Friday, August 14, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Last Lecture
When you see yourself doing something badly and nobody’s bothering to tell you anymore, that’s a very bad place to be. Your critics are your ones telling you they still love you and care. Randy Pausch
A few days ago we had no idea who Randy Pausch was. We were visiting a good friend of ours on Sunday and she had us watch a Barbara Walters interview on Youtube and said it would change our lives. She was absolutely right! By the end of the interview we both sat in tears because this man’s outlook on life was just so incredible and inspiring.
Randy Pausch, who was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in September of 2006 at the age of 45. Sadly, he passed away on July 25, 2008 but he did not go without leaving a legacy for his wife and three young children.
It is a tradition at CMU that at the end of a professor’s career they give a “last lecture” which is a time for former students and colleagues to hear the professor speak for the last time. Nobody thought the lecture would be viewed by over 6 million people on Youtube!
We are posting the lecture below and would hope that anyone and everyone would take time to watch. There are many lessons to be learned from it!
Here are just a few points that stood out as we watched:
• We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
• Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.
• Tell the Truth!
• Focus on others…not yourself!
• Don’t complain, just work harder.
• Find the best in everyone…no matter how long it takes!
• Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?
The interview with Barbara Walters (highly recommend watching it as well!) gives a little more insight into Randy’s family and how they have dealt with his illness, but we didn’t want to overwhelm this post with too many Youtube clips as it will take some time to watch this one!
A few days ago we had no idea who Randy Pausch was. We were visiting a good friend of ours on Sunday and she had us watch a Barbara Walters interview on Youtube and said it would change our lives. She was absolutely right! By the end of the interview we both sat in tears because this man’s outlook on life was just so incredible and inspiring.
Randy Pausch, who was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in September of 2006 at the age of 45. Sadly, he passed away on July 25, 2008 but he did not go without leaving a legacy for his wife and three young children.
It is a tradition at CMU that at the end of a professor’s career they give a “last lecture” which is a time for former students and colleagues to hear the professor speak for the last time. Nobody thought the lecture would be viewed by over 6 million people on Youtube!
We are posting the lecture below and would hope that anyone and everyone would take time to watch. There are many lessons to be learned from it!
Here are just a few points that stood out as we watched:
• We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.
• Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things.
• Tell the Truth!
• Focus on others…not yourself!
• Don’t complain, just work harder.
• Find the best in everyone…no matter how long it takes!
• Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?
The interview with Barbara Walters (highly recommend watching it as well!) gives a little more insight into Randy’s family and how they have dealt with his illness, but we didn’t want to overwhelm this post with too many Youtube clips as it will take some time to watch this one!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!"
-Christian D. Larson
-Christian D. Larson
Monday, March 2, 2009
**Scicon 2009**
Amazing. Simply Amazing. We just got back from Scicon this Sunday and words cannot describe the awesome things God did on that mountain! Our legs are sore, we're exhausted and oh SO thankful for our clean shower, but God did GREAT things!! It was truly a life changing weekend!
Bro. Saregent preached an awesome message on Sunday morning titled "Don't Die in Place". He spoke about how so many times we as Christians make mistakes and think that we might as well lay down and "die" (spiritually speaking) in that place. We loose motivation to fight towards the calling God really has on our lives because we are hung up on our failures in the past.
One quote from the message that really got our attention was this: "You can't get stuck between your past and your promise". Too many times we make mistakes and dwell on them, never getting past what we "could have done" or "should have done" and we miss the promise. God has a divine will for each of our lives, all we have to do is be willing to give everything to Him, INCLUDING our past! He wants so badly to turn the ugly failures of life into beautiful testimonies of His grace and mercy!
So, now we are home refreshed and revitalized! The past is on the mountain and we are moving forward to the promise! God is making Himself more and more real to us everyday in our home, church and lives. We serve a limitless God and there is NO telling what He is going to do next!!!
It was also really good to spend time with friends we don't get to see very often and to make a few new ones! This was by far the GREATEST camp yet and we can't wait to see what God is going in the weeks, months and years to come!!!
Enjoy the pics!!
Bro. Saregent preached an awesome message on Sunday morning titled "Don't Die in Place". He spoke about how so many times we as Christians make mistakes and think that we might as well lay down and "die" (spiritually speaking) in that place. We loose motivation to fight towards the calling God really has on our lives because we are hung up on our failures in the past.
