Happy New Year! {And 5 Ways You Can Make this Christmas a Jolly One!}

HAPPY NEW YEAR:

I know, I know, you're probably thinking it's not the New Year. But for the Church it is! Yes, in case you didn't know the 1st day of Advent is the "New Year" of the Church. So happy New Year! Made any resolutions?

Just like we would for the January 1st New Year, we should make resolutions for Advent and the rest of the Church year as well. Here are some examples of something you could consider working on this year.

1. A little something called prayer: It's actually pretty scary how we abandon our prayer. Prayer is our main communication with God and we still throw it aside! Most of the reasons are laziness, laziness and more laziness. Believe it our not, our world is the definition of sloth. So, here are some tips to boost up your prayer life!
     -Spend 5 minutes a day with God, and once you feel comfortable gradually increase the number.
     -Read from the Bible {everything you need to know is in there, I pinky promise}
     -Take time to listen to God, not just talk to Him.

2. Working on broken relationships: God made people so that we can love each other and God more fully in this life. And things get hard, I know. So find one person that you despise and pray for them everyday. Even though it's tough, focus on trying to be nice to that person.

3. Evangelize: In other words, SPREAD THE WORD (haha, get it in other words and then spread the word... never mind :) ) Talk about Jesus with other people. And don't forget to tell others that Christmas is about CHRIST not the presents and Santa and all that great stuff.

I would suggest picking one main thing and persisting. Start small, then get bigger. Have fun with it! Remember, all God wants is your love and affection. :)

----

FIVE WAYS YOU CAN MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS A JOLLY ONE:

Who doesn't like the Christmas season? The carols, the frantic shopping, the clean scent of peppermint... it is just very beautiful. Here a few tips on how to make this Christmas the best yet.

1. Spend it with family and friends: Who better? You always will have the time of your life when you are spending it with the people you love. So get together with some friends. Have a baking party, or gift exchange. Back away from all the frenzy and just relax with those people you trust./

2. Bake: Whether you like to bake or not, the taunting smell of gingerbread or fresh baked cookies is too hard to resist. Baking is a fun way to spend time with a family member and make something delicious! Here are a few Christmas recipes to get you started.

"Best" Sugar Cookies (No chilling required):
Martha Stewart Vanilla Cupcakes:
Homeade Hot Chocolate: ...

3. Decorate!: Nothing better than hanging up Christmas stockings and trying to put up the Christmas tree. Make your room festive by printing out free Christmas printables, making a chain out of construction paper, and my personal favorite, Christmas stars.

Free Christmas Printables
Christmas Star Tutorial

4. Give: Although I love receiving gifts, giving is equally awesome too. The feeling you get inside cannot be described, and it really make your day. So if you are broke, like me, here are some DIY gifts you can make this Christmas.

DIY Mint Scrub
DIY Hair Bow
DIY Mason Jar Goodies

Mason Jars:  They are my favorite for giving! Here are a few ideas of what to fill your mason jars with.
-Cookie, cake, or hot chocolate mix.
-Manicure set- nail polish,  nail file, cotton balls, etc.
-Sewing set- needle, tape measure, small pieces of fabric
-Candy!

5. Keep in mind the reason for the season!: So many things fog up our beliefs during Christmas. Although it is fun to receive and give, light up the house with lights and write wish lists to Santa, we have to keep in mind that Jesus  is why we celebrate Christmas. Along with all the other goodies, we should take some time to remember and thank Jesus for coming into this world as a little baby to save us from sin. Don't forget to go to Mass on Christmas or Christmas Eve! At the end of the long day of unwrapping presents, eating and having fun with your family, thank God for everything that happened on Christmas, especially his son, Jesus Christ.

Have a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
All through Christ,
Maddie

Questions, comments, concerns or just want to leave me a note? Add a comment to this page, fill out the Contact Form to the right, or send me a quick email to randommusings13@gmail.com! I would be happy to reply! (Note: if you leave a comment, anyone could see, but if you send me an email by the form no one but you and me will. :) )Want to stay up to date with all of my posts? Just enter your email into the follow by email box to the right. It will update you whenever I have posted an update to my blog! Very handy, right? :)

Happy (late) Thanksgiving!

It seems like I'm late for everything. Well, at least this is only a day late. :) Just wanted to tell you guys that I hope you have had the happiest Thanksgiving ever! Mine was very fun. I woke up, went to Mass, stayed late talking to friends (and flying airplanes in the main area :) ) going home, baking pumpkin pie, then EATING it. Yum. Who doesn't love pumpkin pie?!

But through all the eating, laughing and having fun with family-ing, we have to remember to be thankful.

Shocker, I know.

But think about all the blessings you have! Food, clothes, shelter. Then get more specific. Crisp fall days and cool starry nights. Grandma's yummy rolls and fuzzy knitted blankets. I bet some person in the world doesn't have that advatange to a wonderful grandma like that.

When I was little, my mom literally forced me to write in a Gratitude journal when I was complaining. And I hated it! (I really am not a journal person) but it taught me two things. One, to not whine when Mom was around and two, take joy in the little things.

I saw this really cool thing on Pintrest (if you want to follow me my username is ~Maddie J~) and it was like a really cool mason jar filled with little scraps of paper. And what you would do is beginning on January first, you would take a piece of paper, write the date, and one specific thing you were thankful for that day. (it has to be specific! not like food, water, etc.) How cool is that? So the next year you can see all the good things that happened to you! Cool craft to try over Christmas break!

