What a lovely season...

Ready for some random ramblings? Hey, look! Alliteration....my teacher would be proud. Anyway, this is amazing. I'm actually writing a post. Oh, gosh....now I've lost my train of thought. I can't actually remember what I was going to write about.

 Ok, now I remember :) I was going to write about the season! We just finished Christmas (which was awesome btw), and all the holiday excitement is almost over. Only New Years remains...sadness. But this is also the perfect time to remember that we don't just have to wait until Christmas or Easter to celebrate Jesus Christ. While everyone would like you to think that Jesus is closest to you when you are having a great time over the holidays, he is closest to you when you need him most. Or when you just ask for him to be with you. Christmas is the time we celebrate his coming with the world, but why not celebrate his coming every day? Why not remind yourself that what he came for and celebrate his life, death, and Resurrection every time you open your eyes in the morning or take a breath during a stressful day?

  This season is beautiful, that is for sure. But we can have Christmas or Easter every day! Doesn't that sound lovely?! With the season of life that I'm in, nothing seems to go horribly wrong. But that doesn't mean that it never will. So I draw close to God when everything is going great, so I know how to draw even closer when things go badly. And being close to God is the greatest thing ever...ever! Knowing that the Most High loves you and cares for you is so amazing. And it seems more amazing every day. Not just at Christmas.

  So, dear readers, I encourage you to make every day a day for celebration. Even when things go wrong...celebrate in the love of Jesus Christ. And if you are reading this now and have never felt the love of Christ, here's what I have to say. Think of the happiest moment in your life...now multiply that joy by a million. That's what kind of happiness God gives you. And feeling his presence, his gentle touch in the dark as you lay in bed thinking of the day to come, that's the most wonderful feeling ever.

   Try to love him like he loves you. You won't succeed...he loves you too much :) But celebrate his coming, and what he did for you, every day. It'll help you love him more.

  -Bailey

I'm back (maybe)

Oh goodness it's been a long time, friends. I miss writing out whatever I want and having people read it from all over the world. It's great to see the views from germany and Russia and all those othe places! And getting new followers to share my life with. So let's start with an update. Well I'm finishing up my first semester of 10th grade and it has been so much fun!! I really love learning about everything I can get my hands on...except for maybe math. Anywho, I promised to tell you about meeting a movie star so here's the story: Real Steel was just coming out an there was a benefit screening (charity) of te movie with an appearance from Hugh Jackman!So we went, hoping to see him and at best talk to him. He got out of his car and beat feet over to say hello to all the people waiting to see him...including me!! He was really nice and even took a picture with me! And that's my little story of well, startstruck wonder :p I'll post the pictures later since I'm on my iPod now and can't get to it.

Farewell children! I've missed you and hopefully I will return! And don't forget that you are all in my prayers :)

-Bailey

Music, and Just How Much it Means to Me.

   I have 2 ipods, a Grooveshark, a Pandora, a Youtube, and 100's of CD's. All of these are devoted to music. Music, other than God, is my passion. I love it so much! I have no idea what my life would be like without it!

   Last night, I was listening to a song from my new favorite soundtrack: Inception. (Which is also my fave movie) The song was called "Time". I just closed my eyes, and let my thought wander while I listened to it. I know that sounds kinda' cheesy, but I seriously got goosebumps listening to it.

   In the last few years, I have realized that passion in my life that God put there himself. Last night as I thought more about it, I realized that I have loved music my whole life! When I was very little, making up songs on my little keyboard thing (You know the kid version of a xylophone? With the colored keys? Yah I loved that thing :p). My best friends tell me that I have been singing little songs I made up in my head since that time as well. I realized that my music classes have always been the best part of the week. The piano especially. I love the way my fingers move across the keys...the fact that I make that sound is so amazing to me.

     Here is "Time", from the Inception soundtrack. Let it sink in as you listen to it, and you will really love this song. Gosh I feel as if I've written a book! I have a lot of school to finish, so unfortunately I must part from this post. (That was dramatic :p) Anyway, enjoy the music, and really appreciate your favorite song today. Worship God with your music and nothing can go wrong with it.
  -Bailey
 *You will have to pause the music player to watch this video, and the one in the last post. Sorry, I should have clarified earlier.

The Lord is Working

Hey ya'll!

