Life According To Me

i love.

2012-01-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

Wow. These past few months have been insane. I haven't been on in forever. It's okay I am still alive. Just dealing with a fair amount of things right now. I needed some time away. Well God has been teaching me a lot. Have you ever noticed we tend to choose the hard way of learning things? We don't see it when God first tries to tell us so it takes Him doing something drastic for us to understand? It's true we are stubborn people. I don't see why we make it sooo difficult. I'm positive it breaks the heart of God. I believe prior to the accident that God was trying to show me some stuff but I was being blind to what He had to say. One thing the Lord really showed me in the healing process after the accident was that I needed to love. I am not sure I will be able to adequately express exactly what I learned. But in case you didn't know I am the type of person that doesn't really trust people or love freely. I don't think that is the heart of God. Jesus has always loved freely so why shouldn't I? In a moments time I could have everything precious to me. I need to not hold back with the people God has placed in my life. But it is soo hard to always remember that and to always give of myself.

top 11 of 2011 :)

2011-12-31T17:27:00.000-08:00

I can't believe 2011 is almost over. I have been so busy and I am still super crazy. Anyways. I wanted to post a visual reflection of this year. I did it last year and absolutely loved it! Here it goes....

Ps: these are in noooo order at all :)

1: Going to prom with this boy

2: Becoming a Jr High leader and having the privilege to love the girls :)

3: Celebrating 2 years with my boy and being on a missions trip to SF all in one day!!

4: My last high school retreats

5:Having the privilege to become friends with these people :)

6: Finding out I'm gonna be an auntie again

7: Graduating high school plus getting to go to grad night

8: Performing in millie and gaining amazing friends through it

9: Growing closer with these studly people

10: moments like this with my favorite person on this planet

11: Performing set me free

2011-12-25T07:34:00.001-08:00

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the in." Luke 2:7

2011-12-16T22:58:00.001-08:00

"Little baby, I am a poor boy too. I have no gift to bring that's fit to give a King."

yes.i.am.thankful.thank.you

2011-11-22T23:53:00.000-08:00

Well it seems weird that I haven't blogged in a month. Oh how I miss thee Blog World!! Life has been insanely beautifully crazy. I am happy to be back. For however long that is seeing that finals are next week. AHA! Crazy! Anyways I decided not to do a thankful countdown like a I usually do every year for the month of November. Well this weekend made me beyond thankful for everything I have. I have told this story so many times I am tired of telling it. (trust me I will still have to tell a billion people). ANYWAYS!! I was in a car accident on Saturday. Nothing too too major but I will say it opened my eyes. We were hit on the drivers side but head on from the truck. Our drivers window shattered as you can see in the photo. But we are all okay. The driver suffered some head trauma but is doing well.

The point of me talking about this so openly here is that I am thankful for my life right now. I am thankful for my amazing family, friends and boyfriend. Thankful God has given me another day with them.This thanksgiving I have soo much to be thankful for and I give God the glory that this crash wasn't the end for me :)

after the crash. i am aware that i look half dead but who cares..???

the car

2011-10-19T11:53:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my sweet boy and I celebrated two and half years together. Time goes by way to fast when you love someone!

Mammoth Pics

2011-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

you know..captain ron :)

me and my brother brandon

tatts we picked up at the local taco bell

mmm mammoth!

it was a long drive

the bus ride

my boy :)

rainbow falls...stunning.

rainbow falls behind us. that was a nice long hike

such a dear friend

wouldn't be me and evan without this pic

Add caption

the campsite loved us!! we had personal bathrooms

the goose of protection

tentmates

:) guy at the gas station

SOUND OF MUSIC!!!!!!!!!

so weird

2011-10-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

I just realized I don't blog as much as I used to and that makes me really sad. I love blogging. But life takes over and you all know what happens after that!

God Redeems. Amen

2011-10-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ahh wow. I haven't blogged in sooo long. I was studying and had to take a break to write. I got the urge (which I haven't had in awhile) and I got the idea of what to write. Anyways if you have been a long time follower of my blog or even a close friend of mine you know that I have suffered through a lot. You also know what emotional roller coaster the month of October can be for me. If you don't know what in the world I am talking about you can read here. Well it's shocking to say but this month (all three days of it) haven't actually been that bad. But the funny thing is how I miss her three times more then I did when she passed three years ago. My point? God is good! He is still in control. He is still reigning. God is healing me. I am further in the process then I thought! Oh praise God! As you know I walked away from the Lord soon after all of this. Well about a month ago I was approached about being involved with a girls beauty conference at church. I agreed and assumed it would be me just serving food and dealing with registration. I really wanted to serve God that way. It turns out I am doing a cardboard testimony and helping with a workshop on eating disorders. OH wow!! We see Gods redemption in a beautiful way. As if that wasn't enough of a blessing, the conference falls on the weekend of the anniversary of her passing. Wow. What a better way to spend that weekend then honoring God with His truth that has become my life?
-Ariana

my apologies

2011-09-21T23:03:00.000-07:00

i have been ima I know. but thats what happens when you go to college and get a life! =p

18 years

2011-09-13T17:13:00.001-07:00

"18 years had come and gone. For Momma they flew by but for me the drug on and on."

2011-09-05T11:08:00.001-07:00

When we hold onto the things of the past we keep ourselves from becoming who God wants us to be. That is like a slap in the face to God.

morgan....

2011-09-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

i love you sister. i miss you. that is all there is to it. i want to eat chocolate with you. duhh

2011-09-01T12:36:00.001-07:00

"The fire of persecution purified the church & the courage displayed by the innocent victims was a spectacle unblievers couldn't fail to notice."

because Jesus

2011-08-31T22:57:00.000-07:00

I am joyful because I wake up to food on my table.
I am joyful because I have a home to live in.
I am joyful because I am never alone.
I am joyful because I have clothes on my back.
I am joyful because I have a precious family.
I am joyful because I have an amazing church.
I am joyful because I have an amazing boyfriend.
I am joyful because God is in control.
I am joyful because I am healthy.
I am joyful because Jesus loves me.
I am joyful because Jesus Christ died for me.
I am joyful because I am a Princess.
I am joyful because of Jesus.

my heart is full

2011-08-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Not because I have it all figured out but because God has it all figure out.
Not because I love like I should but because God loves me and I have his love in me.
Not because life is painless but because God has endured the most wretched pain.
Not because life is easy but because God carries me when I can't do it myself.
Not because disappointments don't come but because when they do God tells me "this is for my glory".
Not because I'm perfect but because the one who died for me is perfect and blameless.
Not because I always have faith but because when I am faithless....he is still faithful.
Not because I always have hope but because Jesus is Hope.
Not because I have power on my own but because of God living in me I have his power.
Not because I deserve this all but because Jesus loves me anyways....
That is why my heart is full today.
That is why I have the strength to praise my Jesus.
Thank you Lord.

