The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.
You know it's almost Christmas when your brother sings holiday songs nonstop, all you can think about is that cup of hot cocoa waiting for you at home, and even the radio stations are counting down the days. I'm not sure why.. but I'm in love with this season. To me, it's not about the gift getting, but rather the gift giving. And I don't mean materialistic gifts, I mean the gifts of life. I love spending my days with the family and baking cookies with my brother for Santa because he's still a believer. There's something about the way the fog rises in the morning and how beautiful the sun looks when it sets. There's something about the way the winter air robs you of your body warmth, yet you go outside anyway. It's all about the fire burning in the hearth and the Christmas music playing on the radio. It's all the little things that make the winter months some of the most memorable.
This Christmas is going to be one to remember. It's the last time my family will all be together. After this year, the house will be a little less full without my sister. It's hard to envision a life without her around all the time, but life does crazy things to you and you've just got to accept what happens and learn to do different things.
I think one of the most important things about this month is to remember to give. This time is about giving to others and reminding loved ones why they're loved. I know that I've got to change my mindset and put more effort into thinking of others. What goes around comes around, so we've got to remember to think of more than just ourselves.
10.12.11
13.2.11
No Line On The Horizon.
Humbled. That is the only feeling I can express. There is absolutely no better rush than standing atop a mountain, miles and miles of the promised land at my feet. Never before in my life have I felt so small, yet so tall. Imagine you are a bird, soaring over tops of trees and great bodies of water. You are on top of the world, but only just. Coming back from a weekend of pure ecstasy.. I don`t think I am ever going to find a fuller heaven. For me, heaven is here on earth. It is here, right now. Look out across the horizon- you will start to notice things you never did before. Such as, how the pink of the sunrise barely brushes the mountaintops. How precise the trees are lain out before us. This life is beautiful. And so so glorious. Every morning I wake up with praise on my tongue and love in my heart. It is such a gift to be a part of the wonders of each and every day, and I will not be forgetting to use my eyes anytime soon. So, word of advice: see with your eyes and watch with your heart. Everything else will follow through.
27.11.10
Hourglass.
It can take years to build trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
It is these defining moments in our lives that have the most hold over who we are and who we aspire to be. It can take a mere five minutes to change a mind, forever; a decision that will affect the rest of your life. Life's like an hourglass; time is a-ticking away.
Some say I am immature. Others, naive. Most just call me a quitter. I can tell you this: I am not a quitter.
If you knew me well enough, you would understand how much certain things in my life mean to me. For instance, just because I do poorly on a test, doesn't mean I blame the teacher and give up. It's the other way around. I blame myself for not properly preparing for the consequences. Just because I get aggravated with friends, doesn't mean I throw away a friendship. Again, it's the other way around. I take a look at myself and depict what I did wrong and what I can do better. One thing you may not know about me, is I never give up- no matter what the circumstances may be.
About two weeks ago, I gave up basketball as a school sport, forever. Did I give up the lifestyle? Never. You see, school sports are supposed to teach you- give you knowledge about life and help you to understand the world better. I did learn a few valuable lessons that I will not forget easily. From my experience as a player, I learned what it meant to work hard. I also learned that hard work and passion don't always get you where you want to be. I learned that no matter how much you care about something or someone, the other may not always return the favor. But hey, it's life right? No big deal. Lastly, I learned that in life, you will run into a select number of people who will never grow up. As long as they live, and as hard as you will them, they can't and won't ever change. This is where I stand; on the knowing side, and on the way to becoming a true winner. For the first time in my life, I was able to be the bigger person. So, in my mind, it is not my loss. Sometimes, your love for the sport does not conquer the obstacles so rudely standing in the way. Goals are goals, but I'm going to turn a new page in my book. I am on a journey, and I am not stopping. Life lessons can be learned easily, but little did I know that I would have to learn the hard way. Not everyone is who they say they are, so it is our job to fill our time with those who don't detract from our ambitions.