   I wanted to tell you about something I noticed last week. Our blog had the most views ever! We got views, one each, from Denmark, Slovenia, and Australia! Isn't that exciting?! God is using my blog to reach to different corners of the world! Who knows what He could be doing in those people's lives? I am so excited that God is using my blog to reach out. That's what I've wanted in the first place! I'm also excited and blessed that you all read and keep up with my blog. That is such a blessing. I love you guys! -Bailey

Happy Good Friday

Hello everybody!

   I just wanted to remind you of what took place today 2000 years ago. Jesus died for you and me. He DIED. And conquered sin in the process. Would you die for someone you love? Jesus loves everyone, and he died for everyone. On Sunday, we will celebrate his Resurrection. He rose from the grave, and sits now on the right hand of the throne. Man I love you Jesus! Have an awesome Easter weekend. Remember it's true meaning. -Bailey

 P.S. If you would like to reach me and Brianna, you can email us at littlepurpleipod@gmail.com
Thanks!

Some Food For Thought

    Let me ask you a question: Do you know what is best for you? Take a moment and answer this question. And be honest with yourself. I have answered this question, and I have found that no. I don't know what is best for me. Why? Because I don't hold my life in my hands. God holds my life.


    It is a very common temptation to say, "I know what is best for me. I mean come on? Who's living my life anyway?" I had that temptation, and was saying that all the time. Now, not so much. I have realized that in my pride, I thought I was in control. I had everything right. I realize just how prideful I have been. All I want now is to be humble! I want to learn, Lord! Teach me!  
      

    I have learned that, not knowing what's best for yourself, you have to leave your life up to God. Surrender your life and let Him take over every aspect. In God's sovereignty and love, He gave you your parents. They also know what is best for you because they are trusting the Lord, and love you enough to tell you. I can't stress enough this point. My parents are so gracious to pick and choose what I can and can't do. Ultimately, when I obey my parents, I am doing what God wants me to. Because He knows best. He's never going to do anything to hurt you! So trust him. I thank God for showing me this, and allowing me to share it with you. Because without His hand guiding me, I would be nowhere. Let alone telling you about it. So please, give God the glory for this post. I did nothing here, except convey what I feel God wanted me to convey. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil" Proverbs 3:5-7

  Have an awesome day!
 -Bailey

Modesty: part 2

Here you go, kids. :)

Modesy (Not by me:): Part 1

Hey everyone! Long time no see:) Anyway, my friend Melanie (who I talk about all the time :)) is doing a Modesty mini-series on her blog, and I just thought I would share it. Girls: Listen up! This is so encouraging and challenging. Guys: Watch if you want, so you will know that we are trying! Have a great day! P.S. I am in the process of posting some pics from 2 shoots I did this week and last. Both are very springy to get you in the mood. Pray it works! -B

Rededication

Hey Guys!

   Just thought I would share an amazing thing that has taken place in my life. After a constant struggle with this world and all it has to offer, I realized that God is SO much better than anything this world has to offer. I loved the world. And now I realize that. My youth pastor did a sermon on this last Wednesday. Honestly, Relay is the best youth group I have ever been to. It's so convicting, encouraging, and fun. Anyway, I decided it was time to rededicate my life to Christ, and this time really live it for him and seek him more. I recommend doing this :) You may not need it, but if you do, don't hold back. God wants all of you. Not just a little here and there. I have really felt his love for me more and more now that I want to feel it. Jesus is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It can be the greatest thing that happens to you too. And if you already know that, then don't ever forget it. Thanks guys. I love you all! -B

Pray: God Hears You

Wow, it's been to long since I have posted! I had been waiting for an inspiring thing to post here, and I got it this morning while doing a devotion with my family. This story is completely true, and it has encouraged me to pray. Because I know some one's listening.

     A few years ago, a family in our church (the Ruths) lost a dear family member to cancer. Another family in our church (the Sanders) were good friends with the Ruths and were feeling the loss as well. Mrs. Sanders decided she wanted to do something to show the Ruths that they were thinking of them and praying for them in their time of need. For some reason, she really wanted to get them some Cinnabon cinnamon rolls. So they went to the mall and bought them some! When Mr. Sanders went to the door to drop them off, Mr. Ruth was very obviously puzzled. The next time they Mr. Ruth saw Mr. Sanders, he explained why he acted so. His young son, Preston (only about 7 at the time), had asked his dad for some cinnamon rolls. Being late in the evening the answer was no. He REALLY wanted those cinnamon rolls though! So Mr. Ruth told him to go pray and ask God to bring him some cinnamon rolls. And he did.


     See?! God hears all of our prayers! Even innocent requests for cinnamon rolls from a child. So do you think God hears you?