2011-08-12T17:43:00.001-07:00

God whispered "I'm in control." Doesn't that mean I have nothing to worry about? Cause I'm pretty scared!!!!

the dress is white for a reason!

2011-08-12T00:08:00.000-07:00

Lately weddings have been a hot topic. My cousin is getting married and my former youth pastor as well. I am beyond excited to see what the Lord has planned for both of these marriages. Putting aside these things I have been thinking a lot about weddings and their significance. I felt compelled to share.

The Dress....It's beautiful...

Okay so your wedding dress is precious and you look amazing in it. However, I am not sure any of that matters if the bride doesn't understand the significance of her dress! We live in a culture where a wedding is a wedding. Doesn't really hold the importance it once did. That is a sad truth if you ask me. A Brides WHITE wedding dress is supposed to represent her purity. As she gives herself to her husband it is supposed to represent that she has saved herself. She wears white because she is sexually pure. So how is it okay that just anyone wears white on her wedding day? This frustrates me that it is taken so lightly. The significance of this dress reminds us that God wants us to remain pure for our wedding day. It shows us that God uses even the world and it's age old tradition to glorify his name and his plans.

The Walk down the aisle...

Again there is significance in the memorable walk down the aisle and there is a specific reason why the brides Father is supposed to walk her down. There is a reason the Pastor asks "Who gives her to be married?". That questions is asked because up until that moment in a girls life, she belongs to her Father. God has given each of us girls as a precious gift to our parents. He entrusts us into their care and therefore they are in charge of us. And one day they will have to answer to God for the choices they made as our parents. If you know your world and Biblical history well enough you know dads used to be extremely strict when it came to marriage. The groom HAD to have the fathers permission or the father was the one to pick the the groom. So this maybe a be a bit extreme to our society now but it still holds both meaning and validity. When the father of the bride chooses to give his daughter away, she becomes her husbands. Her father no longer has ownership over her but her husband does. It is both amazing and hurtful to me that this means nothing to men and women of our age. Who cares what the father thinks? We are going to do what we want! That is so the mentality of our culture.

"You may now kiss the bride"....

If you know me well enough you know I firmly believe in first kisses being saved for the wedding day. But oh how my belief is so the joke of our society. The media, celebrities, movies, TV shows, and magazines all tell us to go out and experience our first kiss as soon as possible. Have your first kiss or your gonna get made fun of. How ridiculously sad is that?? That is the pressure we put on young people? That repulses me. Why else would the pastor look at the bride and groom and give them permission to kiss? Because for the first time in their relationship it is okay to kiss because they are officially married. Call me crazy for thinking this way but I firmly believe that kissing opens the door to so many other things. And no girl wants to walk down the aisle on her wedding day feeling out of place because she knows she shouldn't be wearing the white dress and her daddy shouldn't be giving her away. For one simple reason...she already gave herself away...something that wasn't hers to give away in the first place....

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

^"19Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

high school was just that good...

2011-08-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

because that will never happen again

because this guy was my youth pastor

because that really happened

because my family is just adorable

because some how I ended up with this guy

because being scene was kinda fun

because minutes before this photo was taken, I gave my life to Jesus.

because I had this one for a best friend

because I don't regret that one bit

because zach finn and i spent a week jumping off of those

because i had pink hair....

because i met that girl and we took this picture while cutting off that guys head (:

because we were inseparable.

because I was a part of that family

because this girl ended up in my life.

2011-08-03T15:16:00.001-07:00

"I used to get my coloring books from kmart. Then they tore it down and built something else. So I stopped coloring!!" -Brenna Buchannan

2011-08-01T23:02:00.001-07:00

"But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
Job 23:10

having trouble

2011-07-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

not really sure where i am right now and why i haven't written in awhile.
i miss writing. and i still can't find words so here are some pics

Jr High Retreat(:

2011-07-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

I went to the desert with the Jr Highers last weekend and I had so much fun. God did such amazing things and moved so powerfully. I absolutely loved being their leader and helping them find Jesus. It was awesome..here are some pics to prove it.

me and my injured sister (:

my little cousin isn't so little anymore..

my amazing room!

my room with nat's room

"ron! we need a picture or this whole trip will have been a waste of time"

haha my sidekick(:

prayer request

2011-07-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

you may or may not know but over a month ago I injured my leg doing my last theater show of high school. we still to this day are not sure what exactly I did. so I have two prayer requests. first that the doctors would be able to figure out what is wrong and that my almighty Jesus would bring healing. and secondly I ask that you would pray for my provision for my medical bills that are already starting to come in.
thanks
love ariana(:

2011-07-10T23:19:00.001-07:00

I know there's a time and a season for everything. So now what? Am I supposed to take it all down? Or will it forever stand as a memorial?

i will

2011-07-05T16:09:00.001-07:00

i will praise you in this storm. i will lift my hands. you are who you are no matter where i am. every tear i cried you hold in your hand. you never left my side and though my heart is torn. i will praise you in this storm.

wow

2011-07-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

I was talking with Evan earlier and I realized today is Independence Day. Which brought me back to last independence day and what I was doing, when I was suddenly struck by a strange thought. I asked Evan if he knew what Thursday is. Well Thursday marks a year since we hopped on a plane and flew to Ireland. A year since I went back to the place where I left my heart. And a year since Evan fell head over heels for that country. I miss it so much. Not the country as much as the people. This is painful. Not going back there hurts a lot. I wish sooo much that this was Gods will for me this year. I mean my cousin is there now. I wish I could be there with him. 3 months in that country! So obviously this is just my wishes but I am content knowing that it isn't Gods will. It was hard at first. Starting to get easier because I know I am where God wants me to be now. But the pain of missing someone and the urgency to serve God in that place is still there. I just can't believe a whole year has passed since July 7th when these photo's were taken....

reflection can be a beautiful thing...

hi there

2011-06-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

how I have wanted to sit and write this for a long time. but I haven't had the strength or the words. I am still not sure I have the words I want to say but I am going to try. I am a writer because I am passionate about it. so I try to write no matter what. anyways I am done with high school. it's weird for me to even say that. i struggled a lot in the beginning. i am not sure how you explain something like this. i guess you have to experience this for yourself.. its sorta a weird pain and joy all wrapped into one. the first week was the hardest. my sister bro in law and nephew returned home after being here for two weeks. and then my oldest brother/best friend moved out. crazy time of crazy change. something I do not welcome at all. three weeks ago the word change would anger me and frustrate me. but something has changed in me these past few weeks of being out of high school. it's a God thing. let's just put it that way. because without him I would still be the girl that became paralyzed when the thought of change crossed her mind. don't get me wrong it is still "hard" at times but I am no longer gripped with fear. i can't really share how this change of heart took place. but I am here. excited to see what God does with me. and trying not to look back but to look forward to the new adventures and the new places I will go.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27

prayer request

2011-06-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

please pray for my grandpa. my uncles took him to the hospital last night after he got sick throwing up and then went into a state of not remembering things. an hour later my cousin and I went to the hospital to be with our dads and grandpa. while we were there his pulse hung at around 37-40 which is low. by the time we left they were admitting him to ICU. he is still in ICU and we are just waiting. right now my family is wrapped in peace and prayer and we are beyond thankful. please specifically pray for the younger grandkids who witnessed him getting sick as well as my aunt that lives far away. this has been extremely difficult for her. thank you so much
much love,
ariana (:

not ready

2011-06-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

not ready to finish my college app. not ready to change my blog layout and pics. not ready to leave high school ministry. not ready for summer to end. not ready for tomorrow to come. not ready for school shopping.
because when all of this happens it will only acknowledge the fact that this chapter has already been finished.
it will remind me that there is no turning back. this is my life now.
so i am not ready.

graduating makes you do crazy things...

