Paying it Forward

My neighbor, Rob Steedley, has been such a good example for me, always sharing his testimony - maybe he's scared but he still shares it. He regularly posts about his faith on facebook, and it always lifts me up to know that, despite being afraid of being mocked or judged, God means more to him than the scorn of ma. So I wanted to do the same and follow his brave lead, to take an opportunity to share my beliefs.
Sometimes God gives us golden, shining moments. Sometimes He allows us to have trials. But He is always there, always working for our good. I'm so grateful for my blessings and for my relationship with God. He's got a thousand blessings just waiting for me to make the right choices so He can pour them out on me. He loves all of His children, and I'm grateful that I know Him and His love.
This is my testimony, which I share in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Nail Polish and Popularity

"What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right." 

-Albert Einstein 

 My favorite brand of [cheap] nail polish, Pure Ice, put out a color this summer called 'Home Run.' It's that pastel seafoam blue-greeny color that has been really popular.
And that's why I bought it. Because it was a color that was ultra-cool, super popular, very 'in.' But it just doesn't suit me. I keep my nails very short, and pastel colors don't look so good on short nails [and I knew that going in.] Plus, this shade makes the skin of my hands seem especially red, like I have hives or something.

"There's a bigger point to this, right Becca?"

'Yeah, I promise there is.'

"Okay, then make it."

Okay, so here's the point: I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE IT WAS COOL, NOT BECAUSE IT WAS GOOD FOR ME. I think you all know where I'm going with this, but I'm still gonna finish this post.

Just like me buying nail polish that wasn't even a good choice for my nails, people make choices all the time based purely on their social value. Who to date, how to do their hair, what to wear - they're all things that can be influenced by outside pressures.
Now, the boy you date or the products you use in your hair or the clothing brands you wear - these things may not be bad, even if you chose them based on what other people made you think was right for you. In fact, the boy might be perfect for you, the products may do your hair lots of favors, and the clothes may look perfect on your figure. I certainly don't want to give the impression that I think everything and everyone that conforms to social standards is evil. But it pays to be aware of why you do what you do.
Look, my point is, if you know that pastel nail polish isn't for you, it's okay to sit back and let that trend go by. The nature of the choices we have to make change once we get out of high school, but the habit of how we make those decisions won't change. You and I need to learn how to make choices based on what's right for US, and we need to learn to do it soon, because big choices are coming up. Our opinions and our needs matter, and we should take them seriously.

"Avoid popularity if you would have peace."  

-Abraham Lincoln 

 

Wisdom

WISDOM TEETH, THAT IS!!!

Okay, I have 12 hours until my wisdom teeth get extracted. 

I have plenty to worry about in this situation, but I'm strangely nonchalant about it right now.

I'm sure the whole fear-of-crippling-mouth-pain-thing will set in any moment, but for now I'm mostly just worried that I'll get hooked on my pain medication and in the space of a few short months I'll end up in prison, without even a GED, and I'll have to sell my hair for cigarettes. 

DID YOU KNOW

Not everybody has the same amount of wisdom teeth. You can get anywhere from zero to four. (I have three.)

Now, I have a question for you, my friends, and I crave an answer: 

WHY ARE YOU STILL READING A BLOG POST ABOUT MY TEETH??

You guys are so loyal.

GOODNIGHT UTAH! HAPPY ORAL SURGERY EVE!

Dating

Here's some dating advice from somebody who doesn't do much of it:
DO IT.  Seriously. Go on as many dates WITH AS MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE as possible.
Some plus sides to diverse dating:

• Getting to know other people outside of school/social groups
  * Even people you know may be a lot different one-on-one, often good different.
• Learning what you really like.
  *you might think you like somebody because they look a certain way, but maybe what you really look for is an engaging personality, etc.
• Time away from your significant other
  *I know they are important to you, and that's fine, but you need to realize other people exist - not even just as potential partners but as human beings who matter.
• Spend time having fun with good people who like you for YOU (otherwise they wouldn't be out on a date with you!)
• Spend time away from technology (says the online blogger)
  *there is good food, fresh air, new experiences to be encountered. Netflix is an amazing friend, but maybe you need some space?
• Gain self-confidence
  *Going on dates is a great way to feel like you're worthwhile, fun to be around, and special. Help yourself feel good by spending time with people who make you feel that way.

If you choose to date in high school, keep in mind that going on a date is different from "dating" someone. If you want to keep it casual, that's your right. As always, exercise your right to choose. You CAN say "no" to anything you're not comfortable with.