68 days and counting...

So I sent my paper work off to South Korea today in order to get my Visa... Everything is slowly coming together which is very nice :)... But as it gets closer, it just makes my stress and fear level increase. How am I actually going to be able to be away from everything that I love and know for an entire year? I already know that it will be hard and I know that there will be times when I do not want to be there... but I also know who holds my future so I believe everything will be alright.

I do have a prayer request though, I found out that the tumor in my dad's jaw has come back, so they have to do a bigger surgery than the last time. What makes it worse this time is that I am not going to be able to be there for him. That is so hard for me! So not only would I like you to pray for my dad, but also for my sanity since I cannot be there. I love you, dad!

My dad and I!

365 days...

It has been that long... and I am a much better person because I let you go... :) Good Day.

Valentine's day

So today is Valentine's day... and I don't have a valentine... BUT I am perfectly okay with that. Valentine's day should not only be about a significant other, but love in general. Spending time with those that you care about and letting them know that you are there for them, not only on a holiday, but on every day. So if we are to look at this day in that aspect, I have too many valentines to count. I'll include my family, friends, roommates, etc. that is all I really need, isn't it?


1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ..




If love never fails, then why are we not showing more of it, myself included. Love should not only be for the romantic, mushy, valentine's day couples, but also for that homeless man that you pass every day on your way to work. Or that little kid that is in your classroom that drives you crazy or that family member who everyone thinks is the outcast... What about them? They are people too and God sees them the exact same way that he sees each one of us... Have you ever stopped to think about how much love you show daily, whether it is just a smile or wave... You could have changed a person's day by just smiling at them. Remember that love is not set aside for certain people, but it is for everyone. 

So go out there and show a little love to someone today. You may change their mind about how they show love. Love changes things... Love completes life. 

I'm down to 82 days until I go to South Korea... the days just seem to go by so quickly and I am not sure If I am quite ready. What if I am not doing what I should be? What if I forget something? What if? What if? What if? I really need to stop asking myself that... I know that this is what God wants me to be doing and it is all going to work out. Maybe not in my time, but definitely in his time. That is what I have to keep reminding myself of that. And soon and very soon I will be following my heart. The reason I know that is because if I am following God's will then I know that I am following my heart. Bring it on! 

Memories...

Sitting here with nothing really to do and I begin thinking about all of the good times that I have in the past couple years. One time that really stands out to me is Summer 2008. Ever since that summer, I have not been the same. I got to know two amazing young people that summer and I can only say that they were the biggest influence in my spiritual life. They taught me that there is more to life than what others think of you. You should always be confident no matter what. Thinking about all of this made me remember the awesome video I made from that summer. For anyone who has not seen it, here it is...

One of the people I met that summer was Logan. He had a passion for life and he let nothing get in the way of that. We lost him on June 16, 2009.... It was one of the biggest losses that my world has ever had to deal with. I am blessed to have known him. He has been on my mind a lot lately, and I just wanted to add him into my blog...

Day 1- The journey begins.

South Korea is going to be a new and great adventure for me. I am wanting to start it off on a good note and feeling confident about myself. As of today, Thursday, February 10 I have 78 days until I leave the city and 86 days until I fly out of the country. My roommate, Nichole and I are going to start our journey to becoming healthier and in shape. Even though we are 'snowed in' we are starting our adventure tomorrow. So, day 1... The first day of the rest of our lives.

Here we go Nichole... You ready??! 

86 Days until I get to go to South Korea... 

Beautiful...

This postsecret caught my eye. All I need to add to it is, "I finally deleted your number, and it was the greatest decision I've ever made." Thank you for staying the same and showing me that it is impossible to save everyone in my life. One day you'll realize, and I'm not going to be around to give you a shoulder to cry on... 

I've come to realize...

I got to talk to an old friend today who has seen me go through many trials and overcome them. She told me that I had a great testimony and she was thankful for me. I thought to myself,"I have a testimony?" I guess I had never really thought of the harder times I have been through as a contribution to an actual testimony. She was completely right though. I would not be where I am now without having to overcome particular hardships. The past few months have been pretty difficult in my life and I was not sure why exactly. I have recently realized that the reason things were so hard is due to the fact that I didn't have any idea what I was doing. For as long as I can remember I have been the stable person in my surroundings, meaning that I was the one that others could rely on and talk to about anything. I was always so worried about how the things I did would effect those around me, rather than thinking about myself. Well recently, things have settled down in my life and things have definitely changed, mostly for the better. Since these changes, I had a hard time figuring out my purpose since no one really relied on me as much. I now realized that this was God telling me that it was time to think about myself and straighten out my life. It was at that point that I began praying for him to open a door to an opportunity so that I could live life through him. The door has been opened and showed quite clearly. South Korea. I am truly terrified of this experience that I am going to take place in starting on May 5th. Even though I am scared, I can't help but remember the lyrics to one of my favorite songs by Ginny Owens, "You never said it would be easy, you only said I would never go alone." God is by my side so I know that everything is going to be alright and that I am about to embark on one of the most amazing journeys that I will ever take. Keep me in your prayers....

This is me.... Leslie

This is me. Leslie. I have a passion for life and people. The only reason I am still standing is because of the faith that I have in God and the faith he has in me. I have a great family, and so amazing friends that I do not know what I would do without...

Colossians 3:2-4
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 

The thought of living with Christ fully for the rest of my life is the only thing keeping me whole. 

This is my nephew and he is my best friend. 

I am truly blessed. That is the main thing that I have come to realize.