification and for getting stuff DONE.  

Pretty much every time Brody excitedly suggests something that sounds a bit iffy to me and I decide to try and see where it goes, it's basically the best-ever. I tend to get excited about things, but quickly get cynical/lazy, whereas not only does Brody  have a literally endless supply of seemingly far-fetched dreams and ideas, he has the guts to back it up with hard work. There are so many ways our differences make us so much useful.

6. Dating changes who you are.

We’re on a team now. I’ve had a complete restructure of my everyday life. It’s kinda thrown me for a loop—a happy loop! I have absolutely loved all these new things! Of course the number one thing in our relationship is Jesus. So thankful for a boyfriend who reminds me of that and encourages and supports me to do things that restore order and  clarity to my soul. (Reading, writing, painting etc.)

7. Dating  doesn't fix who you were.

Not even a little bit. I can't count how many times since we've been dating  I've been knee-deep in some kind of sin (pettiness, irresponsibility, laziness, pride...) and slowly realized "dagnabit--this is something God has been working on for years". And something that it would have been handy to get better at before dating . I firmly believe that you don't wait until you have it all together to  start dating (hello, you'd never date ), but also that being with someone  will not magically erase your sin. Problems are problems, and they might come out in different ways, or the same ways, but they'll definitely still come

 out. (p.s. mama you were right about a lot of things.)

8.  Eating food will solve all manner of ills.

For real.I have a habit (instead of maturely making a healthy breakfast) of wandering around lashing out and feeling like the world is coming to an end, until eventually I realize I should probably eat something. Which leads to an alarmingly quick restoration, body and soul. Pro-tip: healthy smoothies are the best for this problem. They are MY LIFE right now. And if you know me in real life, I have probably shouted that to you at least a couple times.

 9. Dating  is distracting.

I'd always been a little snobby about the part in the Bible that basically talks about how a married woman is more distracted, but it's true! I’m not married but still. I've been pretty appalled by how easily I idolize Brody, and not in a "you're so perfect" kind of way, but just in a "you are MY LIFE" kind of way. It's terrifyingly easy to pretty much make him the functional idol/priority of my life, and to let other things slip. And, of course, if I'm expecting him to give me all the love, security, and joy I need, we're going to end up with a royal mess. I turn into a nasty vacuum-sucky-needy girl, with a slew of ridiculous expectations. I feel like dating  has made a lot of "temporal" things simply so delightful, that it's easier to be very content in them. When circumstances surrounding us have been the hardest, it's redirected me from depending too much on him, a comfortable life, etc, and pointed me toward the only One who is worthy of worship.

10. I'm a selfish brat, and holy cow, he's a good man.

I get pouty and standoffish, he's honest and works through things. I cross my arms and shrink, he squeezes me and kisses me. I get mired in self-pitying anger, and he is gentle and loving until I feel okay again. I clam up, he talks it out.  99.9% of our "fights" are me being a brat and him calmly and rationally working through it.  Dating him  has been the clearest tangible picture of God's unconditional love for me, as he blesses me continuously through an impossibly amazing man who doesn't treat me a bit like I deserve. I am indescribably thankful for his unwavering faithfulness through every stage of life, including this one.

Life is too short not to wear red shoes!

Two new pairs of shoes! I love them! Ignore how my legs look I have a lot of scars from playing when I was a kid!

All my love and Gods blessings,
Victoria

3 Lessons I Have Learned

1. God is always in control, but you have to let Him.
2. God can take a bad thing, and turn it into a blessing.
3. Gods will is always best. 😩

Choices

I have been thinking alot lately about the choices I have made in my life. I wonder which specific choice it was that put me where I am right now.

Love,
Victoria

I haven't forgotten anyone!

I haven't forgotten anyone here! I have been busy, however, I have been working on the blog. I couldn't possibly forget anyone. I love all my followers, I thank all of you for sticking with me. 

This is my cat, Socks, I bought her this collar and she has already lost it. Haha, does anyone have any tips to keep a collar on outside cats? Thanks in advance!

All my love and Gods blessings,

Victoria

down in the valley

Hey everyone! I'm back!!! I'm so sorry I abandoned the blog for such a long time! I've just been busy working and what not. I am now working at a clothing store called New York and Company. But aside from that, I will try my best to post on here more often. 