2011-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

like this......

let's cheer for him and see where it gets us.

2011-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

we really want evan to post another post.
we really miss him.
we know he has been super busy.
but come on. =p
EVAN EVAN EVAN EVAN EVAN!!!! (:

its been decided

2011-06-10T13:42:00.001-07:00

well the final say so will come from God in about a month but I am applying for ccbc and I will know in about a month if I am accepted!! (:

hello friends

2011-05-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

well I got 15 min to sit down and write this post. lately time has been a thief and getting a few seconds on here has been difficult. then the rare times i have to sit down and write i get writers block. however i'm here and i'm writing. after today my life will be insane until the next time we talk. tomorrow we open thoroughly modern miillie and i have every sort of emotion running through me right now. this is an extremely exciting and emotional time. it's unbelievable to think 4 years ago i was doing opening night of broadway rocks. now four years later after plenty of other shows i am doing opening night of millie. my last show with my high school. crazy. denielle and paul and gio are flying out here tomorrow. i am so excited because i haven't seen my nephew in almost a year. the little guy is so big and i am looking forward to spending time with my boy. millie will run four times and we will close this saturday. then comes graduation. in some ways it's all happening so fast while some of it is happening too slow. emotions are running high and i can barely contain myself. or make sense of what exactly it is i am feeling. i am just sooo thankful that jesus has poured his peace and enduring love upon me.
it's going to be a wild ride these next two weeks but i couldn't be happier.
please keep me in your prayers as I will myself to endure this time.
because if i could i would stop time and stay 17 forever.

Broadway Rocks!

4 years ago

2011-05-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

4 years ago I started a journey that is now ending. I graduated Jr.High and prepared myself to begin high school. I went in fearless and I did well the first year. I made friends, applied myself, and performed on stage. Sophomore year I left Jesus and went through a rebellious stage. I literally lived life for myself and no one else. In the end I was changed because at the end of sophomore year Jesus found me. I started Junior year off well and spent some time away from school friends and with church friends. I grew in my relationship with the Lord and made it my goal to make Jesus number one. Then in August of 2010 I started Senior year. Somewhere in there I blinked and Senior year was over. I ended up sitting here on the last day of high school writing this blog post. High School was sure an adventure. I went on missions trips all over the world and youth group events in my own backyard. I went on several retreats that changed me and brought me closer to Jesus. I had spiritual highs and spiritual lows. I performed on stage five times and gave of myself to be the best actress I could be. I spent many nights rejoicing in the blessings God gave me. And other nights weeping over what my Jesus had chosen to take away. I lost people I love and gained a lifetime of friends. I had moments of victory and moments of defeat. Moments of strength and moments when I felt like I couldn't go on. Every single moment of High School was powered by Jesus and He was there every step of the way. He chose the early years of my life to send me through trials so I would be who I am today. No way is Jesus done with me yet. But this chapter is done. As I close this chapter for a final time on June 8th and start a new one I am thankful for the moments of High School. I pray the Lord continues to guide me as I grow more and start this new chapter. High school may have been painful at times and it may have felt like today May 27th 2011, would never come. I stand here amazed that it did and I praise the Lord because no matter who helped me through these four years, it was Jesus who brought me here. To God Be The Glory!

Goodbye High School.

Thanks for the memories

Much Love, Ariana (:

i feel like you need pictures.

2011-05-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

my favorite pic for sure

glorious

i tried to get cady to buy it butttt.....

mmmmm shes so amazing (:

I really hate titanic...really...

haha me and my pastor/best friend for life!! haha

2011-05-21T19:21:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how death works. How it creeps up on you! Changes you and hurts you at the most random times. When you don't want it to, it comes. Not fun.

2011-05-21T15:20:00.001-07:00

I am sooo sorry Jesus!

2011-05-20T00:46:00.001-07:00

God I am really sorry for worrying about things that don't need to be worried about. How can I enjoy today when I worry for tomorrow?

2011-05-18T22:16:00.001-07:00

Thank you God that even when I question you that you don't forsake me(:

John 1:8

2011-05-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

So I have this new Bible Reading plan. It is not the same as Evans but I am really excited about it. So I decided that I am going to pick a verse from every day's reading and post it here.

So today's is John 1:8

"He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light."

I love this verse because it refutes John being the Savior and it testifies that his life was lived to tell others about Jesus. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. What legacy are you creating?

Love Ariana (:

Hey!

2011-05-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

     Hey everyone! I'm new at this so bear with me. I have recently decided to read through the entire Bible in one year. I just want to encourage you all to try it! There are many great reading plans that you can find that help to keep you on track! After only tow weeks of the plan, I can honestly say I feel God so much more in my life than I ever had. I never used to read the Bible for more than 10 minutes a day. But now, I can't get enough!
     As Christians we should read God's word whenever we can. When we read the bible we listen to what God is saying to us and we read his words being spoken to us. If our relationship with God is to remain strong we need to listen to him, and hear what he has to say to us. So if you don't read your Bible often, you should! It will be a huge blessing for you, just as it has been for me.
     -Evan

hello (:

2011-05-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

sorry for being MIA lately but I have senioritis and stressedness....yeah! anyways... I have noticed with life happening the way it has I haven't been able to post as much. I am not sure if this is good or not but whatever. God has me where I am for a reason. i have decided to have Evan co write on this blog! i am really excited to see what God does through this and hope it helps you out! as my reader because I know what he writes will be insightful and about Jesus(:
so I will introduce him over the next week and get him to do his first post! im hoping these will be devo/ what God is doing in my life type of posts.
thanks for bearing with me and please keep me in your prayers as I finish high school!!
love ariana

2011-05-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

yeah.