So, I hope you are thankful for your many blessings! Happy Thanksgiving and get ready for the Christmas season (it's creeping up on us!)

Questions, comments, concerns or just want to leave me a note? Add a comment to this page, fill out the Contact Form to the right, or send me a quick email to randommusings13@gmail.com! I would be happy to reply! (Note: if you leave a comment, anyone could see, but if you send me an email by the form no one but you and me will. :) )

Want to stay up to date with all of my posts? Just enter your email into the follow by email box to the right. It will update you whenever I have posted an update to my blog! Very handy, right? :)

All through Christ,
Maddie

Lookin' for the Good Things in Bad Times

Sorry that some of you have to see the same thing twice! I had to do a little editing, so there are some changes. The story is still the same though! Enjoy!

I am grateful that I haven't experienced much sadness regarding death in this short life of mine so far. I mean, some distant uncles, cousins, etc. have died in the past that I barely even knew. My grandpa died a few years ago, which was hard, but that's about it for the death range. But a recent event changed that, and opened my eyes to what some people in the world must be going through on a day to day basis.

Recently, David*, a young man who had a lot of  talent, friendliness and faithfulness passed away in a tragic car wreck. He was in the musical I am currently performing in, Tarzan. David was one of the two people who played Tarzan, since the show was double cast. None of us got to say goodbye.

It's amazing to think that just a few short days ago, I saw him practicing on stage his scenes, singing out with all the talent he had. Just one glance on his face told you that he loved what he was doing. It is such a shame to see his talent not present anymore. I remember distinctly thinking , "Gosh, he's so good."

I didn't know him that well, but I talked to him a few times. He was very nice and kind, and loved to laugh. All those that knew him commented him on his friendliness, kindness and devotion to his passions.

When we found out, the whole cast and I were at dress rehearsal. Our director told all of the cast to go into the theater and sit with our parents. It was then he broke the news. Immediately I started crying. I couldn't believe it, I kept saying it was a dream over and over again in my head. How could something so tragic happen to us? What I mean is, you hear about sad stories of young kids dying in accidents all the time, but you never think of it happening to you in real life. In other words, it was a major, major shocker.

But one of my favorite things I love about the theater I go to is that since it is Christian, we can proclaim God wherever and whenever. So my director started singing a worship song that goes
"You're all I want/You're all I've ever needed/You're all I want/ Help me know You are near/.
I was so choked up, I couldn't sing. In fact, it made me cry even harder. Our other director also reminded us through tears to not be bitter at God. It's not His fault. Deep down, I know it's not. Everything happens for a reason, whether it's good or bad.

After that we all spread out and hugged each other. It was the most sad, happy, heart-warming, depressing, amazing, God-moment full time I have ever experienced. No one had any limits. We all were hugging each other, crying into each other, comforting one another. I bet I hugged every person in the cast at least three times. I was there for quite awhile. In that hour or so, our cast bonded more than any other event in the whole show process. It was beautiful.

The kindness and remembrance of David didn't stop there. The next few days we all were still comforting, crying, and bonding even deeper. We decided that every show would be dedicated to our fellow, beloved castmate. At the end of every performance, after we would do our company bows, we will point up to the sky, thanking God, then point up to the sky again and yell, "For David!"

Every time I say that, I can feel David and God smiling down upon me and the cast.

You've probably heard the saying "Everything happens for a reason." Even if you don't realize it at the moment, everything does. It's true. No one would want a young, talented teenager to die from a car wreck. But it happened, and we can't do anything to bring him back. So it's our job to focus on the good things that are coming out of it. For one, our cast is getting closer and closer with every show. Another, people from all over the USA are coming together to pray for David, therefor getting closer to Christ.

In any horrible situation: death, injury, etc., always look towards the good things.
I will never forget David. I know none of my fellow cast members, his family, friends, and all others that knew him will. But we all love the same God, and we all know we will see David again. In fact, he's watching our show from the best seat in the house, right next to our loving Lord.

Look for the good things. Comfort your friends. Don't be afraid to cry- it's human. As hard as it is, it's there for a reason. To make you stronger. To strengthen your relationship with God and others.

The good things are there, whether you see them or not. Take a moment to brush off the grief and the weight of what's happening in your life, and open up to God and His loving mercy and beauty. I guarantee you, you will fell a little bit better. :)

Open up your heart, and your eyes for those little good things out of all bad times.

All through Christ,
Maddie

*=All names are changed for privacy purposes.

