His Name

So, my cousin introduced me to this band called He is We. I've been listening to their CD nonstop. Their songs are feel-good and some of them are religious. My favorite song is below. If you would like some of their songs, let me know because I can give you them!

Here's a YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp3lirrZtv4

HIS NAME

Why am I so afraid of the night

A silhouette it taunts me

My lack of faith in this beautiful life

My knowing of it haunts me

I'm haunted

And I know I should be afraid

Lay awake at night

Cry and know it's not alright

To feel like your falling into nothing

You can learn to fly

Just call His name

Just call His name

Suddenly I wonder why I feel so alone

I know there's something out there

Thought I'd suck it up and do it all on my own

Wish I'd known he does care

I'm hanted

And I know I should be afraid

Lay awake at night

Cry and know it's not alright

To feel like your falling into nothing

You can learn to fly

Just call His name

Just call His name

Wherever we go

Call out His name

Lift up our hands

Completely ashamed

Give it all up

Dropping our pride

Rip us apart

Change us on the inside

We cry out to You

We fall

Change us please

Lay awake at night

Cry and know it's not alright

To feel like your falling into nothing

You can learn to fly

Cry and know it's not alright

To feel like your falling into nothing

You can learn to fly

Cry and know it's not alright

You can learn to fly

Retreat

I just got back from an overnight retreat today. I went with 4 other girls, led by two nuns at Gasper River Retreat Center. It was a very relaxing and fun time. I learned a lot about my faith and the power of women. It was a nice break from school work and campus.

Talk about God's love for us:

God has infinity times infinity love for us. Even though we may not love ourselves including our looks, failures, etc. God will always love us because he created us. We were meant to live life in his unending love. Sometimes its hard in today's society to realize that we were made in God's own image. Media tells us that if we don't look a certain way then we are ugly, but that is all wrong. We are are beautiful. There is no need to have low self-esteem because it doesn't matter what others think, we are God's child. Also, we don't need to feel love from only a man (in a woman's case). We can feel God's love, and love from our friends and family. In a group discussion, an important message that I learned was patience. There is no rush to settle down, God will always show us love, we don't always need love from a significant other. Be yourself and God will lead the way.

Relationship with God and others:

The main message that I took away from this is we need to ALWAYS make time for the Lord. As busy college students, try to take at least 5 minutes a day to think and pray to God. For me, I have been reading a reflection booklet every night and I have felt better about myself and have been sleeping a lot better knowing that I gave God some appreciation for all He does for me.

Power of Woman:

We watched the Secret Life of Bees. The strength of women was shown throughout. Mary Magdalene was first person to see Jesus' resurrection and believe. She was a strong women to tell the others of what she had seen. As a woman we have a specific role to play that is unique. We are the nurturers and the circle of woman can transform others.

These were the highlights of my retreat and I hope to grow from them!

Survey

I decided to post a survey about myself. I found a really long one, but today I think I am just going to answer one set of questions.

This or That
Pepsi or Coke: Not a big fan of either. I prefer just water.
McDonalds or Burger King: Neither, but if I had to pick one, Burger King
Chocolate or Vanilla: I love chocolate!
Black or White: Black
Burgers or Hot dogs: Don't like either of them much, but burgers.
Book or magazine: A good book!
TV or radio: TV
is the glass half empty or half full: Half full
sun or moon: SUN!!!
hot or cold: Hot, I hate cold winters!
romantic comedy or thriller: Romantic Comedy
waffles or pancakes: Waffles
Florida or California: California
Black and white or color photos: Color
The city, the beach, OR the country: The Beach of course!
Tennis shoes or sandals: Sandals
Sweet or sour: Sweet
Private or public school: Loved my private high school, but love my public college!
Cappuccino or coffee: Cappuccino
English or history: History
Science or math: Math

Español

Plaza de España in Seville

Today I started my Spanish 202 bi-term class. Yesterday I was really anxious about it because I hadn't taken Spanish since first semester. I thought it was going to be hard. Once I got to class I realized that there was nothing to be nervous about. All the Spanish that I knew came back to me. I actually really enjoyed my time in class today and realized how much I had missed Spanish. The class is definitely going to be more challenging than 201, but I am excited to learn even more. I will have it everyday which might get a little old, but I think practicing Spanish everyday will help me in the long run. I am still glad that I am a Spanish major. I can't wait to be become fluent and with my other major help Spanish-speaking children!

Since I'm on the subject of Spanish I thought I would share why I love the Spanish language and want major in it. I've taken Spanish since I was in Kindergarten, but I didn't realize that I liked it until I was in high school. Freshman year I had an awesome teacher for Spanish and she made it really fun. Sophomore year, I had a very intelligent and challenging Spanish teacher. That was when it all started to occur to me, huh, maybe I should major in Spanish in college. Then I had the opportunity to sign up and travel to Spain with my school for Spring Break 2008 (my junior year). I was very fortunate to be able to go and I truly fell in love with the country and language. It was an amazing vacation! I went to Madrid, Seville, Toledo, and Cordoba. I have decided that I want to live in Spain one day (preferably in Madrid)! Senior year I had the same professor as sophomore year and learned more Spanish than ever before. And here I am now taking 202 and working my way up to a Spanish major!