A prayer

2011-05-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

Dear God,
Forgive me for being angry with you. I am sorry dear Lord. I know that this season is one that will change me and bring me closer to you. So I am ready no matter the heart ache and no matter the lost. Thanks Jesus for guiding me and loving me. Please walk with me on this journey.
I love you daddy
Amen

a heavy heart burdened for this world

2011-05-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

oh dear Lord,
my heart breaks into a million pieces as I watch others lives around me fall apart. why must things be so difficult dear God. I can only ask that you would use these trials to bring Glory to your name. i am so burdened with all of these things I really don't even know what to say. so I guess it brings me to this. God you know the future, you know the plans for these people who are hurting, and you love us. so we surrender each of these trials to you dear God and we trust you. there is nothing else for us. take control Jesus and release us from the bondage to these trials in your timing.
in your name Lord,
Amen

decided

2011-05-03T11:39:00.001-07:00

i am going to keep my blog. took me awhile to decide exactly how I felt.

hmmmm

2011-04-29T22:27:00.001-07:00

might shut down my blog.
whata you think?

pics from the life that is passing by quickly

2011-04-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

I know all of you are wondering where I have been cause you can't contain how much you miss me. Sorry San Fran took up a lot of time. It was an amazing trip and God did amazing things. He left me utterly speechless!! (: Anyways I wanted to post a few pics from prom and San Fran! enjoy!!

San Fran...

2011-04-18T23:04:00.001-07:00

"For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die." Romans 5:7

2 years of beautifulness

2011-04-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't get a chance to post this because of the hectic week of preparing for San Fran. Well I am home now and it was amazing. I will post pics and stuff on that later. For now I am choosing to let it all sink in. Take in what God did in my life and how he used me. And lastly I am choosing to let it change me. I don't have any desire to be the same person. But more on that later.

Last Tuesday the 12th marked my 2 year spiritual birthday. How awesome and how blessed that I have walked with the Lord hardcore for 2 years now. I see it as an honor that God chose me, that he pulled me to himself, and that he changed a life headed straight to hell. My friends, you are aware of my past sins, the sick things that I let pull me away from God. I do not need to bring it all up. I want to focus however on the beauty of Christ saving me. I think it is super insane that Jesus went to the cross and shed his blood because I chose to stop eating. That he went to the cross because I could not control my tongue and took his name in vain. He went to the cross for every sinful thought and ever lie I made up to get myself out of trouble.
Makes me feel loved.

this is crazy

2011-04-12T19:15:00.001-07:00

i am less then 4 days away from san fran and i am really excited. so happy to get back out on that missions field again. ecspecially a place i care about so much. i love it there. please pray for our team of 24 and i will update you when i get home. thanks for your love support and prayers. your a blessing

my lovely sisters

2011-04-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

goodbye closet. :(

2011-03-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

we are remolding church again! because we do not fit anymore. ahh yeah a good thing in the end but painful now. the place I have grown up in is changing. anyways if you remember almost two years ago my best friend taylor and I found this cute closet to eat our lunches in during vbs. it was quiet, no one could find us, and it was secretive hehe. sooo that is part of the church that is being taken away. taylor and I went into the closet about two weeks ago to say goodbye...seriously. and we got a picture. last night we went in for a final time as taylor put it. it was soooo sad. so as a memorial to mine and taylors lunch room I will post these pics:

the best week of our lives!!

don't we look significantly older??? haha the day we said our goodbyes!!

goodbye lunch room! these two past years have been great! we will miss you, your purple carpet, and that yucky stain on the ground. we always sat on either side of you so that we could avoid you. now we are truly sorry.
sincerely,
taylor and ariana <3

the time I despise

2011-03-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

i love summer sooo much! everything about it is amazing and i can never seem to get over how beautiful it is. but one thing i struggle with is how girls think summer means not wearing clothes. i mean honestly why do shorts have to be so short? skirts so tight and tiny? and tanks so low? and seriously what is up with those bathing suits? i have chosen to go above and beyond all this immodesty and be modest. but before you applaud me or think thats why im here let me finish my post. its hard it really is to be modest in these days. my choice to be modest has come from years of being immodest and not caring what people think. but i have noticed lately that it is ridiculously impossible for a girl to be modest without feeling stupid. let me tell you girls that it is difficult and i understand that. let me also say that i understand how you may feel stupid or over the top at times. but i want to say MODESTY IS WORTH IT. do not let the world or even "christians" tell you differently. you stand up for what you believe is right when it comes to modesty. and Jesus will stand up for you. i also want to say that a real guy a guy that loves Jesus is going to want you to be modest. he is going to ask you to cover up. if he doesnt and he lets you get away with immodesty then he is not a real man he is a childish boy filled with lust. i understand this may be brutally honest but what point is there in covering up? i am going to stand up for what is right even if it costs me. because in the end the dignity and respect I will receive is way more important to me. let me also say that there is nothing wrong with skirts or shorts I wear them quite often but you need to make sure they cover you. i love tanktops but I do not let them show off everything. the lead singer of this band posted the following on his twitter yesterday and it prompted my heart to ask why? its sad that he as a married man would have to see that but he did and i for one am glad he stood up.
"Girls - Respect yourself and put some dang clothes on. Amazing how the world says the less u dress the pretty u are... Totally not true"
Chasen Callahan
take some time and think about all of this. please. enjoy your summer but honor Jesus at the same time.

San Fran 2011

2011-03-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
My apologies for not posting on this sooner. But senior year is hectic and I wanted details first. So God has once again called me to San Francisco on missions. As some of you may recall God first brought me there in 2009. I have desired to go back ever since and finally Jesus is leading me there!! I feel sooo honored and so blessed. I cannot put my excitement into words at all!!

What:
Missions trip to San Fran

Who:
17 juniors and seniors from church
7 high school leaders

What we will be doing:
Service Projects
Flyer Distribution for Easter Sunday
Eating with the homeless
Whatever the Lord Leads us to

Prayer Requests:
Please pray for my health and the health of every team member. Please pray for the sufficient funds for every team member to go. Please pray for Gods protection upon the team. For the leading of his holy spirit upon us. That many will be saved. That the Lords will is done. That both the san fran team and san fran are changed because of this trip. Please pray God is glorified.
THANK YOU!!!
Love Ariana (:

Changing.

2011-03-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

Life is changing, there is no denying it. I am growing up so apparently Peter Pan had it all wrong. I guess in a lot of ways it is difficult as I am preparing to let go of childhood. God is growing me through all of it. Making me trust Him more. I really am having to walk in Faith. But I don't do well with change and come on who does? It makes me scared. I don't wanta loose anything. One of the problems that still persists in my life from the past is fear. I guess I lost a lot so I always have a fear of loosing what means the most to me. So when change starts to happen I retract so I don't get to close to those I love so if I loose them it will be easier. Sick I know. I wish it were different. So I suppose all this change and discomfort will only bring me to a place of trust.
I can only pray

Awwwhhh really?

