Rough times can be blessings is disguise...

So through the rough patches that life has thrown out, especially in the last few months, it always seems easier to look at the worst side of things. I found myself continuously looking at the "poor me" side of a situation. Lately I have seen that the more that I focus on the good side of things the more that I can see more and more good things.
Recently, i have lost a lot of really good friends. By lost I don't mean permanently, but we dont keep in touch and its just not the same as it used to be. This has caused me to have to step out of my comfort zone and try to meet and make new friends. At first I was super intimidated, cuz I really haven't had to make friends in a while because I had basically the same group of friends all through High School. But, having to step out has proven to be amazing. I met two super amazing girls, Brooke and Gladys, who love to sing (added bonus) and are totally on fire for God. Andd it seems that my relationship with Cherish, aka replacement Katy, has been going stronger and I love it.
Another recent thing has been competition cheer. Even though I coach, i stress out as much, if not more, than the girls do. It is such a huge time commitment and I sometimes find myself feeling like this is a lost cause. Then when i really stop and focus on what they are doing I see how far the team really has come together. With someone having a sharper motion than the time before, or walking to their transition cleaner is all a step towards the completion of a fantastic routine. These girls work so hard day in and day out and the HUGE smiles on their faces when they finally get that stunt they have been working on makes all of the stress totally worth it!!
And finally church...it seemed like it would be easy to see the bad in the recent situations that have come about, but God is just continuing to prove His faithfulness. First off, worship. Wow! To see what God has done with the hearts of those on the worship team, to me, is honestly incredible. The children's and youth ministries are continuing to grow every single week and that is amazing as well. Our congregation is still continuing to grow and through all of this, God has shown me that He is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. He has taken a hurtful situation and turned it into something so...beautiful, for lack of a better word. I am amazed every Sunday by the feeling of family and feeling of oneness that has spread throughout our church.
So, I leave you with this...life is hard. It trips you up, knocks you down, and leaves you hanging out to dry. Now you can choose to sit in those situations, or pull yourself up, trust in the path that the Lord has placed you on, and always, always look for the good no matter that the situation. This is something that I making a conscious decision to change.
May God bless you today and always...
XO Abby

On this day, one year ago!!

So at this time on March 15, 2012 i was freaking out. Today was the day of my interview at Raleys. This was the first job where i didnt know the managers, and didnt have a foot in the door to get  the job. This one, I couldnt get because someone recognized my last name from football, or because of seeing me in church. I got ready and with much anticipation headed to Raleys, where i was first encountered by Charmaine, who wished me luck on my interview. I was so nervous and really sick going into the interview with Dennis and Chuck, all I could tell myself was breathe, and try really, really hard not to cough. As the interview started rolling i felt so comfortable and could totally feel God's hand over the whole thing. Before I left, Dennis offered me the job!! I, of course, accepted and when i walked out Charmaine was the first person to congratulate me!! Training was the following weekend, then that Sunday was the first day at the store. That day was the most nerve wracking day of my life. I was so nervous and was so scared that I was going to fail, but everyone there helped me succeed!!

Throughout the last year, this job has not only been a job, but a huge blessing in my life. These people that I work with make me so happy to come to work. They have not just become fellow employees, but friends, best friends, work moms, mama ducks ;), and sometimes total pains in the butt!! I have been so incredible blessed by all the people that I work with and I actually look forward to going to work everyday. My bosses are incredible and there is honestly no other place that I would rather be working. Thank you Jenny, Danielle, Meredith, Jaimie, Carolyn, Serene, Jennifer, Kelsey, Dee, Kat, Dana, Haley, Charmaine, Frances, Tiffany, Austin, Jesse, Ryan, Mike, Tim, Dennis, Kevin, Jordan, Caden, Nick, and (I really hope i didnt forget anyone). Thank you for being there to laugh with, cry with, to talk to, and to complan to. I can honestly say that I love all of you and that you all have truly impacted my life. Thank you for being there to help me along the way, and to not let me fail. You are all seriously amazing and I am so glad that I get to work along side you <3

On a totally seperate note cheer sign ups were last night...totally pumped!!!