One quote from the message that really got our attention was this: "You can't get stuck between your past and your promise". Too many times we make mistakes and dwell on them, never getting past what we "could have done" or "should have done" and we miss the promise. God has a divine will for each of our lives, all we have to do is be willing to give everything to Him, INCLUDING our past! He wants so badly to turn the ugly failures of life into beautiful testimonies of His grace and mercy!
So, now we are home refreshed and revitalized! The past is on the mountain and we are moving forward to the promise! God is making Himself more and more real to us everyday in our home, church and lives. We serve a limitless God and there is NO telling what He is going to do next!!!
It was also really good to spend time with friends we don't get to see very often and to make a few new ones! This was by far the GREATEST camp yet and we can't wait to see what God is going in the weeks, months and years to come!!!
Enjoy the pics!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
God, don't stop now!
"Thank you! Everything in me says "Thank you!" Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth's kings will say "Thank you." They'll sing of what you've done: "How great the glory of God!" And here's why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God.Your love is eternal-don't quit on me now!" Psalm 138 (The Message)
Hello Everyone! Sorry for waiting so long to post, we've been SO busy!! This weekend we will be going to Scicon for a youth camp and we are so excited to meet new people and see what God is going to do! He has been doing AMAZING things in our church and lives and our prayer today is God, please don't stop now!!
Have a great weekend! We will post pics from camp when we get home!!
Remember....Wear your confidence! :o)
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: "Thank you!" Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth's kings will say "Thank you." They'll sing of what you've done: "How great the glory of God!" And here's why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God.Your love is eternal-don't quit on me now!" Psalm 138 (The Message)
Hello Everyone! Sorry for waiting so long to post, we've been SO busy!! This weekend we will be going to Scicon for a youth camp and we are so excited to meet new people and see what God is going to do! He has been doing AMAZING things in our church and lives and our prayer today is God, please don't stop now!!
Have a great weekend! We will post pics from camp when we get home!!
Remember....Wear your confidence! :o)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Nannette!!! <3
It's Nann's birthday!!! She is no longer a teenager :-( She is the greatest sister EVER!! I have learned SO much from her. So today is a day ALL about her. (which I am sure she is loving) haha Tonight we plan to go to Olive Garden and celebrate with some friends and family. Nann, this is going to be your BEST year ever!! You have grown SOO much in the past 6 months and continue to amaze us. You deserve the best in everything you do. I love your guts!!!
-<3 Trina
-<3 Trina
Happy, Happy Birthday to You - Walt Disney
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Things We LOVE....
Jamba Juice. Juicy Couture. Jesus Culture. Israel & New Breed. PINK Jammies. Bath & Body Works. Lip-gloss. Working out. Tanning. Shopping. Pedicures. Uggs. Betsyville. Texting. Facebook. Myspace. Kissing Dating Goodbye. Music. Ijoy Chair. Camping. Staying in Hotels. **Summer** Bowling. Forever 21---NANN. Buckle---TRINA. Taking Pictures. Japanese Kitchen. Sushi-Mostly Nann. Kids. The Beach. San Francisco. KFC Cookies. Inspirational Blogs. Quotes and Icons. Extreme Home Makeover—“MOVE THAT BUS!!!” Candles. Organic Stuff. Being Creative. Naps. Shoes. Church Events. Driving. Smiling. Laughing. Free People. Urban Outfitters. Redecorating. Watching People. Celebrity Baby Names. Cyber Stalking LOL jk. TWILIGHT. Over-Analyzing. Being Sarcastic. Being Honest. Randomness. Sarah Palin 2012 babayy!! Family Approved Movies Vacations. Disneyland. Friennnds. The Fuel Station. Eyelash Curlers. Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Chocolate Covered Apples. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Anthropologie. Kenzie. Leopard Print. LIFE.
Happy Valentines Day!!!
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Happy Valentines Day!!!
LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Quote of the Week....
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows.
The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.
If you share this with another woman, something good will happen -- you will boost another woman's self esteem, and she will know that you care about her."
Audrey Hepburn
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Have a Laugh!
Laughter is the greatest medicine. It's true! Today we looked up some of the benefits of laughing. It's amazing how something so simple can do so much!
1. Laughter gives your body a workout! It strengthens the abdominal muscles, helps your respiratory system and burns calories.
