You know what Courtney, had I not had a "past," I don't think I ever would have been able to fully understand just HOW precious my blessings are now. In some way, the 'mistake' we bear can become a 'gift.' It takes braver leaping, when you understand the gravity, but it will make your blessings sweeter for the understanding you've gained. :)

Thanks for a beautiful post, and for sharing your heart!! :)

haha, gotta love Tim Hawkins. ;)

My family had our own thanksgiving the weekend before, then went to my cousins' for the actual day. We bring desert, so the week was full of pie-making. I'm considering never eating again. lol

what about you??

BAHAHAHA... great quotes, but gosh I love the last one here. :) I'm definitely using that one, hope you don't mind! :)

Hang in there, Courtney - I struggle with the same thing all the time. Try taking philosophy. ;) That stuff really messes with your head! Seriously though, there really is no substitute for saturating yourself in the Word, prayer, and worship... just remember God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33), and that truth invites scrutiny. Ever read Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel? I read it years ago, in high school... but a revisiting is providing a great balance point to my philosophy class this semester. It really is amazing how subtly everything in this world, especially in education, is bent toward confusion and doubt. And yet God uses all things for good! As long as you can find some sort of balance/counter point, and keep feeding your spirit with truth, the exposure will only make you stronger. :) Recognizing the danger is half the battle - now you've got all you need to win the rest of it!

So.... I've just devoured pretty much your entire blog, while I should really be doing my German homework.... lol.
But I just wanted to say I absolutely love your story, and not just because it's eerily like mine. lol. I love where you're going, and wanted to encourage you. Thanks sharing, and encouraging *me*! It's nice to know there are others out there, pained by the damage "Christians" have done, yet so eager to share what and Who makes this beautiful life worth living. You have a beautiful story, a determined message, and all the signs of a good heart. Keep it up, and I'll be sure to nosily peek in now and then! :)

Beautiful!!

hahaha... nice reasons... and I second them all. :) Owl City is definitely one of my favorites, and I just discovered his blog too - a new and delicious source of smiles to my day. :) Also sporting the comment that led me to your blog - which I love as well! Keep it up! :)