Questions, comments, concerns or just want to leave me a note? Add a comment to this page, fill out the Contact Form to the right, or send me a quick email to randommusings13@gmail.com! I would be happy to reply! (Note: if you leave a comment, anyone could see, but if you send me an email by the form no one but you and me will. :) )

Want to stay up to date with all of my posts? Just enter your email into the follow by email box to the right. It will update you whenever I have posted an update to my blog! Very handy, right? :)

Halloween

I am so excited it's Halloween! It's not really my favorite holiday, but I look forward to it every year. I love seeing all the really unique costumes! The way I found my costume this year was really weird.. I was watching this movie and the main character had a cape on, and I was like "I love capes!" And somehow I got to thinking about Red Riding Hood with her cape and all. And it was then I decided to be Red Riding Hood.
Just so you know. :)

But it seems like as Halloween gets closer and closer, the costumes get more and more...immodest, I guess you could say. Not necessarily flashy, but short, low, or tight enough to feel kind of uncomfortable. Its hard to look up a costume online or at a store without getting an immodest version of it now a days. It's pretty sad, actually. My sister wanted to be a nun last year and we looked it up and we could really only find short, showy costumes. So we went the old fashion way, and made it ourselves. Everything it better handmade. :)

Then I got to thinking. Halloween is when we dress up as someone we want to be, admire, or someone we find cool, right? (or something actually) So if you are portraying yourself as a flashy, girly maid or something, how are you portraying your actual self? Do you want people do see you this way? Think about that the next time you pick out a Halloween costume.

Ooh, I just realized that Halloween can be a double topic. I love when that happens! :)

So as we have established above, Halloween is a time to dress up with whomever or whatever you want. You could be the Prince of Antarctica (if there was one) but hide behind a ghost costume and no one would know who you are. You might be a rich person, but your costume could suggest you being a poor person. So, now lets get deep.

 Your costume is kind of like your skin, lets say. And how do we first get to know someone? By looking at them. And we make judgments. It's human! I know I really need to work on not being judgmental. I remember something my second grade teacher told me a long time ago. She was talking about one time she was at a diner or something and a group of people that looked "goth" and "depressing" with a bunch of piercings and tattoos walked in. Now pretend you were in that situation. What would you think? Personally, my first thought would be to stop staring and not get in their way.
And from what my teacher said, she thought something like that. But to her surprise, once the 'goth' people got their food they did the sign of the cross and prayed devoutly.

That was just a jaw dropper, I know.

But it just proves how appearances are deceiving. Just like the old idiom says, "Never judge a book by it's cover". Same with people! Even though its hard, we need to get over snapping to conclusions. Some people have very good invisible Halloween costumes daily. Some are harder to strip away the costume than others. But if we take a moment to really get to know people, your best friend might appear. It's amazing how God works, right?

So while your enjoying the pounds of candy (cannot wait for my Kit-Kats) and having fun running in the dark, keep at the back of your mind the so called symbolic thinking of the scariest day. (or what's supposed to be the scariest, anyway.)

And get some sleep! :)

All through Christ,
Maddie

Participation in the Best Party Ever

What's the best, most exciting party you have ever been to? Was it a birthday party full of cake, presents and friends? Or maybe a going away party with memories and happy tears? How about the first summer party of the year? (the pool is calling you...) Or a relaxing hangout with a few of your besties?

How about Mass?

Yep, it actually is a party. If you compare a average "party" to Mass, you can see the similarities.

1. Cake: Calling the Eucharist a cake would be kind of a stretch, but it is still food that fulfills you.

2. Friends: You're celebrating with your fellow Catholics, which should be your friends... :) Also your celebrating with the universal Church, the angels in heaven and God!

3. Music: What's a party without music? Even though pop and gospel have their differences, it's still singing all the same.

So even our opinions of a birthday party and Mass are different, they are really both parties. But it's kind of funny to see our energy when you compare it to a "party" and Mass.

I know, I know. Mass isn't our first priority. But the reason  it's there is so we can enjoy it and want to come back! But I think the reason it's not the hot topic of the day is because of our outlook on it.

Think about the last time you celebrated Mass. Were you participating? When I mean participating I don't mean mumbling the prayers under your breath while thinking about your big project that's due in a few days. I mean fully focused, speaking clearly and singing loudly, no matter what your voice is like.

Imagine if everyone participated. How would your outlook on Mass change? If we all were smiling and singing, I think Mass would be way more enjoyable and less awkward. Sing with confidence! Even if you don't have the best voice ever, God doesn't care. If you sing loud, so will others around you. I think the major reason that peeps aren't singing is because they're afraid they will be the only one. So stand up and give other people a push. You start the chain, and I promise, others will follow.

Like singing proudly, you need to answer the priest with confidence. You know the words, you've been speaking them for a while now. If you are doubting some responses, look it up or ask a priest. Again, people will follow your lead if you start it.

So be a leader to make Mass a louder, prouder party. God's giving you all of the favors, you just have to use them!

So your challenge of this post: next Mass, participate. Live it out!
All through Christ,
Maddie

October: National 'We Better Get Going' Month

It kind of dawned on me one day that October is a really big month for different topics. It's pro-life month, Rosary month, appreciate your priest month, breast cancer awareness month, diabetes month, and even cookie month (that's on my top list) so I pretty much re-named October National Better Get Going month because there are so many things we could do this month! Technically, we could do them all year round but might as well start now, right?

Here's a list of things that you could be doing this month and feel proud of yourself in doing it. (and not as lazy, that's for sure. :))

1. Pro-life Month:
- Go to a pro-life rally
-Adopt a baby "spiritually" and pray for them every day.
- Go to an abortion center and pray for a few minutes on the side walk.

2. Rosary Month:
-Pray the Rosary! (bet you never saw that one coming)
-Learn how to make a Rosary and give them to a younger kid.
-Find different prayers to pray on the Rosary.

3. Appreciate your Priest/Pastor Month:
-Write 'em a card!
-Pray for them every day.
-Greet them after Mass.
-Invite them over for dinner .

4. Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
-Wear pink! (or make a pink ribbon and pin it to your shirt)
-Make cards for someone you know with Breast Cancer (or any cancer)
-Donate money to breast cancer research.

5. Diabetes Awareness Month:
-Go to a diabetes walk
-Donate money to a research center for diabetes

6. Cookie Month:
-Make homemade cookies (I can smell them already...)
-Give some cookies to your neighbors.
-Find some great recipes and put 'em in a fancy notebook.

 These are just some ideas, and don't be afraid to reach out for more! I think the easiest one is to pray. You can pray for all of these people, actions, etc.. So this is my encouragement to you, pick one of these things (praying and one other thing) to do this month. Get off the couch! (I know, it's really hard to do) Trust me. You will feel soooo much better afterward.

I don't know about you, but I better get going on all of this stuff! :)

All through Christ,
Maddie

Science Proving Religion...That's a Fact!

So I was in science class the other day, which I enjoy. I really like the teacher and the content so it's a pretty good class for me. But I learned something the other day that actually proved our religion and you know, having a blog you kind of have to share it. :)

We were learning about cells and the cell theory and how all living things are made up of cells and how there were one celled organisms and multi-celled organisms. (did I lose you there? It sure lost me before but then I re-read the chapter. :))

So after my science teacher went over the stuff with us, he said something along the lines of "Now this is cool because it proves some of our religion."

And so we all kind of nodded and listened like good students.

Then he said, "When does life begin?"

One student said, "Birth."

Another said, "Baptism."

I was kind of surprised at the answers, and so was my teacher apparently. The thing is, I know a lot about life since my whole family is pro-life and my parents so happen to be the pro-life coordinators at our church. So let's just say I get dragged to a lot of pro-life rallies and hear about a lot of stuff that are relevant to life.


So I raised my hand and said, "Conception."

I guess I got that right and my teacher nodded. "Life starts at conception. You know why?"

We all shook our heads. So my teacher drew 1/2 +1/2 =1 on the board and said, "One half cell from mom, one from dad. And 1/2 +1/2 equals?"

"One!" We all yelled. It made total sense! I kind of had a "duh me" moment there.

"So if the cell theory states all living things have cells and one half of a cell plus another half of a  cell equals one cell, is this "thing" alive?"

"Yes!"

If you aren't a fast learner in science (like me, don't worry) all living things are made up of cells. Even if it has one cell, it is living. (like some bacteria, or in this case a new growing baby.)

So as the baby grows, it's cells multiply to form your cousin, brother or friend that you see today.
So cool!

Tell your parents (mine weren't that surprised but I told them anyway. :)) that science proves our religion!

Life starts at conception, and that's  a fact!

All through Christ,
Maddie

Quiz Time!

I am so a sucker for quizzes. Whenever I read a magazine I always save the quizzes for last because they are so fun to read. Ugh... they are so much fun!
So for all of you quiz addicts out there, this is for you.

What's Your Personality Christian Wise?
(please be as honest as you can)

1. You see a homeless person on the edge of the road, holding up a sign that reads "No home."

A. Try to stop staring and keep your eyes on the front of the road. Homeless people creep you out.
B. Make the Sign of the Cross and start to pray for the person's well being.
C. Ask your mom if you can give the person some money or food.
D. You're too busy playing on your iPhone to even notice.

2. As your walking into school you see a sign-up sheet for volunteering at the local food kitchen. You-

A. Quickly glance at it but decide that Tuesday is your only free night.
B. Take a moment to ponder and make a note to think about it later.
C. Immediately sign up and call a few of your friends over to look at it also.
D. Look to the sign above it that seems more interesting.

3. You're at a sleepover when a friend suggests that you all should watch a popular movie that's rated R. You-

A. You try to protest quietly but stop when your friends give you the evil eye. You're going to go to the bathroom on the bad parts anyway.
B. Start reasoning against it and feel very happy once the mom comes down and suggests something else.
C. Politely decline and change the topic to another movie.
D. Try to stop them but nothing comes out. So you just shrug your shoulders and agree.

4. A local pro-life rally is happening near your and you're parents dragged you to it. You-

A. Whine and complain the whole time and don't participate at all.
B. Don't say anything and mumble along to the prayers.
C. Feel kind of disappointed but try to make the best of it.
D.  Start to whine and complain but stop once you get there.

5. Food drive time! Your school is participating in the local food drive. You-

A. Hope that there will be enough donations without you.
B. Bring in a bag of toothbrushes that your mom had extra of.
C. Get some money out of your pocket and buy a few boxes of pasta from your local grocery store.
D. Ask for a donation from your friend at school on the last day the drive is happening.


If you picked mostly A's...
You move along with the crowd too much and kind of stick in the background in your comfort one. Next time there is something you can help out with, get out of your comfort zone and do it! If peers are pressuring you to do something that you know if wrong, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to make good choices, no matter what your friends say. Don't be afraid to go against the wave.

If you picked mostly B's...
You like staying on the sidelines and helping anonymously and you don't like being the center of attention or participating a lot. Start small but grow a little bigger. Once people see you participating, they will want to too! Be a role model for your peers.

If you picked mostly C's...
You like to stand up for what you know is right and help others. Tell your friends about all of the projects you are doing to help, and you all can help out with it!  Don't be afraid to listen to God for what He wants you to do.

