October 21, 2010

Hi guys. Today has been a good day. I went to the park today with my mom, sister, and my mom's friend. Last night at church Kylan (my youth minister) talked about not fitting in. He said if we fit in then how will people be able to tell the difference between us (Christians) and others (non-believers). It got me thinking how many times a week we look at someone who is different and say "Who is that?!" Maybe, just maybe, if we could be different for example: smile at someone you don't know, respect people for who they are, or don't roll your eyes behind your parents back when they tell you to invite the "loser" at your school to your b-day party. Maybe it could be the start of a new friendship, a question about why you are the only one at your school who doesn't gossip (which could lead to a new Christian), or a brand new discovery that the "loser" has an awesome house and a Facebook page (really? you never took the time to look). Just because someone is different doesn't mean that they will abandon you when your dad stops working at the candy factory and gets a new job at Lowe's. Two weeks ago I had a major freak-out when I realized, or thought I realized, that the reason that I didn't have a lot of friends in my youth group was because I didn't wear the right clothes. Well, when Kylan talked about fitting in I realized I didn't have to wear the right clothes to fit in. I don't even have to fit in! How exciting is that?! I just thought I would tell you about that and give you something to think about. Also, for the girls who see this I am reading an awesome book called "My Name Is Chloe" and it is by Melody Carlson. You gals should totally read it!

Love,
Olivia

October 15, 2010

Hi,
Hi guys sorry I haven't been on in a long time. Last Saturday I left for Gatlinburg, TN. I had a great time there! On Tuesday we went shopping in Gatlinburg and I got an awesome t-shirt that has my name on it. For people that go to my church I will probably wear it on Wednesday night. Please pray for my Aunt Bobbie, her leg is really hurting and the doctor called her today and said that something is wrong with her back. Speaking of backs those of you who know me know that I have scoliosis and I have been having to wear a back brace at night for 8 hours. That is going ok except it has velcro straps and they made a mark on them that I had to start at and then they made a mark that I should have been at after ten days. Well, I am still at the first mark because they must have measured wrong because I tried to tighten the straps to the second mark and I couldn't even breathe :(.  Also, every one who reads this blog go to youtube and look up "Selena Gomez Rock God with lyrics" and tell me what you think. I didn't know quite what to make of it. My favorite singer right now is Rebecca St. James. I really like the song she sings "Better is One Day." But, my favorite song will alway be "Our God" by Chris Tomlin.

TTYL,
Olivia