Now the title of my post, is called down in the valley. Why? It's honestly about where I grew up at, a little small town area called by all locals "The Valley". The valley is where my dad grew up at also. My mom was in the valley off and on through her childhood. But me, I have always been in the valley. Down in the valley is apparently where I shall stay for the time being. 

This is the view from my front porch. You can see the mountain and there is horses in the field across the street. Lol sorry about my car being in the picture, dad parked it there.

Well, everyone have a good day! I'm so glad to be back! I plan to post soon!!  

All my love and Gods blessings, 
Victoria

I do remember (almost eighteen)

 

 

when you're seventeen, you find out all the things no one felt like telling you about, such as how different thunder sounds at three in the afternoon when all you want to do is crawl into bed with your clothes on and sleep for the rest of the time.

They will fail to mention how hurt you will be after the stranger disappoints you, or the sense of joy you will experience be after you see that stranger the second time. They don't talk about the way your head pounds whenever you think of last year or how you'd give anything to be sixteen again, or how fast forty-five minutes can go when it's all the time you will have to spend with him that week.

They don't warn you about caring so much for a venti non-fat, no foam latte and a grande/tall coffee, and how they'll probably forget you in five minutes when the cup is empty. They don't list the feelings you have for that one stairwell; the people who will let you down; the different shades of pink your face will turn when someone accidently calls him your boyfriend.

Or how much Ave Maria sounds like nails on a chalkboard after you attend the third funeral in a calendar year, and how evil of a word cancer becomes. They leave out your attraction to flame and dark water; to books about dying people and movies about mummies. How a song you've heard a dozen times can suddenly break you, or how a YouTube personality can feel like a sister you almost had.How you want to read every book by Lewis simply to become his best friend; how you still wish that one stupid boy had never appeared that one night; how it’s been three years and you still miss little people named Emma ; how countries like Sweden and Iceland will create a passionate desire to travel and just do things; how the name ‘love’ can carry such different connotations.
They don’t mention the desire to cut your hair off and not care what anyone thinks, or that strange, non-romantic crush you’ll always have on that one person that is just too confusing to explain to anyone
They don’t tell you that seventeen is full of thick smoke and broken, beating hearts that will always care.
Because that’s what they don’t tell you about seventeen: you remember it all. The good, the ugly, the whole lot.
They don’t tell you about seventeen.
Seventeen is never mentioned.
They don’t tell you because they don’t want to remember either. 

look at the stars, look how they shine for you (a post of pretty.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” –Vincent Van Gogh

Victoria

all pictures via weheartit

in love with the rain

When I was little, I was absolutely, positively terrified of thunderstorms. I'd get so nervous at that first sound of thunder, and I'd constantly ask my parents "Are we gonna have a tornado, are we gonna be ok??" I wouldn't leave my parent's side, and if it stormed during the night I'd either go to their room, or fall back asleep holding onto one of my stuffed animals for dear life. Now, all these years later, you want to know what one of my favorite things in the world is? Thunderstorms. :) And today, we're having one. I love the smell in the air as the thunder is rumbling in the distance, and tiny drops of rain make their way down from the darkened clouds. I love getting cozied up either inside with the windows open, or on the porch, and listening to the birds singing along with the thunder. I love, I love, I love. With a warm, fuzzy feeling. Because winter is over and done, and a new aspect of God's beauty is springing up, as the world comes back to life.

In a happy place. :)

Victoria

picture via weheartit

what makes life grand

-being able to walk on my tiptoes again.
(recovery from my sprained ankle last week just about finished. Hallelujah!)

-looking for a job :) :) :) Yay!

-grape scented bubbles :D

Love,
Victoria
 

say something

Your Favorite:

Color? midnight blue and sunset orange

Candy? Milky Way bars and Haribo gummy bears

Main Dish? chicken fajitas  and shepherd's pie

Dessert? carrot cake and apple pie

Drink? vanilla coke and Arizona tea

Veggie? carrots and brocolli

Do You:

Talk on the phone everyday to someone who is not family? not everyday, but I talk frequently with Tim

Read your Bible everyday? most nights, yes

Do lots of reading? not as much as I used to, but every morning, at least

See your grandparents everyday? no

Bake a lot?  I wish I could say yes.......but no

Clean your room everyday? I tidy up every night

Have to say you're sorry to someone everyday? God, obviously

A Certain Thing You Dislike Of Each Category:

Veggie? mushrooms and beets

Color? black

Animal? not big on monkeys 

Drink? Yoohoo

Random:

Go shopping? Charlotte Russe, Target, H&M, and my used bookstore 

Eat out? a pizza place in town, or Mexican food

Go visit? I visit Emily's farm quite a bit

Read a good book at?my room

What color is your room? yellow on top half, purple on bottom half

Do You Have A:

Pet? my Pomeranian named Baby, my dog named Daisy, and my cat named Socks

Gift card at the moment? haven't had one for a while

Sewing machine? no

Big mess under your bed? none

Pack of gum in your bag or purse? Orbit Peppermint

Computer in your room? not since mine died

Have You Ever:

Been on a plane? no

Been out of state? all down south, up to ohio and indiana

Been in a eighteen wheeler? Yes, very interesting trip

Been in a car accident? it was more of a fender bender, but yeah

Read about a hundred and fifty page book in about an hour? I really do not keep track of how many pages are in a book, so I have no idea

More Random:

Do you share a room with anyone? nope

Have you ever gone swimming in a pond? not that I can recall 

How old are you? 16

What year were you born? 1997

Are you related to anyone important or famous? unfortunately, no

Have you ever met a vice president? no

Are you getting bored yet? maybe just a little....
A picture:

Most recent pic of me :)

 

Life

Hey everyone, lol I haven't fallen off the  face of the earth I have just been busy and what not. :) This blog is like a home, in that while I grow and change, it remains the same. I remember a time when my life revolved around all your lives, you dear fellow bloggers. I have not written on here as frequently as I used to do, but you are all still here. You're still loving God, writing beautiful words, and taking swoon-worthy pictures. Some of you have started college, some of you have traveled, some of you have gotten married and become pregnant... but you are still you. Slightly older, slightly wiser, but still your beautiful selves. Thanks for never changing at your cores.

It's my last year as a homeschooler, as a high school student. I am a senior in high school now. :D

How to Love Her

There is a battle raging around us in this day and age that is literally affecting millions of people- the battle of the unborn. Not only is it taking the precious lives of countless babies, but it is damaging the lives of many young women, as well as all those closest to them. Abortion is such a difficult and intense topic, and it can be tempting to want to stay on "neutral ground." Yet, as Christians, we must stand firmly for those things the Lord has made clear in His Word, and in this case, His design for life.

There are many of us who have the desire to enter into this great battle, but are not sure how. And if we came in contact with a young woman in a crisis pregnancy situation, we do not know what we would say, or how we would even begin to help or comfort her. This is the journey the Lord has begun walking me through.

God has been gently tugging on my heart for a couple of years on the subject of abortion, and after several instances of being confronted with the issue, I knew I must take action. I knew the Lord wanted me to enter into the fight for life, and more specifically, the fight for the women whose souls who were being deceived into thinking that abortion would solve their "problem."

I have had the privilege of possibly volunteering at a pregnancy resource center this year. When I started thinking about doing that, my hearts desire was to have face-to-face interaction with young women in crisis pregnancy situations, but that didn't happen for a while.

Before I thought about going through training to become a "client advocate" or counsler, I had a period of waiting and serving behind the scenes- putting together bags of baby clothes, helping with events, and praying for all those who came seeking help. It was a wonderful time of preparation and trusting the Lord, realizing that if this was how I spent the rest of my time as a volunteer and never stepped foot in a counseling room, it was more than worth it.

Once the first self-training came around, I was incredibly excited. I wanted to soak up every bit of knowledge I can handle.

Throughout the self-training, the Lord began to open my eyes to how He views these women, and His pattern for how we are to minister to them. I realized there were so many misconceptions I had, had about how to help them, and I was beginning to understand that the issue was much deeper than "If only she knew it was a baby..."

What the Lord was awakening me to was that when He brings a young woman into our life, He wants us to show love specifically to her. If our goal is to only save the baby, and we don't show the love of Christ to the one carrying that baby, what good have we done? So often in the fight for the child, the woman carrying this little life gets trampled and hurt by the comments that are meant to try and help her see the Truth. We turn to our own means of trying to reason rather than looking to Jesus to see how He desires us to minister to her.