If you picked mostly D's...
You try to act cool but your inwardly lamenting your fate whenever your parents drag you somewhere that you don't want to be. Ask God to give you an open heart and try to enjoy things! You never know when you might find a new hobby that you like doing or fun ways to help people.

So how was it? I took the test and I think I'm B. Our goal is C, to be like Christ. If you're there, awesome! Like it said in the description, now your job is to evangelize and tell others!
If your not quite there like me, take some time to pray and ask God how you can become a role model for others. It might be hard, but hopefully this quiz might make it a little fun!

All through Christ,
Maddie

God Loves You

I don't have all the time in the world so I am going to keep this short. But I just want to share something with you that really helps me when I'm down.

God.
Loves.
You.

At my camp that I will be frequently talking about there is this little social time where you are with everyone in the camp and you can talk and play games, etc. So I was talking with my friends when I feel a little ball of paper blow on my lap. I unravel it and smile at the words.

God.
Loves
You.

Three short words that can really make your day a whole bunch brighter if you think about it. Because if you feel like no one in the world loves you, you can't deny that God  doesn't. I mean, everyone does love you but God loves you the most of all.
He created you.
Yes, you hiding behind the screen.
And you know why?

God.
Loves.
You.

So we should love Him back with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strengths. But sometimes that's hard to forget. But believe me, you can't forget worse then my. I diagnosed myself with short-term memory loss, and I'm in a Restoring Your Memory class with Dori. (anyone catch the Finding Nemo reference? :))

So if you like me you need some reminding, And thankfully I remembered today that God loved me! Yay!
So go out and tell the world that. (I find the best way is to leave a note in a random page of a library book with a note that reads God loves you. Don't put it in every book, otherwise angry librarians would be at your tail. But maybe a few, when you have the inspiration.)
Three words.

God.
Loves.
You.

All through Christ,
Maddie

Steal my Show

Christian radios are so inspiring. Well, for blog ideas anyway. :)

If you know TobyMac, then you'll recognize one of his latest hits, Steal my Show. A very good song with a very good meaning. Here is his the YouTube video. All rights to TobyMac.

When I first heard this song on KLove, I wasn't really paying attention to the lyrics. I was like "Wow, cool beat, I love TobyMac," Then waited for the next song to come on. But since I have heard the song a few more times I have listened to the lyrics more carefully and fully understood what it meant.

Basically TobyMac is talking about how he wants God to steal his show. Because God is... God, ya know? We want Him to control our lives and steer us in the right direction. God made us so we could praise Him and join Him in heaven! (Right now I can just see a party starting...)

So basically through everything we do, we should give glory to God. Because it all started with God, right? He made us, gave us these awesome super powers to use for the greater good of the world. Techinically speaking, it isn't us at all, but God let's us have some credit.

As you might already know, I am an actress. (Where are you going with this? Yeah, I'm asking myself the same question.:) The theater I belong to is called CYT- Christian Youth Theater. And one of the number one things we learn, even before the acting stuff, is all of this is for God.

One of my favorite directors, Sam* is one of the most God-fearing, Christ-loving people I know. Every show I have been  in with him, he always talks about how we were made to praise God and give everything up to Him. My favorite thing that he has said was about giving God all the glory.

He said when your on the stage at the end of the show and everyone is applauding for you, you need to take a "mirror" hold it out in front of you, and let the praise bounce off and go to Heaven so God get it.

And just the way he said it, and how the room got quiet and the emotional particles flying around into my eye made me want to cry. Because then I realized how selfish we human beings are, caught up in all the glory when God should be getting it.

Another great example is one of the traditions at my Catholic diocesan camp. Camp has a lot of little...sayings, I guess you could call it. Like whenever a speaker would say "so" the whole camp would reply "sew, a needle pulling thread! Eek! Eek! Eek! Sewing machine." And so (sew, a needle...;) on and so forth with commonly used words. Even if there is some competition between two cabins, a cheer is used. We go "Competition? WHAT? Jesus is number one! Competition? WHAT! Jesus is number one!" And we're all standing up and jumping around and yelling like normal people and it really reminds you that Jesus is number one. Any grudges or complaints that I held against fellow competitive campers is washed away, knowing that there's a person who I actually like taking the winning spot.

It might take some time and effort to realize that yeah, it's all God. We should give the glory to God, we should hold up that mirror, we should tell Jesus He's number one. So I challenge you the next time you compete, whether it be sports, school, acting, whatever, let God steal the show.

*=All names are fictional for privacy purposes.

Newspaper

All my life I have wanted my school to have a newspaper that the kids are writing. I mean, there is a newsletter that the principal puts together but not an actual newspaper. And this year when I looked at the elective list I was so excited to find that an option was newspaper! So I signed up and got in, and so far we have had two meetings.

All of the kids doing it are seventh graders, so I know everyone. There are two different groups: one on Monday and Thursday and one on Wednesday and Friday. (I finally spelled Wednesday right!) I am in the latter group, and surprisingly we met first. The first little meeting thing-sha-bob was really fun, we brainstormed the whole time. And if you know me, you know that when I get into something, I get really into something. I was all over the place, making suggestions, going to other groups who were brainstorming and asking what they thought. Let's just say after that class I was  pumped.

