Rain

Rain, rain, rain. Why is rain the symbol of sadness? It really shouldn't be. People say that raindrops are the tears of Angels or snows from Hell. What are raindrops?

The rain brings life to the world around us; so how is it that we consider it a bad omen? It keeps the plants alive, the grass green, the earth wet with puddles that all the children love to splash and play in.

One of my favorite quotes is one I found on the internet a while ago. I'm not sure who said it, but whoever did was wise. He said, "Whoever loves the sun has never danced in the rain."

Have you ever danced in the rain? There's a simplicity to it, yet a complication unknown to anyone. No one can explain the joys of feeling the wet raindrops fall on your face, or the wind comb through your wet hair. The puddles beneath your feet keep you cool, and the clouds overhead bring a fresh breeze. The damp ground creates a fresh, earthy aroma. It smells of new rains and pine and grass and leaves; all the smells of a forest, intensified. The sweet smell is one that cannot be replaced by anything else.

So have you ever danced in the rain? Do you dare to try? To risk getting wet? To step out of your comfort zone and into a new world? Dancing in the rain isn't just an activity; it's allowing yourself to join a new world where you become closer to the earth. It's natural, the way we as people love to dance, and the rain falling on our faces and pattering on the ground is the best rhythm the earth can offer.

So through all this rain, will you mourn over the sun's disappearance, or you will go out and dance? If you need me, I'll be dancing.

~Nina <3

What Love Really Is

There's no specific reason for this blog. I just felt the need to write something. I'm so excited I get to go to Junior High Challenge! And what's better, our new youth intern is coming! Lately I've been very into my music. I listen to it all the time, and every time I do I feel so... great. Something about it just seems to free me. It's like an escape from our world, into a new world of music where there's no pain. Only happiness and joy. I can't explain it. I feel as if chains have been lifted off of me, a weight gone from my shoulders. It's a freedom I cling to.

I'm working on my 1 person. I'm trying to get my friend Anthony to come to church. He's been a great friend to me in the past, and it's time for me to return the favor and bring him closer to God. I'm also working on my friend Shelby, who is a Buddhist. Her family really has no religion, and she's found a happiness in Buddhism.

I've decided to read my bible. My entire bible. This will be the first time, and I based my decision on Andrew's sermon in the "Why" series. I'm planning on finishing it before School starts up again in August.

Hayden is getting bigger already. She's so precious and beautiful; her gorgeous blue eyes against her soft skin makes her look like an angel. In my opinion, she IS an angel. She was our little gift from heaven. First God sent us Abigail, and now he's sent us Hayden. Our family is growing and we praise God for it. Abigail has been such a good big sister to Hayden. She's been such a good girl. I can't wait for her to come back to Grandma's house to spend the night with us again.

It's amazing how people think they know you. I ind it amusing how people at my school talk about me, as if they know every detail of my life. When they confront me about something that's maybe untrue or rude, I simply smile and walk away. I find it hard not to laugh. Most people may be torn to shreds if they had even half of the things said about me pointed toward them. I only think it's amusing. They don't know who I am, and they won't be lucky enough to ever know who I am if they keep thinking that way.

My friends are always there for me when I need them. Waverly is there to cry with me. Shelby is there to talk me through it. Anthony is there to hug me when I need it. And Beka? Beka is there no matter what. She's there to love me and forgive me for everything I do wrong. She sees through my fake smile when something's wrong. She always knows what I'm thinking and feeling. She always knows when I need her, and she's always there.

God's greatest gift to me was Beka. Sometimes I treat her cruelly, but she forgives me every time. I can be so bossy and mean and cruel, but she always sticks around, because she knows that those are the times I need her most. I never had a real friend until God gave me Beka, and I'll never have a friend as great as her as long as I live. She means the world to me. She was there when I lost my first tooth. She was there when my hamster, mouse, bird, and other mouse died. She was there when I had to give my guinea pig away. She was there when I first cut myself. (one of the stupidest decisions of my life). She was there to tell me how tupid and selfish I was being when I kept talking about suicide, even though we both knew I'd never even try it. She was there when I had to go to counseling, and she was there when I got better. She was there when I decided that she was right; there was no point in hurting myself to feel better. All I needed was God and I'd be ok. God would always be there for me; and so would she. She was there with me through everything, and she always will be there for me. She was and is God's greatest gift to me, and I love her more than anything.