2011-03-09T15:50:00.000-08:00

To the mysterious person who made me this....
Is that true? (;

Thanks Jesus

2011-03-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

Jesus is soo good!! he is changing me and making me a better person. Drawing me closer to him and fitting me for my service as a missionary. The leadership position God has placed me in has really grown me. Praise Jesus. Well for the past month that I have been leading, I have had trial after trial thrown at me. It was sooooo hard at first but after this Friday it just got beautiful. We were preparing for Friday night and rehearsing when we found out that our "devil" wasn't coming...So we stuck Evan in his role and trained JT for the main part in two hours. Then one of our "demons" miss Cass got really hurt during a softball game. So we trained Sierra Todd for her role. Again more chaos and stress. But what did God show me through all this? What was his purpose? Well I learned to stay calm in crazy stressful and hard situations. I learned theres no point in freaking out when that isn't going to change anything you know? Plus I feel like it gives satan a reason to smile. So the best thing is to stay clam and pray. LOVE THIS!!!

Parent Night 2011

2011-03-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

I am sooo excited for tonight. We are hosting a parent night for the youth group parents. Lives are going to be changed, people are going to understand the youth group, and God will move greatly. What an awesome opportunity to give back to our parents! So the exciting part I have been placed into a leadership team for the new Drama Team in our youth group. HOW BLESSED!!! Anyways, I have had the blessing of leading two teams for this event. So tonight a wonderful team of talented students will be performing the Everything skit. And then our other team from retreat will be performing Set Me Free. Please pray for us and for the night as a whole!
GOD IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!
Pictures to come (:

Prom 2011 People!!

2011-03-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

So we are going to prom. I am so frustrated that I hadn't had time to post about this. I am sooo excited! This is like totally a big deal for me and the Ebs (: We are sooo excited to be going to our first dance together. A week after our dance we celebrate our 2 year anniversary. It's crazy we have been together two years and no dance yet. So this is an exciting first for us. I love dances! I love dressing up (shocking I know). I love the make up. The food. The atmosphere. The friends. This year the Lord has blessed us with some awesome church friends to go with us and so we are going as a group. It's just an answer to prayer. Anyways I made asking him a huge thing and I wanted to tell the story and post some pictures. On Vday I went to his house and was there all day. I took post it notes and spelled out PROM? on his wall. It was super cute. I then left a letter and a bag with his present on his bed. When he got home from school I hid in his brothers room down the hall. When he walked in I gave him a few minutes and then I barged in. I just stood there with my hands up like YEAH? You coming with? He just stood there a moment and then ran up and hugged me. I was like so are you gonna go with me? He's all yes. It was cute I couldn't tell if he was going to cry or scream or just keep smiling. It was such a good surprise. Here are a few pics from the day! Enjoy!

The finished product(:

The love of my life after he said yes!

Aren't we just adorable?? I even got all dressed up for the occasion.

Farewell

2011-02-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

If any of you are in some sort of group with fellow believers you know the pain when God calls a member away. Well it is like that with our youth group. We are just one big family. So when anything painful happens to another member it hurts. Or when God says it's time to move on. A few weeks back God told a brother in Christ that he would be taking him to new places. And this past Wednesday was our last service with our brother Tyler. It was just sad having to say goodbye him. Our youth group won't be the same without you.

i suppose this is thanks...

2011-02-22T17:44:00.000-08:00

this past weekend my youth group went to camp for their jr. high retreat. i was supposed to be on that retreat. however, thursday when I visited mrs.docter I was told I had a sinus infection. we decided at that point it would be best for me not to go. my mom went and they were snowed in. they were able to shovel out and make it home. but a trailer of stuff is still up there because it was too stuck in the snow. my youth pastors went up yesterday to get the stuff. they were unable and headed home. awhile after they passed a certain spot and another bus of around 25 people were heading down the SAME mountain my mother, youth pastors, youth leaders, and closest friends came down just the day before (and some that day). the bus from a local church collided with a car and got into a severe accident. as of now one person has died and 15 other teens are in critical condition. i guess i am just really brokenhearted right now for that church. i mean how devastating. i have been in constant prayer for them. but one thought that hasn't left my mind the past 24 hours since the accident is that it could have been my loved ones. it could have been my mom, my aunt, my uncle, my youth pastors, my youth leaders, the jr.high students that have been such an active part of my life. it wasn't though. for now the one's i love are safe. but what if God had chosen to take them? everything i know to be true could have been gone in a matter of minutes. what would have been my last words to them? sure i talked to my mom that morning before she headed home. but did i tell her how much i love her? no i didn't...what if that had been it for my loved one's??

a fake generation

2011-02-21T11:16:00.000-08:00

I am in a leadership position at church in my youth group. I say all of this because it has put me in a prayer position for the youth. Now as I pray for them I am beginning to realize something sad but so true, we are living in a fake generation. I mean people are so fake in every way and no one knows who they are anymore. People have fake bodies, fake personalities, and fake religion. They pretend they know who they are and they have it all figured out and then they are thrown in the hot water and no one knows them anymore. I guess this breaks me most from a Christian point of view. It shows me the desperation for our youth but also how I can be behind the scenes praying for them. I just can't stand to sit back anymore and watch this generation die for the sake of the passing world. They think that popularity and materialistic things are important. And why wouldn't they? It's in our movies, our music, our TV shows, and even the commercials they play between the TV shows. We live in a world where the next best thing is believed to be what it takes to bring satisfaction. When that doesn't we keep wanting until we have it all and are still lost. How can I sit here any longer with the truth inside of me and not share it? It hurts me like I was stabbed with a knife to know those around me are dying. They are selling there souls to the devil. They are giving up on ever finding real peace, real love, real life. They are living in a fake world. With a fake lifestyle. The kinda life that leads to destruction in the end.

"There is a way that appears to be right,

but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

Sneak peek

2011-02-19T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the sneak peek of my book that I have been promising. I really had to figure out how to go about this. It is difficult because I am trying to protect my work. So therefore until it is published I won't release the name yet. I am really excited about writing it and just want to be careful...
Ladies and Gents....
HERE IT IS!!! (:
"Growing up in a Christian home is more than most people can account for. I am thankful, beyond thankful that I have two parents who love each other and the Lord. My story like many others is pretty subtle spiritually. From an early age I knew all too well that there was a void in my heart that was screaming for the Lord to fill it."

Serving Jesus

2011-02-18T23:21:00.000-08:00

Been a hard thing lately and I have been going through hard stuff when it comes to serving. But I love it. I love serving. So why must it be difficult? Well on another note I have been sick for two weeks and not enjoying it. I am not complaining I am just being honest.

Something changed in my heart on Monday.

I was hanging out at Evans house and he had some homework. He was reading a story about someone with MS.

He had stopped several times to update me on the story but at one point he stopped and let the book fall on his face as he sighed. I was like what's wrong? And he was like this is cool it says something about how when people ask her like how she copes with the disease She told them that she used to ask God why me? But eventually she got to the point of asking why not me?

That hit me like crazy and I just felt like I needed to take on that attitude!

Why not me for the hard stuff????

Like I did nothing to not deserve this.

And if it brings me closer to my Jesus and makes me a better person///

Then BRING IT!!

This guy...

2011-02-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Is the light in my day

My best friend

The person who gets me...

and stays by my side

he is my love (:
Happy Valentines Dear!
I love you!

Brother, I miss you!