The next class we got to pick the jobs, and guess what I was chosen for? The faith column! I wanted to be editor, but the faith column was my next choice! What I was planning for if I did get in the faith column, I would pick something from my blog and put it in there, and maybe at the bottom add the address, and wahlia! Advertising! (my dad would be so proud!)

So even though I was a mite disappointed that I wasn't editor, I planned to make the best of it. (I guess I have improved from the last time). And then my teacher said that we're probably going to need more editors, so if anyone wanted to be one they could ask.

And there it was! My golden opportunity! Or more silver, I guess. So I raised my hand and asked if I could be editor along with someone else, and my teacher said yes. If I was pumped before, now I was blowing out of air with excitement.

But wait, there's more! (I sound like a commercial now...)

Only one person was in the faith column, and even though there would be another group, my teacher switched me to faith and editor. How much better could it get? I get to edit peoples stories and talk about God! I don't think I could even answer that question.

The only thing that I might have trouble with in the newspaper is the large group. There's around 35-40 people in all, all working for one newspaper. It's going to be pretty chaotic, but I hope I can handle it.

If you are ever offered the opportunity to work (or write, edit, take pictures or anything else, I guess) for your school newspaper, I would suggest doing it. There are so many different jobs and for each one you can incorporate God, your life, and your opinions in it. What better way to evangelize?

Also, its pretty educational. (I bet that reason just made you send an email to the newspaper, asking if there is an opening. :))

I will definitely let you know once the newspaper is out, and pray it will go okay!
So, ta-ta for now readers!
All through Christ,
Maddie

Bible or Bust: Strong and Couragous

There's this nifty little glossary in the back of my Bible that has different verses under emotions. Like if you were feeling depressed it would direct you to Psalms 40:10. If you were enjoying life- Psalm 98 would be the answer. I looked up strength and found Joshua 1:9.

For some reason it really made an impression on me, and now it's my favorite Bible verse.

"I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened or dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."- Joshua 1:9

How true is that? God is commanding us to be strong and courageous because He will always be there to catch us if we fall.

If you read a few sentences before that, Joshua 1:5-9, it says 3 times. Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS.

In the actual events where this passage takes place, Moses just died and God is appointing Joshua as the leader. God is telling him that he will lead his people like Moses did and that the Bible should never depart out of his mouth.

God's commanding him to do this, just like He's commanding us to.

Joshua goes on to tell his people to be strong and courageous in the second part of the first chapter

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of the book.

In my fairy-tale mind I think of strong and courageous as being the hero of the fantasy- the knight in shining armor. I'll never be that knight. I am way to chicken to fight a dragon. In my dreams, literally I pretend I'm dead so I don't have to fight all of the scary people. :)

But think about it in real life.

You can be strong against bullies. Against temptation. Against the devil.

You can be courageous by standing up for others, for what you know is right. Be courageous by going over your comfort zone to help others.  Be courageous by showing the world the God you know and love.

Don't be scared because God is holding us up. Literally.

This verse has had a major impact on my life. I showed my mom and she shared in my "find." I had a friend over and she's been through some hard times. I told her about this verse, and she couldn't stop talking about how much it means to her.

The most meaningful way this verse has touched me is when I was at the dentist.
Yeah, just a typical setting for miracles, right? :)

So my brother was getting his teeth cleaned and I was filling out an audition form. One of the questions was, "What is your favorite Bible verse/quote?" At that point I memorized the "Joshua 1:9" part of it, but I didn't get the whole verse. So timidly, just in case the hygienist wasn't Christian, I asked my mom, " What was that Bible verse I liked again?"

My mom answered, "Just look it up." She handed me her phone and I looked it up. Then the hygienist asked, "What's the verse?"
And I told her.

I will never forget her reaction. She was really touched, and she compared the verse to Phillipians 4:13, you know, "I can do all things...?"

We were talking about how the Joshua verse didn't have as much popularity, but had equal to more impact.

The hygienist said, "It's so cool seeing how you love reading those verses. I remember my dad made me read the Bible, I didn't really want to. Seriously, it's awesome seeing this." I can't agree with her wholly because I am not always super pumped to read the Bible, but it made me feel really good inside.

She kept talking about how when you're older the Bible means more to you. After the checkup, she said "Make sure you have a Bible verse for  me next time you come."

I waved goodbye to her and couldn't stop smiling. Right then I realized this verse could  be very significant to many people. I felt that God spoke to her through me with that one verse. I felt special. I felt happy. I always want to relive that feeling. It was like my birthday, Christmas and summer rolled into one. This time it was more of an accident-but God apparently wanted it to happen- and it taught me not to be afraid to show  that you are Christian or Catholic.

So if you see someone down, say "Joshua 1:9." Or you can tell them the verse. But I like leaving them hanging so they will want to go home to check out the Bible, and maybe they'll find some other verse and hey, two flies with one swat! Or however that quote goes. :)

Your life may be full of ups and downs- I know for sure mine is- but be strong. Be courageous! Don't be afraid to show your faith. God's there. He's always there.

The Downs of Self-Pity

Okay, back to the show I auditioned for: Tarzan.