From this day on, I challenge you to be the bigger person, to stand up for what you believe in. Ultimately, if you're going to live, you are going to have to live for yourself and only for you. It does not matter what others think of you, and their asessment doesn't count. You can't spend the rest of your life as a doormat; folks will continue to walk all over you and wipe the dirt from their shoes. So be strong, and don't let others decide what kind of person you are. Make decisions for yourself, and don't let others sway you.
You are who you are. Live it, love it.
-Lindsey Lehua
It is these defining moments in our lives that have the most hold over who we are and who we aspire to be. It can take a mere five minutes to change a mind, forever; a decision that will affect the rest of your life. Life's like an hourglass; time is a-ticking away.
Some say I am immature. Others, naive. Most just call me a quitter. I can tell you this: I am not a quitter.
If you knew me well enough, you would understand how much certain things in my life mean to me. For instance, just because I do poorly on a test, doesn't mean I blame the teacher and give up. It's the other way around. I blame myself for not properly preparing for the consequences. Just because I get aggravated with friends, doesn't mean I throw away a friendship. Again, it's the other way around. I take a look at myself and depict what I did wrong and what I can do better. One thing you may not know about me, is I never give up- no matter what the circumstances may be.
About two weeks ago, I gave up basketball as a school sport, forever. Did I give up the lifestyle? Never. You see, school sports are supposed to teach you- give you knowledge about life and help you to understand the world better. I did learn a few valuable lessons that I will not forget easily. From my experience as a player, I learned what it meant to work hard. I also learned that hard work and passion don't always get you where you want to be. I learned that no matter how much you care about something or someone, the other may not always return the favor. But hey, it's life right? No big deal. Lastly, I learned that in life, you will run into a select number of people who will never grow up. As long as they live, and as hard as you will them, they can't and won't ever change. This is where I stand; on the knowing side, and on the way to becoming a true winner. For the first time in my life, I was able to be the bigger person. So, in my mind, it is not my loss. Sometimes, your love for the sport does not conquer the obstacles so rudely standing in the way. Goals are goals, but I'm going to turn a new page in my book. I am on a journey, and I am not stopping. Life lessons can be learned easily, but little did I know that I would have to learn the hard way. Not everyone is who they say they are, so it is our job to fill our time with those who don't detract from our ambitions.
From this day on, I challenge you to be the bigger person, to stand up for what you believe in. Ultimately, if you're going to live, you are going to have to live for yourself and only for you. It does not matter what others think of you, and their asessment doesn't count. You can't spend the rest of your life as a doormat; folks will continue to walk all over you and wipe the dirt from their shoes. So be strong, and don't let others decide what kind of person you are. Make decisions for yourself, and don't let others sway you.
You are who you are. Live it, love it.
-Lindsey Lehua
19.9.10
Explaining the inexplainable.
Have you ever felt time stop? Like everything that you are ceases to be, but the rest of the world is still running full speed ahead?
The other day I was sitting on a curb, just thinking to myself, when I paused everything. My mind shut down, my brain stopped working, I couldn't even collect enough energy to stand. All I could do was watch. You know, one can learn a lot from observing. I sat there, trying to make my body listen, but it didn't want to. It was like a dream... only not. Sitting there, the rest of the world busied itself with daily tasks. Time stopped, but only for me. As I watched, something hit me. I started to notice all the women with their shopping bags, the men and their sharp business suits and blackberrys, teenagers constantly on their cell phones. They were all on a mission, all in a hurry. By this time, I had begun to see things I would have never seen before; a stray dog pawed at a garbage can nearby, hundreds of cracks lined the sidewalk. It was like a teaching, a lesson. How many people these days stop to look around them, if only for a second? How many kids do you see actually interacting with the people they're with? Nobody stops to smell the roses anymore. It's sad to see everyone so wrapped up in a virtual world, or a place far from reality. Aren't we supposed to enjoy the time we have? How can we do this if we are living in a life full of materialisic and unreal things? Look around you, what do you see? What do want?