2011-02-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being such a great brother. I pray the Lord is blessing you abundantly. I love you!

Set Me Free

2011-02-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

Here is the long awaited Video (:
God Bless (:

Beautiful.

2011-02-09T23:09:00.000-08:00

I am choosing to share something ridiculously personal here on this blog. Something I swore I would never share with just whoever. But I decided it was time to be real about it. It is another step in my walk with God. Another valley I walked through and another mountain I am now standing upon. Another moment in life where I smile and say thanks to Jesus. I guess one thing I never gave up was my self worth. I guess I tend to look at myself and just not think very highly of myself. I have always felt like I didn't have much to offer Jesus. But that all changed this weekend. As I was at camp God showed me that my lack of self confidence was driving a wedge in our relationship. I guess it was holding me back from having a wonderful relationship with him. I wept over my sin as I realized that I was pretty much slapping Jesus in the face. I mean he created me in His image and I keep telling myself I am ugly and worthless!! What a lie from the world. It has been five days since I gave this over to the Lord and it has been a beautiful five days. I feel free and for the first time in forever I feel beautiful. I know I am and I know I have worth. The more I live for God and not this world....the more worth I will have. God loves me and he created me beautiful. No matter what the world says. And for those I hurt in the process of my sin I am sorry. I never meant to hurt you and I love you!
God Bless (:

Retreat....sorry you haven't seen it all (:

2011-02-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

More Retreat Goodness

2011-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

Winter Camp 2011

2011-02-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

I made it through the beautiful weekend. I say this because the sickness I posted about Thursday turned into a virus that struck me full force Saturday morning. I was out with a fever, body aches, and sore throat. It was really hard because it was my last Winter Retreat as a youth student and I just wanted to enjoy it. Anyways I was able to in the end and God just really changed me up there. I am going to go into detail here about what God showed me. But it was a really great weekend and the Lord just gently removed the yuck from my heart. The skit went really really really good! I almost passed out from the fever and my sweet Siaira had an asthma attack. But God was holding us and we did it! We made it!! Here are some pics from the weekend (: I will post the video from the skit soon!
Love you ALL(:

my apologies sir

2011-02-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

I want to say I am sorry to Mr.Guy on the plane that fell asleep and made me laugh.

I had to take this picture of you because it was the comic relief of the long flight.

Sorry we never got a chance to meet and discuss your awesomeness.

Hopefully we can still be good friends.

Sorry if you feel like I am a stalker...really it was just funny.

Once the good radio station cut out Evan and I got bored.

You made the flight.

So thanks,

Sincerely Ayana (:

apparently falling asleep anywhere near me on a plane is dangerous..

sorry it just makes me laugh tehee (:

Home sick

2011-02-03T10:41:00.000-08:00

So i should be getting ready for Drama right now. But I am still at home in my pj's. I woke up this morning feeling queasy and dizzy. I kept sleeping hoping it would be gone when I woke up. I woke up at 9:45 feeling the same way. Then I realized I skipped dinner last night.... which is a big no no with my health issues. So none the less everything is still spinning and I can't go to school. I am not happy about that because I really can't afford to miss a rehearsal. Anyways if you all could pray for me and that the Lord will heal me. We leave for retreat tomorrow and satan is trying to ruin me.

Hey Lord, it's me again!!

2011-02-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

I'm back and I am requesting that you would answer this very important prayer. I feel so called back to San Fran this spring, but Lord I want to know that it is 100% your will. Please reveal that to me Lord. Your amazing God and I just want the people in San Fran to know that. I pray that you would provide the funds I need to go on this missions trip and that you alone would guide me. I pray that you would raise up a team of those you want to go to SF. I pray Lord that these people would be handpicked, strong, and ready to do your will. Lord I ask that you would prepare us as a team for the yucky things we will see there. And Lord I ask that you cover the Lopez's in your grace as they prepare to have us.
I give you SF 11 and thank you precious Lord that you have given us this opportunity and I pray Jesus that we would not take it for granted. But that we would be responsible with what you have given us.
We love you Lord.
Amen (:

Dear Jesus,

2011-02-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

You amaze me Lord. How your love for me is never ending and how I am always on your mind. I can't ever seem, to get enough of you. Lord, I want to specifically pray for this weekend. I lift up our High School Retreat to you and commit it into your hands. I pray for Mike and Jon as they run their first ever youth retreat. I pray God that you would fill them with yourself. That they would do what is honorable in your sight. I pray for Pastor Tony Lord as he teaches that you would pour out of him. I ask that you would be with his family and bless them insanely much. I ask Lord that you would be with the Worship team and that they would be filled with you. I ask that you would release them from any bondage so they are free to lead us in praise to you. I thank you for them Lord. I thank you Jesus for the amazing skit team you have blessed me with and I pray that you would strengthen me to lead them. I pray Lord that you would use us up there to touch lives in ways we never thought possible. I lift up the drivers and youth leaders and I pray God that you would be with them. I pray for those students who know you, I ask that they would know a deeper meaning of you this weekend. And for those you have not yet met you Lord I pray that you would draw them to yourself. That they would let go of the things of this world and leave it up there on that mountain. I pray for the food team and that you would strengthen and bless them. Lord, I am going to be selfish here and pray for myself. For my health on this trip and that I will make it when we do the skit. I ask that I would fall in love with you all over again and that you would use me there. That you would reveal to me and release me from anything that is holding me back from you. I love you and give you this weekend. I lift all of these people up to your almighty throne.
In your mighty name,
Amen

living

2011-01-31T18:59:00.000-08:00

Please lift up all four of us and three other guys from our youth group. We are preparing for HS Winter Camp this weekend and we are doing Set Me Free skit. Please just pray the Lord uses us all. We are stoked!!

I have successfully completed 4 years of English and I am that much closer to graduation!! (:

This is me....as if you didn't know that!!

Anyways, i took a shower after rehearsals and then made a funny face at the camera.

I am rehearsing for Thoroughly Modern Millie right now. I got a pretty good role and I am stoked(:

And this is the picture that needs no caption!

Rehabilitating

2011-01-30T19:47:00.002-08:00

It is so hard on my body to deal with all of this. I just want to scream sometimes because I want my normal life back. Sorry if this sounds dramatic but I am like at the point of frustration. My body hasn't been the same since both of the concussions and I don't like it. We were practicing our skit for winter retreat and like I just had to stop because I got so sick. It's sooo hard to deal with because I used to be able to be so crazy. Now I have to be super careful and always have access to food. It's super difficult right now and I just keep looking for the end of the road. I know God has me here for a reason and that theres a purpose but it doesn't always help. I just have to stay focussed on God and pray that the end is soon. I know my almighty precious father is holding me. I know that he knows everything about me and the end he wins!!! So the truth is I got this, but your prayers are seriously coveted!!
Love Ayana <3 (:

Dear Morgan,

2011-01-29T10:42:00.000-08:00

I love you. I love..your beauty, your brains, your gentleness, your kindness, your sweetness, your thoughtfulness, your heart, your love for those in need, your personality, your writing, your caring compassion, your hair, your style, your joy, your peace, your zeal for God.
Morgs, I am crazy about you!! You are one of the best friends I have ever had!! And I am so thankful for your friendship regardless of where life takes us. You have had and continue to have such a strong impact on my life. I would be lost without you as a friend! I love you beautiful and I am praying for you!!
Love Forever,
Ayana <3 (:

i love my family!!