I did get called back (which means the directors want to "audition" again to see if you would fit particular roles),for the whole time. There was actually two different time slots, a dancer time slot and a character time slot. Some only got the dancer slot (which was only about a hour) and some got the dancer and character slot. (me! :D)

I was super pumped getting called back, and I actually felt pretty good. I have gotten called back numerous times before this show, but never have I felt so satisfied with my performance. I sang a song (wow, that's a surprise) and did a few scenes with other people. When I was up performing in front of others, it made me realize how much I love to sing, dance and act!

One of my favorite scenes that I did was when I was Jane and some one else was Porter (the dad). I knew I would never get Jane, but it was still fun to try! The most important thing was, though, I finally got to use my British accent for the better of the community. :)

After callbacks I went home and daydreamed about my roles. Now, from past experience I learned not to have my hopes too high. In one show I was almost certain I was going to get a role, and guess what? I didn't. So I went home and cried and felt sorry for myself, but now I know better.

The cast list took an unbearably long amount of time, which makes sense because so many great people auditioned. I was literally pulling at my hair all night long in anticipation for the grand announcement to appear out of the dark.

And finally.... it was up. I found out in the weirdest way, actually. I was getting ready for school and my mom bursts in and says "It's up!"
And ya think after a few days of torture I would know what she's talking about.

But no. I dumbly replied, "What's up?"

Finally, I got the jist and pulled the phone out of my mom's hand and started reading. Turns out, there's a double cast! And also...

I'm an ensemble.

Again.

For five shows, and now for my sixth, I have all been in the ensemble.

Let's admit it, I was disappointed. Like, I didn't have my hopes up really high, but I thought I would get at least a minor role.

But no, ensemble it is.

Tears were actually in my eyes, and I put on a smiley face for my mom and sister who is also an ensemble, and stayed in my room alone and felt sorry for myself, again.

I tried so hard, I wanted to be a main part so hard, why couldn't God just give me it for once!

I think we've all had that feeling before. If you tried out for some sport and didn't get in. Or entered a competition, and didn't win.  That feeling of total self-pity brings us down.

One of the directors famous quotes was, "You have 24 hours to feel sorry for yourself, cry that you didn't get the role, or celebrate 'cause you did. But the next day, you gotta be ready for work."

I am sorry to say that is not me. I need the whole show to experience self-pity, and then in the next show get over it.

But I am working on it. (like many other things in life)

You know, my parents, my directors, my friends- the all say the same thing. God put you in that role for a reason. And I need to start believing that.

I am not going to have fun if I sit around rehearsals and shows, not talking to anybody, just dreaming how good I would be in a certain role.

I will have fun, however, if I quit whining and get up and do my absolute best. Give everything I got, even if it isn't what I wanted. 'Cause the Big Man Upstairs had a different plan than what I wanted, so I'm going to go with it because I know it's the right one.

Maybe getting a main role would've been too stressful. Or maybe I might of had an emergency on one of the show days, and couldn't make it. Maybe it's for the better,

'Cause God made it turn out this way for the better.

And things could be a lot worse. I could be the only ensemble with a group of little kids. Or maybe I would only be on for a few scenes. I could have no friends with me.

So really, I am pretty lucky.

And there's always a next show! Always a next time.

But for now I should focus on what I have, and not what I want.

It's like if you were in kindergarten, and the teacher is going around, giving different colors of paper to each kid. And you want blue. You really, really want blue. Because it's the best color of the world, and you love it so much.

With a smile, the teacher hands you green.

And you know what they say, "You get what you get but you don't throw a fit."

After a minute of whining, you decide to do something with that green piece of paper.

And you but all of your effort and ability into that one sheet of green paper, and make something amazing. Like a green horse, or a pretty green sea.

And the teacher takes your paper and shows it to the whole class for them to see and says, "Look at how a nice job Billy Bob did with this paper!" And you feel happy.

And green's your new favorite color.

So that's how we should treat disappointments in our lives. Give it up to God and say, "You know, I really didn't want this, but your giving it to me so I can do something awesome with it and give it right back to you. So help me appreciate this wonderful opportunity that you gave and be with me the whole way."

The challenge of this post is either: If you feel disappointed, try your best to give it to God. Or, if you see your friend down, help them by telling them it's all God's plan, and it's going to work out splendidly. No British accent included. :)


So a word of advice to you, and me when you're feeling disappointed..

Take a deep breath, suck it up, and give it to God.

Little Things

It scares the best of us. It's late at night, the moon is out and sparkling and the darkness covers the basement like a thick blanket.

You left your phone in the farthest corner and you know, you can't live with out the cellular device. Fast-walking and not trying to think about what is waiting to grab you, you stuff your phone in your pocket and skedaddle upstairs before the air conditioner and toilet sounds start creeping you out.

Good 'ol basement fears never will leave, will they? Sometimes I have the embarrassing urge to ask someone to come with me, but I just suck it up and make my visit as quick as I can.

It's these little things when we forget we can ask God for help. It's either too small that we don't remember, or we're embarrassed to ask help for getting through the one minute round trip of the basement. I try to remember to ask God for help, saying a little Hail Mary or Glory Be. I remember one time when I went in the basement I started singing a worship song. Hearing my voice in the darkness comforted me, as did God's peace that I felt while singing the song.

So whether it be the basement blues, help with dishes or just to catch up, send God a quick message. If we can text our friends "hi" if we're bored or ask them "when can you meet up?" Why can't we do the same for God? Talk to Him, He'll want to listen. God will reply instantly, if you let him. If everyone else has heard about your hard earned A on the Social Studies test, tell God.