2. It's a pain killer. Laughing releases endorphins that help relieve pain!
3. Decreases stress! Having a tough day? Find something funny to read or watch...it'll help, I promise!
4. Laughter promotes the production of serotonin which is a natural anti-depressant! People with a good sense of humor rarely get depressed!
5. Helps you get a good night's sleep. Stress and anxiety are some of the main factors of sleep problems. Having a hearty laugh before bed can reduce stress and help you relax!
There are so many more great things about laughing, we just didn't have time to post them all!
Actually, what inspired this post was a video our Dad showed us the other night. We were reading a story that had us in tears, then we saw this! For some reason we found it pretty hysterical, especially being that moments before the tears were flowing! SO...if you haven't had a good laugh today (even if you have) ENJOY!!!
DAVID AFTER TO THE DENTIST!
1. Laughter gives your body a workout! It strengthens the abdominal muscles, helps your respiratory system and burns calories.
2. It's a pain killer. Laughing releases endorphins that help relieve pain!
3. Decreases stress! Having a tough day? Find something funny to read or watch...it'll help, I promise!
4. Laughter promotes the production of serotonin which is a natural anti-depressant! People with a good sense of humor rarely get depressed!
5. Helps you get a good night's sleep. Stress and anxiety are some of the main factors of sleep problems. Having a hearty laugh before bed can reduce stress and help you relax!
There are so many more great things about laughing, we just didn't have time to post them all!
Actually, what inspired this post was a video our Dad showed us the other night. We were reading a story that had us in tears, then we saw this! For some reason we found it pretty hysterical, especially being that moments before the tears were flowing! SO...if you haven't had a good laugh today (even if you have) ENJOY!!!
DAVID AFTER TO THE DENTIST!
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Friendly Reminder....
We appreciate all those that take time out of their day to read our blog and enjoy the POSITIVE feedback! For those who wish to remain Anonymous and make comments that are irrelevant to the postings and, in our opinion, lacking in maturity and intelligence, please keep em' to yourself! :o)
The purpose of this blog is to promote happiness, simplicity and a positive outlook on life!
To all of you who have NO clue what we're talking about, we apologize for the small outburst of frustration. Life is full of grace builders! ;o)
....Wear your confidence!! <3
The purpose of this blog is to promote happiness, simplicity and a positive outlook on life!
To all of you who have NO clue what we're talking about, we apologize for the small outburst of frustration. Life is full of grace builders! ;o)
....Wear your confidence!! <3
Friday, January 30, 2009
**Life, Happiness and Caterpillars**
Here are a few thought provoking quotes I found today.
Enjoy!!!
<3
Enjoy!!!
<3
Friday, January 23, 2009
***Singleness***
God gives us singleness-a season of our lives unmatched in its boundless opportunities for growth, learning and service. We find the real beauty in using our freedom to serve God with abandon.
-Joshua Harris
Often times singleness is viewed as merely the waiting period between the teenage years and marriage. Many people treat it as a curse and long for the day to be rid of the "single" title. While reading tonight, we found the above quote and it really stood out to us. We too have been guilty of hoping to get through the single years quickly, believing that nothing really great can be accomplished during this time. But we realize this isn't reality!
God has given us this time to experience and accomplish things that are meant specifically for this time in our lives! This is the time when we have the opportunity to give ourselves fully to God without the concerns of a boyfriend/husband consuming our thoughts and actions. It's a time to build an unshakable relationship with Him so that when the right guy DOES come along, he has to go through Him to reach us!
Now, this is not to say that during this time we are to avoid those of the opposite sex- not at all. It is great to develop healthy friendships with guys, and we plan to do that, but the focus will not be on finding the "perfect guy". We are learning to be content in ourselves and finding who WE are. When the right one comes along, we want it to be God's doing, not our own! And that's the best way for it to happen because when he orchestrates it, everything will fall into place!
So for now, we are going to serve God with reckless abandon as singles! We are going to have Girls Nights, meet new people and experience life! What a blessing singleness is!!
-Joshua Harris
Often times singleness is viewed as merely the waiting period between the teenage years and marriage. Many people treat it as a curse and long for the day to be rid of the "single" title. While reading tonight, we found the above quote and it really stood out to us. We too have been guilty of hoping to get through the single years quickly, believing that nothing really great can be accomplished during this time. But we realize this isn't reality!