And a quote i heard this weekend that has still been stuck with me, "life isn't about what you wasted, its about what you do!"

May God bless you today <3
Abby

Let my life be the proof of Your love!

So, there is this lady at work, and if you work with me you totally know who this is, who is in love with Jon Bon Jovi. She is one of my favorite people that i work with and everyone that works with us knows her love for this man, and his band, with no doubt in their mind. She will talk to anyone about it and, lucky her, is going to go and actually meet him in April!!! How cool!!

Well, this got me thinking about how people know who I am in love with? How do people know what i want my life to emulate? I have felt seriously convicted to make a bigger effort in my life, especially at work, to show people that i want my life to reflect that of Jesus. I spend so much time at work gossiping and being consumed by what everyone else is doing that i don't pay attention to what is actually important. I need to pay more attention to what i am portraying through my actions.

There are so many things that are going on at work, whether it be hurt feelings or just drama in general that I am continually consumed by. I let these things take over my day and I am tired of leaving work feeling emotionally drained. Although my mom, and other wise ladies that i work with, keep telling me to not lose who i am, it is easier to do the wrong thing. I have decided that with God's help, and some accountability partners, I am going to work on not gossiping, especially at work, treating everybody how i want to be treated, and shining the light of Jesus.

So, from this point on, I will make a bigger effort to make sure that everyone can see the light of Jesus through my words and my actions, not only at work, but also at school. Prayers would be much appreciated :)

May God bless you today!!
Abby <3

Vegas Baby!!! A note to my girls :)

This is the weekend that we have been waiting for!! I can't believe that it has come here so fast!! You girls have taken all of us coaches on an emotional roller coaster. You guys make us yell, cry, laugh so hard my stomach hurts, and make us want to rip our hair out....but, more than anything you make us proud. I look at you girls and honestly I can't help but smile. Cheer has been important to me for so long and watching you girls work so hard and make this season (comp and regular) so amazing just continues to remind me why I do this.

Although we don't perform until Monday I have some things to tell you all before then:

• No matter what happens, know that we are proud of you
• LOCK OUT!!!
• Have sharp motions
• You have 2 mins and 30 secs to show those judges how hard you have been working all season. In that time you have to show them how bad you want this. How much blood, sweat, and tears you have put into this. Make every bruise, bloody nose, and achy muscle worth it. Show them that we are NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!
• Smile like you have never smiled before :)))
• Work your hardest to save every single stunt...don't go down without all of the fight that you have in you
• And most importantly....Leave your heart on the floor. Walk (or rally) off the floor knowing that there was nothing else that you could have put into that dance. Know that you put your all out there and gave it all you had!

You girls continue to impress me every time that you perform (some more than others). I am so proud to be your coach and I brag about you guys to everyone. Thank you for this season and let's go to Vegas and show those teams how Oakdale rolls :)

I love all of you girls more than you know and I can't wait to see where this crazy weekend will take us!!

That one child thats two years younger than me!!

Ok so although it is at times hard for me to admit, I seriously adore my little sister. Katy is the biggest pain in my butt, hits me harder than anyone ever, and makes me laugh til i cry. She knows how to push all my buttons and she is the first person that i run to with all of my secrets. Now that she is a senior, and overly eager to leave the house and go to school, I have realized that maybe every now and then I can give in when she wants to give a lean (a Katy version of a hug).

I feel like these last few months we have been able to grow a tighter bond as not only sisters that have to put up with each other, and share a room, but instead as friends. Now as cheezy as this is about to sound, I would honestly consider this little brat one of my best friends. So, now that i am on the brink of sappiness I am going to end with this...

I love you more than I let you know sometimes....I would be bored out of my mind without you....I would probably get more sleep....have more gas in my car...have just a little more self confidence :).....but i wouldn't trade any of that for a single day without you...I love you (if you hadn't already got that) and you're pretty funny (there i admitted it)..

P.S. pray for me to not be sick anymore :)

May God bless you today

XO Abby