Through the big and the little, God will listen.

Nervous Nerves

Right before an audition. Butterflies in your stomach while your up to bat. Those tiny little tingles as the teacher passes out your finals.

We've had them forever and they'll never go away. Pesky little annoying nerves.

Today I am going to have an audition for a musical at CYT and yes, I am kind of nervous. This will be my 6th show there, and with each one I have grown as an actress, dancer, singer and Christian. The auditions thankfully are pretty relaxed, not like those really uptight theaters that cut a bunch of people. I doubt anyone will be cut this show, but still. Those nerves...

A hour or two before the audition is when it starts and man... it stops me from doing everything! I cant eat, or my stomach will hurt, I sleep because I'm so hyped up with nerves, I can't sing normal for some reason, and I can barely talk without my voice shaking! It just keeps building and building, and I have to talk to someone (with my voice shaking) to calm down a little.

Its the worst right before your turn. You walk up to the stage, heart pounding and hands sweaty. It's so hard to control your voice so it doesn't shake, but you manage to cut through. The music starts, you take a deep breath... and then it's okay. Throughout the whole song I manage to have no nerves at all, and I guess that's because I know it's my place on that stage. My hobby, my passion, so I do feel at ease. Some people cannot for the life of them run up to the stage and start belting out a song. I can't go to a baseball field and through a perfect throw from first to third without it hitting someone. Everyone has their different talents, but even if you are amazing at them (which I am not) you still have those nerves.

The good thing is the song only lasts for a minute, then you say a quick thank you and dash off the stage. I always find myself muttering a little prayer for the next person as they walk up the stairs, knowing how nerve-racking it is.

Then we have dance auditions which is easy peesy. You go in groups and you dance two times, once in the front and once in the back of the row. Its the same dance both times and most of the time they keep it pretty short. I'm not that good, but I do take lessons so it gives me a little advantage there.

So what does nerves have to do with God?

Actually, I don't know at this point 'cause I just wanted to rant about my nerves to keep them from coming. :) Let's improvise.

When you take your first steps with God, they're a little shaky, right? I guess I wouldn't really call it nervous, but something like you don't have full trust so your kind of watching out just so nothing bad happens.

And when you try to show others that your a Christian, things kind of get nervous there, right? One time there was this guy next to me in testing, and he looked really nervous and stressed out. He kept muttering something, and I believe it was "Jesus" over and over. I really wanted to say something like, "It's okay, you got it" or "You're doing great." But two things we're holding me back. One, nerves for what he would say and think about me. Isn't that weird? Why should I care what he'll say back? And the second reason is because my teacher was pretty strict, and if she saw me talking I would be outta there.

But isn't that weird? I mean, about the first reason. I was nervous about what would happen after? I think I was shrinking back into my comfort zone. The testing was 3 days long and I didn't say anything. Nada. Zip. Zero.

Looking back at it I sincerely regret it. I should of said something, and hey, who knows what could of happened? At least I tried. And I'm guessing it would get easier from there, like it did with the audition.

So don't be afraid to step out to others and be a role model, or help them, or console them. Even if you have those nerves that are telling you, "Just be safe and don't say anything." If you have a strict teacher, tell that kid out of the room (what I should of done). Take a breath and just let the words come out and you can make a major impression! Isn't it worth the nerves to make others feel better?

Well, that's  my little improvised speech thingy. How was it? :)

The challenge of this post is: Go out of your comfort zone just a little bit to help others.

You did it? You completed the last challenge? I would love to hear from you! Comment here, comment in the contact box, or shoot me an email at randommusings13@gmail.com. Seriously, I would love to know what you accomplished.

Thank you for viewing, and hope to hear from you!

All through Christ,
-Maddie

*NOTE:* I actually wrote this yesterday, so my auditions are over. They went very well and I actually wasn't as nervous as I anticipated! You'll hear from me soon on the callbacks and casting... :)

Welcome!

This really has gone fast. I feel like one moment I was planning out what I was going to write and how I was going to do it, and the next I was submitting my blog! None of this would have happened without the support of my parents, family and God.

So, let's start out with an introduction. I am Madeline, otherwise known as Maddie. I'm a 13 year old Catholic teen and so far loving it! :) Overall, I am a newbie at living the teenage years-but don't you worry, I will survive. Hopefully.

I made this website so the viewers could experience the same thing I witnessed a few months ago- a renewed relationship with God in which I understood why He created me and what I was made to do in this world. Hopefully the way my words are spoken (or typed) will impact you. For more of that information, just skip on over to the About my Musings page.

I am crazy, and I think I know it. A lot of the things I write about will  be random (hence the title of the website) and I hope it's not too discombobulated! And yes, I do like long and confuzzling words and expressions. I am going to try to have an organized site and maybe for once it will work. But hey, I'm young and new at this, so don't blame me if you see a mistake. :) We can all plow through this together.

I hope to be posting at least once a week- though sometimes I may post more and sometimes I may post less. I will be writing about everything- prayers, opinions, life, unicorns... well, maybe not everything. I will be including a variety of topics though, so that's good.

Thank you so much for taking your time to view this, and I hope you come back to read some more! Please feel free to share any questions, comments or suggestions in the comment box below.

All through Christ,
Maddie