Royal Palace in Madrid

Plaza Mayor in Madrid

Looking over Toledo

Listen to Blog Playlist

Respect

Lately, I've been thinking about respect for others. I know I'm not perfect so sometimes I may show disrespect or judge someone, but I try my hardest not to. I have noticed the past few days that I have seen people showing disrespect for others. I have heard peers in my class mocking and talking bad about another peer in my class. It frustrates me because there is no need for that to occur. I have heard them talking about that person and they even post things on Facebook that disrespects that person. That is unnecessary! I feel bad for each person, the victim and the person being rude. I hope the person disrespecting others will learn that they are making the wrong decision. They need to realize that if they want respect from others then they need to respect others themselves. Looking through the Bible I found this that shows that we must love and respect everyone.

Luke 6: 35-36

"But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

St. Patrick's Day!

Since tomorrow, March 17th is Saint Patrick Day's I thought I would write about him. From: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89

St. Patrick was born around 385 in Scotland. His parents were Romans living in Britain in charge of the colonies. At the age of 14 he was captured during a raiding party and taken to Ireland to be a slave to herd and tend sheep. Ireland at this time was a land of Druids and pagans. He learned the language and practices of the people who held him.

During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He wrote:

"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same." "I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain."

Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britain, where he reunited with his family.He had another dream in which the people of Ireland were calling out to him "We beg you, holy youth, to come and walk among us once more."

He began his studies for the priesthood.

Later, Patrick was ordained a bishop, and was sent to take the Gospel to Ireland. Patrick began preaching the Gospel throughout Ireland, converting many. He and his disciples preached and converted thousands and began building churches all over the country. Kings, their families, and entire kingdoms converted to Christianity when hearing Patrick's message. Patrick by now had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, (all later canonized as well). He preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, traveling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461. He died at Saul, where he had built the first church.

Why a shamrock?

Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity, and has been associated with him and the Irish since that time.

In His Footsteps:Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose love and total devotion to and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us. He feared nothing, not even death, so complete was his trust in God, and of the importance of his mission.

St. Patrick is the name of my home parish and I needed to be reminded why St. Patrick is such a good role model. During his hard times he turned to God for help and God answered him. He than began to do the works of God. He shows us that if we ever need help we must ask God and He will answer. He is the patron Saint of Ireland. One day I hope to travel to see where he once lived and spread the faith I love!

Lost Puppy

On Saturday I saw something that made me sad. My mom and I were driving along Shelbyville Road in Louisville when we saw some kids at every corner of a major intersection. They were wearing posters that said, "Please help me find my dog." The five kids were also handing out flyers, trying to get anybody who passed to notice them. Their parents were next to them supporting their children in their search for their dog. Later, I went to Seneca Park and saw the posters that the children had made hanging up on trees. It said that the dog was about 7 pounds and it was last seen on March 4th. They had been looking for their beloved dog for over a week! I can't imagine what it would feel like if my dog was lost, it would be devastating. The children must be very sad and hopeless because their best friend is no where to be seen. I'm sure the parents feel terrible for their children as well. I hope they find their dog and be happy once again.

Poem for Dog Lovers

Hello. I've been expecting you for quite some time.
Here, come sit beside us for awhile .
and let me tell you about this old friend of mine.
She might look tattered or maybe old
But I won't say goodbye until you've been told.
She had the brightest eyes I had ever seen,
And wore a beautiful fur coat that would out shine a queen .
She was never prissy but walked with an aire ......
And oh so polite, you could take her most anywhere.
She could run like the wind and could catch anything she chased
But she protected and sat with me when I had problems to face.
You could not find a friend nearly so dear.
Because no matter the trouble she always stayed near...
She has never asked for much from me;
Just to love and respect her and I think you'll agree .
To give her a good meal plus a nice warm bed is not much to ask ;
When she has given me all her love and to her this was no task.
Now I understand you have a schedule to keep.
But I have a small favor before she nods off to sleep.
Please fold your wings around her and let her feel young while in no pain ;
Dear Guardian Angel of Pets ,
please keep her safe and happy until I see her again.
Ginger Patton






Pictures of my dog, Bailey

Spring

The clocks have sprung forward and it almost time for Spring! Spring isn't my favorite season but it is a lot better than winter. I hate cold weather and anticipate the warm weather to come every year. Also it means that Summer is even closer! Spring reminds me of new birth, sunny days, Easter, and a school year coming to a close. Below are some Spring pictures that I found on the Internet:

Modes of Transportation

Today I realized that I have used several different modes of transportation in the last week. Our society has come so far that we have the choices to get around from place to place. Here are some that I have used in the past week:

1. Foot

This is usually how I get from place to place at school, but this week I did a lot of walking. I walked for hours at an amusement park, took a long walk on the beach, and even went on several runs!