So, time flies. Sooner or later we're going to have to face the life we've been given. And what a blessing that is in itself! We were forgiven so that we could lead honest, whole lives. Sometimes I wish that I could stop time forever, live in my thoughts and dreams. But you know, the truest thing we will ever know is the present, and what is at hand. Put your cell phones down and open your eyes! There's a new adventure within reach.
"What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose, I could be living right now...
Outside my own little world.
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see, that my own little world is not about me." -Matthew West
-Lindsey Lehua
The other day I was sitting on a curb, just thinking to myself, when I paused everything. My mind shut down, my brain stopped working, I couldn't even collect enough energy to stand. All I could do was watch. You know, one can learn a lot from observing. I sat there, trying to make my body listen, but it didn't want to. It was like a dream... only not. Sitting there, the rest of the world busied itself with daily tasks. Time stopped, but only for me. As I watched, something hit me. I started to notice all the women with their shopping bags, the men and their sharp business suits and blackberrys, teenagers constantly on their cell phones. They were all on a mission, all in a hurry. By this time, I had begun to see things I would have never seen before; a stray dog pawed at a garbage can nearby, hundreds of cracks lined the sidewalk. It was like a teaching, a lesson. How many people these days stop to look around them, if only for a second? How many kids do you see actually interacting with the people they're with? Nobody stops to smell the roses anymore. It's sad to see everyone so wrapped up in a virtual world, or a place far from reality. Aren't we supposed to enjoy the time we have? How can we do this if we are living in a life full of materialisic and unreal things? Look around you, what do you see? What do want?
So, time flies. Sooner or later we're going to have to face the life we've been given. And what a blessing that is in itself! We were forgiven so that we could lead honest, whole lives. Sometimes I wish that I could stop time forever, live in my thoughts and dreams. But you know, the truest thing we will ever know is the present, and what is at hand. Put your cell phones down and open your eyes! There's a new adventure within reach.
"What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose, I could be living right now...
Outside my own little world.
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see, that my own little world is not about me." -Matthew West
-Lindsey Lehua
16.9.10
Electric energy; come alive.
Today is a Thursday, one week from the first day of Autum. One day from the weekend...
Lately, I've been thinking about the power of choice, and how much our decisions affect our daily lives. We can choose to follow, or we can choose to lead by example. We can either reach our goals & exceed them, or we can waste our days away. The choice is really up to you; it is your choice that matters, your choice that makes you who you are. So ask yourself this: are you willing to go the distance? Are you willing to lay it all on the line, to take that risk? What would happen if you did? If you didn't? My point is, we need to do something with our time here. We need to find a passion, find a reason, find a way. We all have a purpose, and we are all fulfilling it this very second. But, it is up to you whether or not you go beyond those boundaries. It is completely up to an individual to choose his/her path. We all know where we want to go (or at least have a vague idea), but we have to put our words into action and make it happen.
Besides the power of choice, I recently re-read a booklet I received from NBC Camps in La Grande (EOU). The "word" for camp this year, was 'Electric'. It was applied in all areas of the camp; in athletics (elctric energy), in relationships (electric feelings), in our passions (elctric drive), & in our potential. At camp, we had daily evening meetings in the auditorium on campus, where we got pumped up, played games, listened to guest speakers, talked with our team counilors, and talked the night away. They were great; these meetings made you ponder life, look inside yourself, and learn. What impacted me most, was learning that nobody is perfect. People I thought had it made, really didn't at all. I thought I was struggling, but it turns out, my problems barely brushed the surface of those around me. I guess I had never really realized, or even bothered to look outside of myself to see what others were going through. I mean, I've always been there when I'm needed, but never had I gone out of my way to make sure someone was alright, someone I didn't even know. Before that week, I was oblivious. I have been changed in so many ways by this experience; you may not think that 5 days could have such a hold over one person's life, but I can tell you this: never doubt what can & will happen. Forever I am changed- changed by the girls I met, by the leaders I spoke with, by my team, and by my amazing coucilor, Jennesa Miller. One night of tears, stories, and understanding is all it took. Of the many memories I still cherish today, I know that Jennesa's will last till the end of time in my mind. "Have you ever been around someone who seems to electrify the room? She walks in, and her very personality changes the entire dynamics for good. She arrives, and her presence makes everyone better. Some people can bring negative energy onto a team. Yet the ones who inspire us bring a transforming energy by influencing for good and creating character" -Electric Power.