How did Jesus approach the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-30), or the woman caught in adultery about to be stoned (John 8:1-11)? Though He confronted them about their sin, He was gentle, loving, and compassionate. People who saw their need were drawn to Him, not pushed away by Him. He didn't try to reason with them or make them feel guilty-He simply spoke the Truth in love. And this is what we are called to as those bearing His name. Jesus said in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." First Corinthians 13:1 says, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal." We can speak Truth to someone all day, but if we do not display the love of Christ to them, it will do no good.

When we come in contact with a woman considering abortion, we must be able to understand how they are viewing their situation. One of the things that I learned was that the mind-set of most women considering abortion is not, "I don't really believe this is a baby." Actually, many will tell you that they know it is a baby. Rather, they are viewing the pregnancy as death to themselves in a number of different ways, including their education, career, dreams, etc. So, their mind-set is more along the lines of, "Either my life is over, or this baby's life is over."

When a study was done among a group of pro-choice women, all of them agreed that abortion was killing,, knew it was ultimately wrong, and (if they believed in God) believed that God would punish those who did make that decision. However, they also believed that He would simply forgive them because they didn't mean to get pregnant, and (in their minds) had no other choice. This mind-set is a lot harder to deal with than just trying to convince a woman that there is actually a baby inside her womb; it is a distortion of the Truth. Yes, it is true that if you are truly repentant of your sin, God will forgive you. But there are still major consequences that come from this decision that so many women donʼt understand. In crisis situations, it is difficult to think rationally, and so often they canʼt see anything but how to immediately take care of the “problem,” not thinking of what their actions will mean for the future. The absolute best way to combat this is by approaching them in the way Jesus has established – sharing the Truth in love.

In one state, the majority of the crisis pregnancy centers decided to change their focus from trying to save the baby to intentionally directing love and care toward the women. Not surprisingly, it became the state with the fastest dropping abortion rates! When they started showing love to the woman, she, in turn, chose life for her baby. When the Lord establishes a pattern, we can be sure it will work.

What are some practical ways we can be prepared to minister and show love to a young woman going through a crisis pregnancy?

First of all, we must be praying for the Lord to prepare us, and give us His wisdom and insight. We cannot rush into it in our own strength, or nothing good will ultimately be accomplished.

We must never be judgemental in our attitude toward them, but always humble. We have to remember that the Lord has shown incredible mercy and grace to us, and we are to show that same mercy and grace towards them by our words and attitudes.

We must be ready to listen, allowing them to share their story, asking them questions, and only offering advice when we know it is the right time. Often, once they have had the opportunity to share their situation in a safe environment, they are able to see more clearly that abortion does not have to be their only option.

Finally, we must always be ready to share the Gospel: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit..." (Heb. 4:12). Don't force it upon them if they are not open, but if you see they are ripe, never be afraid to give them the Truth.

Our greatest desire for this woman should be that she comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus. God desires her to be saved just as much as the baby she is carrying within her. And may we, as we begin this journey, bring Him much glory by directing the eyes of those He brings into our lives to the Giver of all life, that they, too, might glorify Him.

(Much of the information in this article came from an article "Profile of a Woman with an Unplanned Pregnancy," the Life Choices Level 1 Volunteer Training Manual, 1st Edition 2012.)

(If you want to hear more on this topic, please let me know and I will be more than glad to post more about this.)

Read the Word...

Wow...this quote is awesome.

"The Bible is the word of life-it is a picture of the human heart displayed for all ages and all sorts of conditions of men. I feel sorry for the men who do not read the Bible every day.

I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and pleasure."

-President Woodrow Wilson

Blessings,
Victoria

Can't Help It...

Okay, I'm going to post all of the "Insanitized" video by Tim Hawkins. These videos are not mine; I found them on youtube.

Do you blame me? He is just way too funny!

 

 

 

(the part about the bug truck totally cracks me up!! XD )

 

 

 

Blessings,

Victoria

Why the Hiatus?