God has given us this time to experience and accomplish things that are meant specifically for this time in our lives! This is the time when we have the opportunity to give ourselves fully to God without the concerns of a boyfriend/husband consuming our thoughts and actions. It's a time to build an unshakable relationship with Him so that when the right guy DOES come along, he has to go through Him to reach us!
Now, this is not to say that during this time we are to avoid those of the opposite sex- not at all. It is great to develop healthy friendships with guys, and we plan to do that, but the focus will not be on finding the "perfect guy". We are learning to be content in ourselves and finding who WE are. When the right one comes along, we want it to be God's doing, not our own! And that's the best way for it to happen because when he orchestrates it, everything will fall into place!
So for now, we are going to serve God with reckless abandon as singles! We are going to have Girls Nights, meet new people and experience life! What a blessing singleness is!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
True Love<3
True love isn't just expressed in passionately whispered words or an intimate kiss or an embrace; before two people are married, love is expressed in self-control, patience, even words left unsaid.
-Joshua Harris
Tonight we started reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye.. We began reading out of curiousity more than anything else, but just reading the first two chapters has opened our eyes to a whole new approach to dating (or NOT dating)! The book talks about how the main problem with the dating scene today is that we've disconnected romance and commitment. Our selfish desires get in the way of God's perfect plan for our lives. We are so thankful that God is merciful and chooses to rescue and forgive us in spite of our self-centeredness!! As Joshua Harris says so perfectly, "In light of the love He's given us, let's make purity and blamelessness our priority"!
We will keep you updated as we continue to read!!!
-Joshua Harris
Tonight we started reading I Kissed Dating Goodbye.. We began reading out of curiousity more than anything else, but just reading the first two chapters has opened our eyes to a whole new approach to dating (or NOT dating)! The book talks about how the main problem with the dating scene today is that we've disconnected romance and commitment. Our selfish desires get in the way of God's perfect plan for our lives. We are so thankful that God is merciful and chooses to rescue and forgive us in spite of our self-centeredness!! As Joshua Harris says so perfectly, "In light of the love He's given us, let's make purity and blamelessness our priority"!
We will keep you updated as we continue to read!!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Name
I’m sure you are all wondering how we chose our blog name. GREAT question!
It all started when we were about twelve or thirteen. At conventions we’d all be worried about our hair and how we looked, and our pastor’s wife (Sis Hill) would always encourage us that no matter how we felt, as long as we acted like it looked beautiful, everyone else would think so too!
Well…this way of thinking went a long way with us. Ever since then, whenever one of us is having an “ugly day” we just tell each other “Wear your confidence!” It may sound funny, and some may think it’s weird, but it works! Just hearing it makes me stand up a little straighter and put a smile on my face.
So next time you’re having one of those days, try it! Look at yourself in the mirror, smile and tell yourself to “Wear Your Confidence”, because when you believe you’re beautiful, others see it too!
It all started when we were about twelve or thirteen. At conventions we’d all be worried about our hair and how we looked, and our pastor’s wife (Sis Hill) would always encourage us that no matter how we felt, as long as we acted like it looked beautiful, everyone else would think so too!
Well…this way of thinking went a long way with us. Ever since then, whenever one of us is having an “ugly day” we just tell each other “Wear your confidence!” It may sound funny, and some may think it’s weird, but it works! Just hearing it makes me stand up a little straighter and put a smile on my face.
So next time you’re having one of those days, try it! Look at yourself in the mirror, smile and tell yourself to “Wear Your Confidence”, because when you believe you’re beautiful, others see it too!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Simplify
Over the past few months we have discovered that life is best lived when it is lived simply. This said, we have also found that simplifying is not as easy as it sounds. It is a process that takes time and patience, but the journey is an exciting one!
The purpose of this blog is not so much to keep friends and family updated on what is going on in our lives, although I’m sure from time to time we will be doing that. Our main goal is to create posts’ that will motivate and inspire ourselves and others on a daily basis to live life to the fullest!
Stay tuned!
The purpose of this blog is not so much to keep friends and family updated on what is going on in our lives, although I’m sure from time to time we will be doing that. Our main goal is to create posts’ that will motivate and inspire ourselves and others on a daily basis to live life to the fullest!
Stay tuned!
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