*Ecclesiastes 3*
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die.
A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal.
A time to break down, and a time to build up.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to gain, and a time to lose.
A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
A time to tear, and a time to sew.
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate.
A time of war, and a time of peace."
Remember your power, and choose your path well.
-Lindsey Lehua
Lately, I've been thinking about the power of choice, and how much our decisions affect our daily lives. We can choose to follow, or we can choose to lead by example. We can either reach our goals & exceed them, or we can waste our days away. The choice is really up to you; it is your choice that matters, your choice that makes you who you are. So ask yourself this: are you willing to go the distance? Are you willing to lay it all on the line, to take that risk? What would happen if you did? If you didn't? My point is, we need to do something with our time here. We need to find a passion, find a reason, find a way. We all have a purpose, and we are all fulfilling it this very second. But, it is up to you whether or not you go beyond those boundaries. It is completely up to an individual to choose his/her path. We all know where we want to go (or at least have a vague idea), but we have to put our words into action and make it happen.
Besides the power of choice, I recently re-read a booklet I received from NBC Camps in La Grande (EOU). The "word" for camp this year, was 'Electric'. It was applied in all areas of the camp; in athletics (elctric energy), in relationships (electric feelings), in our passions (elctric drive), & in our potential. At camp, we had daily evening meetings in the auditorium on campus, where we got pumped up, played games, listened to guest speakers, talked with our team counilors, and talked the night away. They were great; these meetings made you ponder life, look inside yourself, and learn. What impacted me most, was learning that nobody is perfect. People I thought had it made, really didn't at all. I thought I was struggling, but it turns out, my problems barely brushed the surface of those around me. I guess I had never really realized, or even bothered to look outside of myself to see what others were going through. I mean, I've always been there when I'm needed, but never had I gone out of my way to make sure someone was alright, someone I didn't even know. Before that week, I was oblivious. I have been changed in so many ways by this experience; you may not think that 5 days could have such a hold over one person's life, but I can tell you this: never doubt what can & will happen. Forever I am changed- changed by the girls I met, by the leaders I spoke with, by my team, and by my amazing coucilor, Jennesa Miller. One night of tears, stories, and understanding is all it took. Of the many memories I still cherish today, I know that Jennesa's will last till the end of time in my mind. "Have you ever been around someone who seems to electrify the room? She walks in, and her very personality changes the entire dynamics for good. She arrives, and her presence makes everyone better. Some people can bring negative energy onto a team. Yet the ones who inspire us bring a transforming energy by influencing for good and creating character" -Electric Power.
*Ecclesiastes 3*
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die.
A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal.
A time to break down, and a time to build up.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to gain, and a time to lose.
A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
A time to tear, and a time to sew.
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate.
A time of war, and a time of peace."
Remember your power, and choose your path well.
-Lindsey Lehua
14.9.10
& this is how it goes... at least for now.
Why does the weekend sound so great, when the week has just begun? You tell me. So, with one week down, I'm starting to reconsider what I thought earlier. I was so ready for something new.. but there is nothing new about this. I mean, maybe more faces, maybe more choices, but drama? The same old thing we've gone through year after year. I don't understand why people can't just talk face to face; we live in such virtual world these days, it's such a downer. The craziest things are being said, but nobody stops to take the time to actually talk things out verbally. But hey, welcome to the 21st century I guess.