2. Bike

I went on a bike ride to explore the neighborhood in Florida where I was staying for the week. I learned that "older people" (I was kind of in a retirement community) think that you are supposed to ride on the opposite direction of the cars, but really bikers are considered to be a car. So those people who told me that I need to ride on the left side, sorry.

3. Airplane

I flew on two flights that were 2 hours long. It is amazing that I can travel 1000 miles in just two hours. It beats the 13 hour car ride

4. Boat

I rode on a boat to get to Caladesi Island. It was a beautiful day and it was nice to catch a little breeze in the sun!

5. Car

The car is probably how I got around most often this week. I drove to go shopping, go a movie, out to eat, to church, to Busch Gardens and to the airport. You name it. My grandparents even let me drive their car too!

6. Roller Coaster

Going to Busch Gardens was really fun! I got to ride several roller coasters including Sheikra which is a new roller coaster that has two 90 degree angle drops. I even got to sit in the front row, and it actually makes you hang at 90 degrees before the drop, it was awesome!

7. Shuttle

To get from the parking lot to Busch Gardens I rode in a shuttle. Also, at the airport I had to ride a shuttle to get to the baggage claim.

I'm sure there were other ways that I got around.. but those were the highlights. I wonder what the future of transportation will be like!

From Kentucky to Connecticut

Downtown Louisville

It will only be about 3 months until my family and I will no longer be Louisville, Kentucky residents. We will be moving to Southbury, Connecticut in June. My dad accepted a job up there so will be moving up there. It is going to be a big change and something different because I have lived in Louisville since I was 2 years old. It has been a great 17 years! I have come to love Louisville, but I will hopefully visit there frequently because I will be staying at WKU. Although only my immediate family lives in Louisville, it is considered my home. It will be sad to leave, but I'm excited to start a new adventure. I am going to miss all of my friends and all the things that make Louisville unique. My church, neighborhood, and my high school are the places that make me happy. It will always be HOME.

Southbury is going to be VERY different. Below is the information from Southbury, CT website (www.southbury-ct.org):

"Southbury was incorporated in 1787 and is home to over 19,000 residents. We are host to Heritage Village, a premier retirement community of over 2,500 units set on a beautiful golf course. Our new state of the art library serves nearly 550 people daily and is open 337 days a year. Our Parks and Recreation Department provides sporting activities and events for all residents and our low mil rate of 20.9 creates a favorable business atmosphere. Located mid way between Waterbury and Danbury on Interstate 84, the rural setting and commuting opportunities are unique. Southbury has a diverse mixture of housing opportunities to satisfy all economic requirements. Our school system is first class; our taxes are low, and our residents are neighborly."

Going from 700,000 people to 19,000 people is going to be a culture shock, but I think I'm ready to experience the small town feel. It will be exciting to explore the area and learn about the Northeast. Over the summer, I went to visit and got to explore a little bit. I even got to go to New York City while I was there! It is only 3 hours (with no traffic) to get there. So a big city is not too far away!

I hope I will get some visitors when I move up there! :)

City Hall in Southbury, Connecticut

Creatures of the Sea

Today I went to the beach! I am on my Spring Break in Florida (Tampa area) spending the week at my grandparents condo along with my cousin, Erika. Since today was going to be a gorgeous day, we decided to head to Honeymoon Island and then to Caladesi Island. We took a boat over to the island.

Once we arrived Erika and I went on a walk along the beach. We had plastic bags in our hands eager to pick up some beautiful shells. Along the way, we saw plenty other things besides seashells. We spotted several birds and plenty of dried up seaweed along the way. But we also discovered this odd pink blob. We thought it was a jellyfish at first, but it certainly wasn't! Then we found a dead fish and dead puffer fish (that smelled terrible). We also found a skull! We still can't figure out what kind of animal it is from... any ideas?

Dead Puffer Fish

It was a gorgeous day to relax and do some thinking on the beach. I really enjoyed the time I spent with my cousin and grandma. Catching some rays and seeing the beauty of nature made it a great day!

What is this a skull of?

What is this pink blob?

My New Blog

I'm a very excited to start my blog! I really wanted something where I could post my thoughts and ideas about random things. A blog would be perfect for that. I didn't know what to call my blog. So, I went through song titles and found "All at Once" by The Fray (one of my favorite bands :) ) The line that really stood out to me was.. "Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same." I wouldn't say that my life revolves around this, but it is definitely a true statement and I think almost anyone can relate to it.

Feel free to comment on my posts anytime!