Alrightey, I know my posting has been really awful lately. And I assure you, I have plenty of excuses reasons I couldn't post...
It feels like forever, even though my most recent post was two days ago, and before that it was maybe two or three weeks. BUT I have a lot of cool new reviews in store for you all even though my summer is going to be insane. Florida, tae-kwon-do, touring my state for a youth program, and volunteering at a Christian camp are all on my agenda. There will probably be some surprises thrown in, who knows...Oh, wait...God does! :)

God is so good to us, isn't He? We so don't deserve it...By the GOG, baby! (to quote the Katie Parker series by Jenny B. Jones) By the grace of God.

Anyone heard of AP torture tests? They are the main reason I've been out for a long time. Fun stuff...Lots of studying and brain frying, but as of today, I am finished with them! (Not for forever, though...There are ACTs and SATs in my future...Probably some AP tests next year, we'll see...Probably CLEPs and MCATs too, if I'm lucky... :) ) I actually do love school, you probably can't tell. I've been in school several days this year for TWELVE hours straight. It was an interesting experience.

What are your summer plans? Just chilling around the house? Climbing Mount Everest? Catching up on your "to-read" list? Competitions? Trying not to die of boredom?

Whatever the summer may hold, I'm looking forward to it!

(Summeritis is a disease...It just has to be...Like Senioritis right...Right? Haha)

Blessings,
Victoria

My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go!!!



Okay, I've had this song in my head for several days now...So catchy! "My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go" by FM Static! By the way, you may recognize the lead singer. He's the lead singer of Thousand Foot Krutch, Trevor McNevan.

 

Blessings,

Victoria

Randomness Friday: The Sky Is Falling!

The world is ending tomorrow. This buzz all over media is somewhat... Oh, let's just say it's interesting. I like to stay out of the mainstream stuff, but this demanded my attention. It's just weird because the Bible says it in plain language:

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back-whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

What I say to you, I say to everyone: "Watch!"

Mark 13:32-37 NIV

Over the years, many people have set dates about when God is coming back. Hey, even Christopher Columbus tried his hand at it. But no one knows! It saddens me when such a claim turns on a mob of mockers and scorners of the validity of the judgment and grace that will come from God.

Can the world end tomorrow? Yes, if God wills it! But does anyone know for certain? No way!!!

And if Jesus said, "nor the Son, but only the Father," who is man to claim that he knows? All of the calculations in the world and trying to find some kind of pattern in the Bible will never work.

I have nothing against the people who believe this idea-even the person who came up with it. I'm sure they are nice people, but this is totally wrong! The people who do not believe there is a God now find a point to scorn! Atheists are quoting the verses! Yet some people still claim to believe this theory and ignore (Oh, the irony...) the Bible! When we could be turning people to God, we are now causing them to perceive us as hypocrites, ignoring our own moral guide!
How terrible is that?

As for me, I'll keep trusting that God will come get us when the time is right. He knows the date, and I'll just have faith and watch.
~*~

                                              Note: this is not my image

~*~
Now, for some Randomness Friday fun!

I'm a big fan of Mercy; you know that, right? So, when their new CD came out, I was ecstatic. My favorite? I could not pick a favorite song! But I recently found this video of "Move".

Love it!

I probably say this every week, but I thank God that it's Friday!
~*~

Blessings,
Victoria

I May Fall, but I Will Rise

"Rise" - Josh Garrels

I hung my head, for the last time
In surrender and despair
Before I’m dead, I’ll take the last climb
Up the mountain, face my fears
The time has come, to make a choice
Use my voice for the love of every man
My mind's made up, never again
Never again, will I turn round

Though they may surround me like lions
And crush me on all sides
I may fall, but I will rise
Not by my might, or my power, or by the strength of swords
Only through, your love, my Lord
All we’ve lost, will be, restored

Take courage sons, for we must go under
The heart of darkness, and set them free
But don’t lose heart when you see the numbers
There’s no measure for, the faith we bring
It’s given us, to overcome
If we run, where the spirit calls us on
The greatest things, have yet to come
With the dawn, we will rise

Though they may surround us like lions
And crush us on all sides
we may fall, but we will rise
Not by my might, or my power, or by the strength of swords
Only through, your love, my Lord
All we’ve lost, will be, restored

Blessings,
Victoria

Some Band Has Too Much Time On Their Hands....

Haha! They are way too funny! There are a TON of these...

"Stayin' Alive" MercyMe style....

"Eye of The Tiger"

Blessings,
Victoria