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neise_smith
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Name: Denise
Gender: Female
Interests: Learning to love God, Singing, Boating (Tubing), golf, volleyball, chillin' with friends, Disney World, concerts, themeparks, roadtrips, dancing, traveling,sleeping, and bike riding.
Expertise: I'm not perfect, and some of the stuff on here may not always be uplifting, but hey I'm human...Just trying to learn God's will and love for me everyday:)
Occupation: Student
Industry: Entertainment
Message: message meEmail: email me
Website: visit my website
AIM:  neise smith
MSN: d_n_smith@hotmail.com
Yahoo:  smitd137
Member Since:
4/19/2004
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| Today I feel defeated. I let the devil provoke his work even before I woke up. I became vulnerable and more vulnerable to his little scheme all day...ever have those days?
Tonight at a youth meeting, the counselors were talking about how the devil likes to sneek into the busiest times for us, and when he knows we can be broken. I feel like I can be shattered right now into a million pieces. I don't understand at many times through the day why I am still in Celina, when I could be many other places, however there is a reason why I'm here. I keep wanting to think that God's done with me at the specific location, and that he's going to grab me and drop me where he wants me to go next. Unfortunately, it dosn't happen that quickly. Sometimes as much as I hate it, he dosn't want to lift us from where we are, but instead help us endure the storm that may be in our path, and trust in his timing. I was reading through my quote book the other day, and came across a favorite quote of mine:
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain."
Through this period of hardship, I've been able to rely on my God in more ways than I expected- or even still give him credit for. There are days (like today) that I've let the feeling of being defeated get to me, however most of the days I've learned to take with a grain of salt. He will carry me through this time of storm, but knows that it's not time to "drop" me yet. There has been alot of things happening lately that has been a beating of who I am as a person- my personality, the way I go about things, and my beliefs. I've been focusing on pushing the devil to the side, and start seeing where I need to challenge myself. Ultimately, His knowledge, wisdom, and hope for my life will exceed any plans I may have for myself.
Lord, please continue to carry me through this storm.
"Praise You in the Storm" Casting Crowns
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth | | |
| As I sit typing this, I look around me, and realize just how blessed I am....with a fireplace, a comfy couch, my favorite comfy clothes on, and two puppies that have so enthusiastically tried to get onto my lab top in hopes of giving me a "kiss" or grabing my attention for a second. but as I sit here content, one thing stands out in my mind that I've been blessed with the most this week: Solitude. I've taken a step back from the hustle bustle of the day to come and relax in this place of peace. I've taken a step forward by having the opportunity to have more conversations with God this week than I have in a while, due to being caught up with friends, tv, internet, and work.
Its funny what you realize when you're put in a different situation than normal. You realize what you depend on, and what needs to change. I've realized that lately, instead of reading or praying before I go to bed, I had resorted to watching a movie to help me fall asleep. I forgot how much I enjoyed falling alseep to having a conversation with God. I was challenged this past week to start a journal...but not a usual type of one where you put who's your biggest crush, what or who made you mad that day, or your dreams of the future (ok, that's what it used to be all about in middle school, right girls?!?!).....instead concentrated one journal solely on your conversations with God. This person told me that down the road it will be interesting to go back and read this and see what God questions has answered, and what visions have came true.
I have realized this week that I have alot to learn in my faith still, but that's ok, because I have a God who wants to help me every step of the way! I had forgotten how much I love solitude. It's a beautiful thing...because in those times, its when we are forced to recognize what we are trying to hide, and find the potential in ourselves
we some how lost.
Love Love Love my God:) | | |
| Well getting a new vehicle came sooner than I thought! I am truly blessed with it, and am glad I snatched it when I did! So today I said hasta lavista to the taurus and hola to a saturn vue! but I have to say, it was hard getting rid of the taurus that I have kept running for the past 4 years. There's so many memories that are a part of that car:
- Driving to/from Florida with mom....the talks, a better understanding of each other, and the laughs along the way
- Leaving for Washinton D.C. with 4 of my closest friends to see Natalie over fall break at 11pm. Somehow I got us there all in one piece...even over night driving!
- Good ole' Nashville with Matt and Kate for our spontaneous spring break trip, and matt driving over 200 miles with no hands on the wheel!
- Matt and Angie taking me to Martha's Vineyard....one of the road trips of a life time!
- Indy with Coral for Aquire the Fire
- Late night talks with some of the greatest friends a girl could ask for!
- Seeing how many people we could fit in my giiiiinourmous trunk (the count was 6)!
- Using the car for a Jesus Take 3 Rehersal Studio!
- Discovering how many of the bluffton peeps we could shove into the car to go to lima or findlay, hopefully eliminating the need for another car!
- dance parties. enough said:)
But what it comes down to is that the memories will still be there. A car is just a physical component. I am blessed to have the friends, the job, and the roads to drive on to be able to have a vehicle! Thank you to eveeryone who has contributed to such fond memories!
**picture will be posted soon of the new wheels! | | |
| This Christmas....A twist on fate.
Scrooge.
ok, some I guess could call me that.
but I'd like to add another twist to this Christmas Season...
I've been blessed working in retail (as in my dad's store) this Christmas Season. I get to deal with all of the customers that want everything that day. The customers that complain about the fact that they just found out how much money their significant other or family is spending on them, so they feel the pressure to go out and buy more. The Customers that have no idea what to shop for and don't understand the difference between a Youth and adult hoodie. The customers that get engraged when you tell them you can't have their product in before Christmas. The customers (ok mostly the men) that throw a list down on the counter and say find these items for me and I'll take it. The customers that talk about how much debt their racking up on their credit card as I swipe it once more for them....and the list goes on and on.
but why the heck am I BLESSED with all of this stuff?
because each year God somehow brings me back to the real meaning of Christmas. Aside from the biggest meaning being Jesus, the meaning of what is the point to buying all of these gifts for people, decorating the house, and putting lights outside. Being in retail this year has made me a scrooge to wanting to buy anyone gifts...and rightfully so. I see all sides of the christmas shoppers, and very rarely do I see the Christmas shoppers doing it because it's fun. God knocked me with a piece of ply wood and made it so clear to me that Christmas isn't about how many presents you buy for everyone, but the reason behind wanting to get that person something....to show your love and appreciation. Putting up the Christmas tree, decorations, and lights aren't supposed to be the dreaded day of thinking "why even bother, it's only for a month" but instead that time you are able to spend with your family and friends making memories and showing how much you care for them.
So am I scrooge? yes, I'll admit it, I'm ready for this Christmas season to be over, but even more I'm just ready for everyone (including myself) to relax and relize the meaning of Christmas....
God sending his son down to earth so that he could die for us so that we wouldn't be punished eternaly when we sin and therefore we can live, enjoy, and cherish the blessing he's put in our life.
So This Christmas, my presents are not based on materialistic "wants and "needs" " instead, their based on how I can spend time with that person, or a resource so that person can hopefully get more out of life. It's a time of giving, to a friend, family member, spouse, or other loved ones that you want to show you care so much about. But remember, presents will only get you so far. Really tell them how much you care!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hollidays.
~neise~ | | |
| Wow...haven't posted in a while. I realize this, but facebook and myspace just suck me in!!!!
I've been doing alot of thinking about Life lately.
who I am
what celina labels me as
where I belong
what the heck I should be doing
who I'm supposed to be with
what God has in store for me......
you know, all the usual questions every person has...but I just feel like its heavy on my heart. I need to be deciding in Jan. whether I want to stay here for another 6 months. I hate decisions.
Dad finds out his test results tomorrow...please keep him in your prayers:)
love to all. come find me on facebook or myspace:) | | |
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