Today... not the best day. I'm tired of walking, I'm tired of talking, I'm tired of thinking. I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep for a few weeks. Everything around me is moving, but I'm not. It's like I'm stuck in this vortex and I can't get out. Days like these, I wish they'd just go away. Morning passes by in a flash, and before you know it the days over and you've accomplished absolutely nothing. Except maybe an exhausted mind! All in all, I guess I'm just yearning for summer. It's ironic though, because just weeks ago I was begging for school to be just a little bit closer. Funny, how life seems to work around itself.
It's 7:21. The sun is leaving the sky. I've got a mountain of homework before me, calling my name. My room is a mess, much like my thoughts. Tomorrow will be a new day, it always is.
Praying for strength, for know-how, & for a sense of direction. I know You know where to guide me.
-Lindsey Lehua.
Today... not the best day. I'm tired of walking, I'm tired of talking, I'm tired of thinking. I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep for a few weeks. Everything around me is moving, but I'm not. It's like I'm stuck in this vortex and I can't get out. Days like these, I wish they'd just go away. Morning passes by in a flash, and before you know it the days over and you've accomplished absolutely nothing. Except maybe an exhausted mind! All in all, I guess I'm just yearning for summer. It's ironic though, because just weeks ago I was begging for school to be just a little bit closer. Funny, how life seems to work around itself.
It's 7:21. The sun is leaving the sky. I've got a mountain of homework before me, calling my name. My room is a mess, much like my thoughts. Tomorrow will be a new day, it always is.
Praying for strength, for know-how, & for a sense of direction. I know You know where to guide me.
-Lindsey Lehua.
10.9.10
A new week of a new life.
Today is Friday, the last day of the first week. It's crazy how time flies... one moment I'm a seventh grader at Mark Twain, & the next I'm walking the halls of Silverton High just trying to find all of my classes without getting lost. They say high school is hard. They say high school is scary. And you know what, it is everything you've heard, all jumbled in one. It sucks but it's great. Your day can be going downhill, but then something crazy happens and you're lifted up almost immediately. It's a bipolar relationship one has with high school, really. But it's definitely something you wouldn't want to miss.
Okay; so I just got in from the first home football game. Well, I've been to football games, haven't we all?! There's one thing I have to say: it's a LOT different when you're the one sitting in the student section of the bleachers. You're there, you're it. Everyone on the outside looks up and thinks, jeeze I can't wait until I'm up there! After all these years of waiting, it's even better than I had hoped. I love the feel of the crowd, the unity. One team, one dream. We've got school spirit and we're proud!
Another thing, all those rumors about freshman... for the most part, they aren't true. Sure, we all get pushed around in the hallways, but it's everyone- not just the "little kids". I mean heck, it's gonna happen- there are 1,200+ students walking through every minute! And if someone's got your back, you're covered. Assemblies are also the best. They get you so pumped and bring everyone together (that is, if you know how to have fun).
So far, so good. I've got tons of homework, I love my english class, I'm the only freshman in my geometry, and I see everyone in one place. It's great & I am so ready for the second week!
Until next time...
-Lindsey Lehua
Okay; so I just got in from the first home football game. Well, I've been to football games, haven't we all?! There's one thing I have to say: it's a LOT different when you're the one sitting in the student section of the bleachers. You're there, you're it. Everyone on the outside looks up and thinks, jeeze I can't wait until I'm up there! After all these years of waiting, it's even better than I had hoped. I love the feel of the crowd, the unity. One team, one dream. We've got school spirit and we're proud!
Another thing, all those rumors about freshman... for the most part, they aren't true. Sure, we all get pushed around in the hallways, but it's everyone- not just the "little kids". I mean heck, it's gonna happen- there are 1,200+ students walking through every minute! And if someone's got your back, you're covered. Assemblies are also the best. They get you so pumped and bring everyone together (that is, if you know how to have fun).
So far, so good. I've got tons of homework, I love my english class, I'm the only freshman in my geometry, and I see everyone in one place. It's great & I am so ready for the second week!
Until next time...
-Lindsey Lehua
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