2011-01-24T22:23:00.001-08:00

project beauty #2

2011-01-21T12:54:00.000-08:00

Here we are second beauty project and I am excited!! I am actually thoroughly enjoying this! Which is pretty awesome!

Project Beauty #2

To Help with number two on this list

and #23 on my bucket list

See The Beauty In Everything

I have been contemplating how to do this and I am exciting that the Lord revealed this to me yesterday! I know your wondering how this has anything to do with Jesus but it does. I desire to be a more positive person so that my relationship with God will be strengthened. Jesus calls us to have full joy in the Lord and joy comes when you can see Gods beauty in the hard situations. SO my way of seeing the beauty in everything is by starting a week by week overview of what is up. This week has been hard! Really hard. There hasn't been one day that I haven't gone to bed and thought "wow this was rough". Unfortunately I am really being hit hard right now, but I a choosing to see the beauty in it all. I am going to share some things, but not all as it is extremely personal.

Tuesday: My Aunt and Cousin get in a really bad car accident!

It was kinda stressful because we didn't know the entire time if she was okay or not. It just made me question my example of Jesus. Had I done enough for her to show her the way of Jesus?

The Beauty: She made it out of the accident with only a few scrapes and bruises. If you saw the pictures of the accident you would see why this is a big deal. It drove me to instantaneous prayer to Jesus. I didn't think twice about it, I just contacted my Lord. Last but not least it made me realize God is in control and that I needed to not worry which is number 6 on my objectives list.

Thursday: I had a really long day with zero sleep the night before. Drama was discouraging! Which if you have been with me awhile you know that drama class is my favorite way to unwind. It wasn't like that yesterday and I came home and literally cried.

The Beauty: The moment I looked to Jesus all was better. It made me question my motives and my example of Jesus in class. It showed me God loves me for me. The daughter that he went to the cross for.

-love ariana (:

confession

2011-01-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

i don't have a lot of like creativity juices for writing a blog. i get my inspiration from:
mere and morgs
therefore i am soooo thankful for these two girls and their willingness to let me copy them (:
i love them!! (:

a new project

2011-01-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new project here on my blog to help with my Objectives as well as my bucket list.

I am going to call this Project Beauty.

So for project beauty #1:

Alright so! I feel like starting with number three. I love writing so I really want to express myself more through writing then through talking. It is usually easier for me (: I love that God has chosen to bless me with a zeal for writing. It sorta gives me a good feeling. Writing for me is like shopping for most girls. This does mean that I am not your typical girl. I would prefer to sit in my room with my laptop and write then go to the mall for a bazillion hours and shop. I hate shopping! Really! To me it is a useless waste of time. Writing is not that way to me. I really think writing is an amazing and beautiful way to express myself. Will I go somewhere with it? Doubtful! But for now it creates a wonderful place for me. PS: stay tuned as I will be unveiling a piece of my new book and talking more about that!

God Bless my friends (:

PPS: I wrote this entire post without a single spelling error....10 points for me! haha

oooohhh (:

2011-01-16T21:26:00.001-08:00

the plans that are yet to come in these next couple months....AHHHHH SOOOOO STOKED!!!

I serve an amazing God!

2011-01-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

Life is hectic right now. There is no denying that, but for the first time in awhile the hectic lifestyle is something I am thankful for. Why? Because I so heavily feel God's presence in my life!! I don't even know how to explain it all. A few weeks back I was asked to share with my youth group about what I sensed God was calling me to in this next year (: When I first started praying about what I would say, I was worried because I didn't know what I was being called to. But as I sat there praying I heard God say "tell them I am going to prepare you for battle". I was like what???? And as I prayed more and more it became clear that I needed to tell them God was going to use this year to prepare me for the rest of my life. The battle? Well that's simple, it's Ireland. I have said it many times before that I believe God is calling me there after College. So I shared that Jesus was going to send me through hard stuff to prepare for future missions to Ireland. See God has closed the door this year for me to return to Ireland. But I don't believe that door is being closed permanently just for awhile. Well as anyone would expect I have gone through some yucky stuff! But I know it's all for Gods glory so it has been somewhat exciting! I never knew trials could be so exciting until now! It's awesome
Love Ariana

this is visual jet lag...

2011-01-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

ever wanted to see what jet lag looked like in three high school girls?

your welcome!!

:(

2011-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Missing those chicas

Celiacs Disease

2011-01-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Okay so most of you know that I have been self diagnosed with Celiacs Disease. Some of you may think I am stupid for going g-free without having a proper diagnoses but this has been a long battle. I was first diagnosed with Depression when everything was perfectly fine. So obviously that wasn't true. Then the doctor ordered a celiac panel and it came back negative. We must take into account that I had only had gluten in really my tummy for three days. And when I did that I didn't have gluten every meal. The next step would have been an endoscopy procedure. My parents and I made a joint choice not to have the procedure. The symptoms that I carried during the time I had to eat it for the testing, were unbelievable. I was literally out for a week for it even when I was done eating it I just had the pain that lingers. So I think for me it makes the most sense to remain GF and to deal with the disease. The doctors just want to put me on drugs. That is not happening.
So for now.....
This shall be the writings of a GF girl (:

Hey there 2011 (:

2011-01-02T23:43:00.000-08:00

So..... (: 2011 has gotten off to a great start!! I have had so much fun!! I feel like this is going to be such a great year. I think that feeling comes from starting the year off right. I am not trying to boast but I just did what was natural and put God first!! It's incredible what happens when you make Jesus number one in everything. Simply praising him and just talking to him has made this year so exciting!! I am in this crazy I want to tell everyone about Jesus mood. I love being close to him! He is soooo amazing!! So I thought I would post a few pics from the first two days of 2011!! Sorry they aren't the best quality. They are from my phone. Enjoy! You know how much I like pics (:

Ringing in the new year!!!! (with sparkling apple cider)

Christmas with my grandparents on the first day of 2011

Eating out with this crazy boy! He's awesome!

First starbucks of 2011 and the best part is that it was with my best friend!!

PS: I haven't been glutened at all this year!! I AM GLUTEN-CLEAN!!

we are going to attempt this

2010-12-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

tay and I are starting a show. on youtube. why? because we decided we have too much time on our hands. and because it's on my bucket list. tay's the only one crazy enough to do it with me. I am excited!! mostly because this could make me more famous then David Ruby which is #9 on my bucket list ;).
Bucket List:
#9: become more famous then david ruby
#21: make a web show
Keep you updated.. we are going to be a wonderful sight!!

Top Ten of 2010

2010-12-30T13:53:00.000-08:00

I am not very creative. I get my inspiration from others who blog. So I have to give credit to this blog right here: http://www.toms.com/blog/taxonomy/term/3. Let me just say while I am on the topic...I loveeeee loveeee loveee and totally support TOMS shoes. Anyways here is my top ten of 2010 ;)... btw in no particular order....
10: Spending time with these awesome people and having a loving, healthy family this year.

9: This awesome boy came into the world. He captured my heart and took my breath away. I love him!!

8: I fell for this guy...again!! (: We spent so much time together. Grew as a couple and served our Savior together!!

7: I think its safe to say. I returned to the place I am madly in love with. God did great things. What else can I say?

6: I started senior year!! yay!!It's been a good one too!!

5: I had amazing amazing times with all of these people!! I LOVE THEM!!

4: Night Chills and this girl!

3: New years day

2: Winter Camp:

1: Summer Camp:

YAYYYYY!!!! (I just did a backflip)

2010-12-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

I just found this article and I about died inside....
http://calorielab.com/labnotes/20101224/fruity-pebbles-cocoa-pebbles-gluten-free-lower-sugar/
Do you know how difficult it is to find yummy "normal" GF cereal? I feel like my blog is turning into a food blog.. (:

Food diary #1

2010-12-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to start a food diary to expose how I live GF. But things have been crazy. Now that I have a better phone (I got it for Christmas :) It will be easier to take pics. Here are my two lunches from Monday and Today. They are somewhat similar sounding but different in tastes.
Monday's Lunch:
Rice pasta (I cooked probably about 7 cups) you can get Rice Pasta at any Supermarket or Health Store
Bertolli Alfredo Four Cheese (this is naturally gfree)
2 Pieces of Frozen Skinless Boneless Chicken Tenderloins (you can buy these pretty much anywhere)
Boil the water in one pot
In another skillet start the chicken. Cook with a little bit of butter and salt/pepper. You can cook these straight from the freezer too. Cook until the chicken is completely cooked in the inside.
Cook Rice pasta for 15 minutes (DONT OVER COOK!!!)
In the same pan as the chicken warm up the sauce (it will mix with the chicken juice)
Chop chicken into bite size pieces.
Mix the chicken with the sauce
Mix the pasta with the chicken/alfredo sauce!
Tuesdays Lunch:
Leftover Rice Pasta (: what a blessing!!
Grilled tailless shrimp seasoned with garlic and butter
Creamy Alfredo cheesy sauce recipe:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp corn starch *this is a subsitute for all purpose flour so you can use any gf flour
1/4 tsp salt
dash of peper
1 cup of milk
-add 1/3 cup more of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheese for the cheesy flavor.
Dessert:
Arrowhead Mills GF Brownie Mix
Follow directions carefully and undercook a little. This will help keep them moist for a longer period of time. It is best to store them in foil and then an airtight container after they cool.

Pics:

Monday

Tuesday

The mix

The end results (: loved them!! They were the best I have ever bought!!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from these two crazies (:

First I would like to say Merry Christmas. I hope you all have a blessed day!! I also wanted to post a praise report and wonderful present. My Great Grandma came from the hospital just in time for Christmas. She had an adverse reaction to some meds, thart she is now off. YAYY!! God is sooooo good and that was a wonderful Christmas Present.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Can't believe it.

2010-12-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

There are 9 days left of 2010 and it's hard to believe. I remember at the end of 2009 I made a promise to myself and to God to live this year out totally for him. Now looking back I can see that it has been a great year!!! I didn't change the world for God and to be honest I didn't even make a huge difference at school. I didn't spend much time there this year and so things have been super low key with it. I have made some huge mistakes and suffered through some hard consequences. All of which has brought me closer to my Jesus and molded me more into his image. It has been a rough year but also a joyous one!! Jesus has definitely used me this year and that was all I ever really wanted!! Although I didn't bring change to many people in school I know that I was there for the few that God placed in my life. I may not have touched 100's of lives in Ireland, but leading one young girl to Christ made all the difference for me. I listened to her, gave her advice, and treated her like my little sister. I guess I am just writing this to say yeah I made mistakes and it wasn't a perfect year. I had some major losses and did some stupid things. But at the same time I surrendered to God and therefore He used me. What a blessed year 2010 has been. So excited/nervous for 2011.
Thank you Jesus

update

2010-12-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

My beautiful great grandma is still in the hospital. We are praying she will be home for Christmas. However, we still have not gotten word about what is wrong. We talked to grandma Jessica this morning and grandma Margaret is able to talk. Her test results have not come back but it could be her medication. At this point we are simply grateful that she is doing somewhat good. Please pray for the best with her test results and that ultimately God is glorified through this. My grandma is a believer but there are plenty around us who are not. Her family needs to see God through this. Thanks everyone! I truly love you!!

life.

2010-12-20T20:09:00.000-08:00

As I wrote a post reflecting on this year, I got a call from a family member that my Great Grandma has been hospitalized and I had to stop writing. Here I am writing about how blessed I am and what a great blessed year I have had. And that happened. I had to check myself and had to first praise God and then ask for his provision. It is incredible how fast things happen. One minute she is sick throwing up the next minute she is rushed to the hospital with either a heart attack or stroke. When I received the call I started bawling. She lives 5 hours away and we are all pretty freaked out right now. This has been a fairly interesting weekend. It has rained non-stop here and it has made things scary. It's super hard to drive. But on Saturday one of the girls from my SLM team lost a classmate and his father in an accident. It is so sad. Then yesterday me and some friends were making a short drive from in n out back to church. We got into the car and at first I didn't buckle in and my friend was like girl put your seat belt on. It hit me how dangerous that would have been especially with the rain. I shook my head and put my seat belt on. It scared me that I would have even thought twice about not buckling up. Then everything happened today and it just made me think twice. So please I beg you love on your family members. Be thankful for you friends and always tell them you love them. Life is short and you never know when tragedy will strike.
Love Ariana <3

Sin in a box

2010-12-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

http://ireland2010.tumblr.com/post/791372025/the-ireland-drama-team-performing-sin-in-a-box-at

This is the video of the Sin In a Box skit!! Check it out (:

SLM and portfolio.

2010-12-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Life is crazy. I have decided. I have been so busy preparing and doing stuff for our Student Life Ministry team at church. We have finally gotten all our applicants and on Saturday we are having a brunch with them. I am so stoked God has called me to this ministry and really hope to reach students through it.

That's right you heard or I guess read the word PORTFOLIO!!! Luckily you all don't have to sit through my AHHHHH'S and BLAHHHH's of the portfolio. I already finished. It was kind of like I went into hiding for two days to get it done. It only would have taken me one day but I decided to take a much needed mall break on Monday. Anyways. Portfolio is finished and never never again will I do one (:
How are your finals coming along? (: