Flyleaf

Okay, so if some of you don't know, Flyleaf is my top favorite band. Like, ever. The band members are..
Lacey Sturm - Lead Singer
Sameer Bhattacharya - Guitarist
Pat Seals - Bassist
Jared Hartmann - Guitarist
James Culpepper - Drummer

Here's a picture of the band:

(Pat is the guy with long hair, by the way. Doesn't he look awesome?)

Lacey Mosley, the lead singer, was born in Arlington, Texas to a single mom of six. They were poor, and when they couldn't afford to live in one place, they'd move to another. Lacy often fought with her mom, and describes her home life as a warzone.
Here's her testimony-



Flyleaf is a hard rock/metal band. Personally, I like that type of music, and the fact that I can relate to most of Lacey's songs is a plus.
If you like rock music, Flyleaf is definitely worth looking into. They have 2 cd's:

album name: Flyleaf

album name: Memento Mori

Considering Lacey's rough background, including her joining a band called Passerby that had a very negative outlook (but later quitting the band), she has a very biblical point of view and is a really good example of how God pursues us. She was going to commit suicide, but God chased her down and decided her story wasn't over and would have a different ending. A better ending.

Hope you enjoy the music.

Wait - Mat Kearney

I found this song while clicking around on Youtube. I've never heard this song, but the name caught my eye and Mat Kearney is one of my favorites. I began to watch it, and the first two verses was all it took for me to think, "This is my favorite song." I've never done that with a song before. I've also never had a song that fit me to a T up until now.
I was born in December. I love December. I love the cold. I've even found myself feeling like this in the middle of December.
Check out this song. I hope you love it too.

(lyrics under the video)



The wind hit my back, cold as I remember
And caught me off guard, in the middle of December
Sometimes a crowded room, can feel the most alone
Sometimes I wonder why, I won't pick up the phone when

[bridge]
This wall is glaring and it's too high for me to climb
I've ran and ran and now there's nothing left behind
I see a picture of a broken man inside
I've tried and tried and now there's nothing left but time

[chorus]
I'll wait for you, I'll wait for you alone
And I'll wait for you, I'll wait for you alone
Together we will fly tonight
And leave all the rest behind
I'll wait for you

These hands can feel like they're not even mine
A tree and a nail and a cry in the night
Sometimes a little step is the greatest divide
Sometimes I feel your breath right at my side when

[bridge]

[chorus]

Here I am at the edge of the road
One hand on the end of the rope
One crack and it breaks alone
Wondering who'se gonna take me home
On my knees when you call my bluff
Begging please from the edge of the ruff
And I know I've had enough, and I know it, and I know it

[bridge]

[chorus]

Just In Case You Forgot

Jesus loves you.

No, really, He's crazy about you.

God sent his son to earth for you, for me, for everyone. Nothing man has created has done for us what Jesus has. How many people on this earth would be willing to go through what Jesus did for a bunch of sinful people?

Uh, like, no one.

I actually don't really care for Christmas music, but I heard this song and fell in love with it. Listen to it, it's amazing! Woot woot, go Downhere!

I Love Olivia!

Here are a few reasons why I love 'Libby':

Chipmunk!

The book is by Dr. Seuss, "OH, The Places You'll Go!"

Aaaawww such a poser!

Love ya baby!

My Crazy Weekend

Ok, so for a lot of people, their weekend starts on Friday. But since I'm weird, mine doesn't usually start until Saturday. The same is true for the weekend I'm about to tell you about...It's a beautiful tale of insanely boring family gatherings made fun, soda chugging contests, wipeouts on scooters, "Naaaaaaa!" and singing to people on the internet.

---WARNING---
If you do not enjoy random, crazy teenager stuff, do not read further. Your brain will be fried by the time you're done, trust me.

But for those of us whose brains are already fried, enjoy the post!

I woke up Saturday morning extremely tired. I don't think I've ever had such a hard time functioning..okay wait, I take that back.
We got to the first family thing around 11:00 am. After a few of my cousins got there, it was pretty fun. Me and my cousin Lana brought back the CCC after 3 years! (note: only certain people reading will understand the last thing I said)

Here's Racer, showing off! ;)

Three of my favorite cousins: Taylor (left), Sarah (middle), and Lana (right)

Belly & Livie! AAAWW!



That evening was when the real fun started. We went to the Montgomery's for a family Christmas party.

Here are a few pictures from that!

Ok, so you're probably wondering about the soda-chugging contest I mentioned earlier. All of us teenagers-Taylor, Taylor Stamp, Lana, Sarah, Ryland, and me all went outside, grabbed cans of soda out of the fridge in the garage, stood in a circle in the driveway, and opened the cans and started chugging. The winner is determined by who finishes drinking their soda and throws the can down on the concrete first. Ryland was first (of course!), I was second, Sarah placed third, Taylor was fourth, Taylor Stamp was fifth, and Lana placed sixth.

It was about ten o clock at night, and after our contest, we all decided to ride scooters and bikes up and down the street. Taylor Stamp went up to one of the neighbors' doors, and rang the doorbell. A bratty-looking teenage girl answered, and their were more than 15 other teens in the house that I could see (and no parents). It was perfect.
The teenager looked at Taylor, surprised, and Taylor said, "Do you wanna come outside and play with me?"
The girl just said, "Uhh..we're kinda watching a movie."

Yeah, right.

Then Taylor said, "Oh ok. Maybe next time!"
We walked off laughing. Sarah was still on her scooter. She got to the end of the driveway, slipped, flew off her scooter and slid like 10 feet! It was hilarious.

Oh, and then she decided to rock out with Blake's Paper Jamz. Here's a picture of that.

We went to go see the Yukon Christmas lights, and had a great time. We were riding in the bed of my aunts truck, and some people passed by and we started yelling, "OMG LOL!" they just looked at us like we were crazy.

Oh wait, we are crazy.

I absolutely love my crazy, nutty family. I wouldn't trade 'em for the world.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Recital

Last night I had my first guitar recital. Like, ever. I was so nervous, I couldn't hardly breathe. But thankfully, Lydia Wilson was sitting next to me, and she distracted me through the first 17 songs. Thanks Lydia!
Kelsey was the 18th student to play, and she did so good! She played "O Come, All Ye Faithful" on the piano. Go Kelso!! She finished her piece, and sat back down by me. I gave her a high five, and then..

The announcer said my name.

I prayed,"Uh hey God? I know there's more important things right now..like ya know, starving kids in Africa, but I'm really kinda nervous, so..that would be really great if you could help me out here.".

Before I knew it, it was over (by the way I played a medley; a combo of Jolly Old St. Nicholas and Jingle Bells), and I did much better than I thought I was going to! Woot woot, God's awesome! It was really fun. Afterwards my family, both my aunts, and a few of my cousins all went to eat at Ihop. The highlight of my night was when my cousin Lily, who is 4, said to the waitress as she was walking by, "Hey, do you have pancakes and eggs, lady? I want pancakes and eggs!"
Ha! cute kid!

Oh, here's a nice one of my cousin Jacob at the reception. What a goofball!

Mountaintop

Here's a song to follow up my previous post. I LOVE this song!

A Different Kind Of Lost

A while back, my family and I went to some sort of event (can't remember what the event was but, no matter), and afterwards we headed out to our white Ford Explorer. I can remember it was pretty chilly out, and since it was about ten o' clock at night, we wanted to hurry and get home before it got any colder.
My dad was driving. We were in Edmond, our destination Oklahoma City, but when my dad got on the highway, he headed in the wrong direction. A sign along the way let him know where he was, but by this time it was too late to turn around. He had two exits he could have gotten off of, but he missed one and the other was closed for construction.

Needless to say, he was frustrated. Very frustrated. We were all the way in Wellston, Oklahoma.

Lost, angry, and in the middle of nowhere, we all tried not to laugh as he finally found a gas station and jerked the car into the parking lot. He filled up the tank, got a map inside the gas station, and we all got ourselves a snack. Then we drove on, making it home at about midnight.

Now why did I tell you that story?

I want to show you a different kind of lost. When my dad headed in the wrong direction, he had no idea he was in the wrong. He had no idea that once he realized what was happening, it would be too late and he'd wind up in Wellston. He had no idea how inconvenient it would be, how he would running on low fuel, and how it would take him a good hour and a half to get back home. But that's what happened.

That's what it's like to be lost in this world! You don't know there is anything out of the ordinary until it's too late. Then you miss your exits, and it takes a long time to come back around. In the meantime, you are so low on fuel (aka energy) that you don't think you can possibly go on any longer. But picture God as your gas station. He fills you back up, gives you a map, and helps you make it home. When you get there, and you can finally relax and calm your nerves.

This is what God does for us. He finds us lost, broken, and frazzled and brings us home where we become, joyful, thankful, and lost in Him. Bad things still happen, but you are so focused on the new things He's showing you, following Him, and thanking Him for what He's done that nothing else matters. You know that no matter what, He's got your back, and you don't have to worry anymore. To be lost in the world is to be broken and dissatisfied, but to be lost in Jesus is eternal happiness.

My Blog Got A Facelift

Hey everybody! What do you all think of the new look and title of my blog?

This Bittersweet Life

Hey everybody, check out this song. It really sums up how God is there in both good times and bad, holding your hand the whole way. He knows how this life is so bittersweet, and He never leaves you.
Even in the bitter:)

Pray

I spent a few hours last night praying and talking to God (that's a record!). I prayed about a lot of things, but mostly I prayed for a friend of mine. I love this girl to death. She's funny, she's sweet, she's pretty..I love her.
She talks to me a lot about her personal life, and she really trusts me. I'm glad she does, because I really enjoy talking to her and helping her. But last night, I had myself so worried about her, and as hard as I tried I could not sleep. I felt like Adam Young..leave my door open just a crack, because I feel like such an insomniac. Haha!
But I decided to change up my normal routine and, instead of worrying my fool head off until I finally fall asleep around 2 or 3, I prayed about it.
Afterwards, I felt ten times better. I could actually sleep. Come on, it's pretty amazing for me to actually get some sleep! Between headaches, school, worrying, and a busy schedule, I rarely get more than five hours of sleep.
I know most people doubt that praying actually works, but it totally does! I don't know if my friend is doing any better (she's kinda got herself in a big mess), but it felt like ten pounds had come off my shoulders after I talked to Him about my worries.
If what you're doing isn't working, try God! He works;)

Beloved,

Even when your thoughts are scrambled, you can indeed look to Me for help. Many people stumble out of bed in the morning and head straight for the coffee pot. Though they are not yet thinking clearly, they are conscious enough to move toward something that will help untangle their thoughts. I perform a similar function for you, when your mind stumbles in My direction. Ask Me to help you think My thoughts and see things from My perspective. I created you in My image so that you would have this amazing capacity.
As you wait in My presence, I not only unscramble your thinking, I also straighten your path through the day. I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, so opening up the way before you is no problem for Me. Some people think they don't have enough time to begin their day with Me. They don't realize how much I can facilitate their activities--removing obstacles, giving insights that save time, and so on. When you spend precious time with Me, I compensate you generously: smoothing out the circumstances of your day.

-from Nearer To Jesus by Sarah Young

Lifehouse - Broken

When is the last time you had one of these days? What was it like? What happened? How did you get over it, or did you? Leave a comment or email your answer at gabbymcgee15@gmail.com

Better Days

I know it's been a while since I have posted on here, so I am going to get back on track. Sorry everybody!
Thanksgiving is coming up, and Christmas is just right around the corner. In that, I wonder whether things will turn out alright..just in case you didn't know, my family (not just my personal family, but my whole family, like aunts and uncles n' stuff) suffers from severe holiday drama. Fights, tragedy, and chaos have ruled this time of year for a long time...
But last year, things changed. The year before, ('09) we ended our family Christmas gathering on a bad note..long story short, there had been a terrible fight and my uncle went taking off on foot down the road, and my cousin Heather was in tears...and they both had to deal with the guilt of making a scene in front of the whole family, at least 30-40 people were there, not to mention the feelings hurt and the words that they said that they didn't mean...and the ones they did mean.
Talk about a sour Christmas! Then in '06 my cousin got in a car wreck just a few days before Christmas..I'll talk about that in a later post.
Anyway, so 2010 things changed..there were no big family fights, they were no tragedies, and we all stopped focusing on the gifts and embraced the gift we had in each other. Last year was the hardest year of my life, but the best Christmas ever.
I hope that this year is even better. It's been another hard year, and a great Christmas would be wonderful. I've had a few people ask me already what I want for Christmas, and every time I've had difficulty coming up with something..I don't really want anything. Maybe for my birthday (which is 2 days before Christmas) I can come up with something, but Christmas? It just doesn't feel right to ask for any gifts this year.
I couldn't quite explain my feelings until I heard this song on the radio called 'Better Days' by a band called Goo Goo Dolls. It really sums up what I really want, and it applies perfectly.

Check out these lyrics, and you'll see what I mean:

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kinda clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
Or designer love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I need some place simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And that's faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor child who saved this world
And there's ten million more who probaly could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stopped this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words, and sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again

What do you want this year?

EARTHQUAKE!

Hey everybody, Oklahoma had a 5.6 earthquake last night! It started in Prague Saturday morning, but it was only a 4.7, & it was called a 'foreshock'. We had the real deal (a 5.6) around 11:00 pm that night..it was sooo scary! We had tremors for the next hour.
Here's my question:
Since when does Oklahoma have earthquakes???
Thankfully I'd heard from somewhere that when an earthquake happens, you should stand in a doorway until it's over (the foundation is more stable in doorways). So when the house started shaking, I grabbed Olivia & told Kelsey to come down from top bunk (Livie & I are on bottom bunk and Kelsey is on top) and we stood in the doorway of our bedroom...
And what did my parents do?
My Dad lied in bed until the house stopped shaking, and my mom was in the bathroom! XD

Leave a comment with your earthquake experience!

Starting Over (I began with rappelling)

Hey guys, I meant to post this on Friday..sorry about that!

Thursday night, I went to bed around 2:00 am hoping that the coming day would bring a chance to start over. All the youth at my church, and a few of their parents, went on a rappelling trip Friday at Red Rock Canyon. When I woke up at 6:00 am Friday morning and remembered what I had ahead of me, I was excited and nervous at the same time. I think we all were..when we got there, it was FREEZING! I actually wore a scarf! lol
Everyone arrived, and our instructor (Mike) started talking to us about his experience, how many people he had rappelled with, when he started, etc. He gave some guidelines, like leaving your cell phone behind (so it doesn't ring while your rappelling..talk about distraction!) and putting our hair up so it doesn't get caught.
He had us do some crazy stuff! We all had to come up with our "rappelling name".
Let me list them:

Mike (the instructor)-Marvelous Mike
Joseph Miller-Jolly Jo;)
Josh Waitman-Jammin' Josh (or Taco, or Pepe, or Jammin-quack, or stupid-kid-who-throws-water-in-my-face)
Dave-Dynamic Dave
Gabriel-Generally Gabriel
Israel Waitman-Watchman Israel
JC Polliard-Epic JC!
Ron Wilson-Rockin' Ron (woot woot!)
Rylan Miller-Radical Rylan (he's rad, yo)
Isaac Waitman-Intelligent Isaac *taps finger on head*
Brendon Polliard-Bravo Brendon (he should've been BEDHEAD Brendon;) )
Elisha Miller-Excellent Elisha (but you'll always be Johnboy)
Payton Wilson-Positively Petie:)
Taylor Ball-Totally Taylor! (like, totally!)
Myrriah Miller-Musical Myrriah (laaaaaaa)
Hannah Waitman-Hopping Hannah (HOP!)
Me (Gabby McGee)-Great Gabby (great Gabby, its a spider!!)

My first time rappelling was scary, but by the time I was halfway down, I was having so much fun! I went back a second time, then had to leave for a photography lesson. Rappelling is now a new interest. :)
But I had to have a little bit of trust. Mike made it clear that the hardest part of rappelling is the emotional part. Boy, was he right..we were all scared, even the boys (though they didn't really show it).
Everyone gave their insight but, for me, rappelling was good for me because it got me out of my comfort zone, and I had to apply some trust-In my friends, my instructor, the rope, and God. Most of us found that the hardest thing was to relax, lean back, and stop gripping the rope so tight (if you grip it, you stop midair).
Hmm..doesn't that sound like most people when they first come to God?
That's what I got from it..I felt like it was a great visual of what its like to learn to trust God. It's hard, and scary (at least for me..if its easy for you to trust, tell me how you're doing it, I'd like to know!), but once you let go and relax, it feels so natural! Once I actually started rappelling, I thought, "Hey, this isn't so bad!"
So tonight, I'm thankful for:

*A chance to start over with God. Though there is pain in the night, joy comes in the morning.
*Jammiquacks!! don't ask..
*Great friends
*A new element of trust (very small, but it's a start).

Tonight

Why does it seem like problems in life are bigger at night?
That's a question that I've wondered about for years..but I think I'm finding the answer.
Before I go further, I'm going to update on Ben, Mary, & Lily--they are doing great. We finally got an answer to their issues, and apparently they got a viral infection; the doctor said it's pretty common. They got to go home & are feeling much better. Ben will continue to have trouble with kidney stones though, and has a lot of surgeries in his future.
Ok, back to what I was saying. The past few weeks have been purely insane. I'm talking never-sitting-down-until-midnight-or-later insane. I'm not really sure how I'm still alive, but here I am.
Last night I was babysitting my 5 cousins (which are hilarious, by the way), and around 10pm I was about to leave when I got a text message..when I saw the number, I felt a little mad, and confused at the same time..it was Mattie, my ex-best-friend. We have been fighting for a few months now off & on, & our last fight had pushed us both over the edge..we never wanted to hear from each other again after that.
But here she was texting me three days later..
why?
She was apologizing. I couldn't believe it when I read it..she said she was sorry for what she'd done, and was forgiving me for what I'd done. She said that if I wanted to talk that was fine, and she didn't want to fight anymore.
I texted her back, saying that I was sorry too, and she accepted my apology. I have read the messages over and over again today to make sure I didn't dream it.
Today we talked for a long time, and she really does want to be my friend again. I was blown away! It's hard to explain, but we've both been through a lot with each other the past few years, and for her to forgive me for everything was totally crazy.
But she did. And she meant it.
Forgiveness is really an amazing thing. You have to choose whether you want to forgive or not. God's forgiveness is even more amazing!
That brings me to the point of this post..I confess that this past month I've been all caught up in my problems..Ben nearly dying, Mattie being mad at me, helping Nanny with her garage sale for 4 days (all day), keeping up on guitar practice, Nana getting on disability (that was waaay more drama than it had to be), Mom's fender bender, parents fighting, not having enough school done, basically being a mom and a teenager at the same time..
I could go on and on all night, but the point is, I've had a lot on my plate. & when I have a bunch of problems going on like that, I freak out & try to make things easier & completely forget about everything but my problems--including God.
Well, I ran from Him. I knew I was on the brink of a meltdown, and so I ignored God to protect myself from that (tears are my enemy).
But things have changed this week..Mattie apologized, after screaming & fighting & strain my grandparents are peaceful about Nana getting on disability (she can barely walk anymore), Ben is doing fine even though he's still got some problems, my guitar teacher wasn't mad at me for having only one practice in last week, and I've had more time for school.
You might call it luck, but I call it grace. Even though I have ignored God this month just because of stress, He has still been keeping up with me (He must have some great running shoes), and working things out in my life..two weeks ago, I thought I wasn't going to make it. I honestly didn't believe that I would be here tonight, alive and well, typing away. I thought my whole family & life was about to go down the drain.
And guess what? God pulled all of us blockheads off the ground again! He gave us another chance.
I admit it, I figured He was giving up on me..I figured I had probably made Him mad, especially when I yelled at Mattie, but He's still here, cheering me on.
So tonight, I've got a song to sing about having no song to sing. I've been running on empty, and I'm tired of it. I'm completely worn out from fighting and fighting..

So here's my song:

I'm on the run
I'm on the ropes this time
Where is my song?
I've lost the song of my soul tonight

Sing it out, sing it out
Take what is left of me, make it a melody
Sing it out, sing out loud
I can't find the words to sing
You be my remedy
My song, my song
I sing with words left of me

Where is the sun?
Feel like a ghost this time
Where have you gone?
I need your breath in my lungs tonight

Sing it out, sing it out
Take what is left of me
Make it a melody
Sing it out, sing out loud
I can't find the words to sing
You be my remedy
My song, my song
I sing with words left of me

I'm holding on, I'm holding on to you
The world is wrong
The world is lies come true
And I fall in love with the ones that run me through
When all along all I need is You

Sing it out, sing it out
Take what is left of me
Make it a melody
Sing it out, sing out loud
I can't find the words to sing
Come be my remedy
My song, my song
I sing with words left of me

I'm holding on, I'm holding on...

--Switchfoot, Sing It Out

New Blog!

Hey followers! Just thought I'd give you a heads up--I have a new blog, and it's all about bargains and good deals! Go check it out, it's gonna be awesome! Here's the link: teenbargainshopper.blogspot.com P.S. Don't forget to click the 'follow' button & leave comments;)

Day 23, and The Kids Are Still Sick.

Benjamin's younger siblings, Mary (4) and Lily (3), still have the virus. We thought Mary was over it, but two days later she started having the same problems, and Lily started throwing up last night.
All of this is totally beyond us, but this morning my mom mentioned that they may have eaten some of that cantelope that was recalled a while back...apparently it takes a long time after you eat it for your body to respond.
None of this is for sure, my mom is taking them to the doctor today and maybe they'll get some answers...other than that, I don't have any updates. They are still feeling as sick as they did more than 2 weeks ago, and that's totally not normal.
I'll update as soon as I hear from my mom. We really appreciate your prayers.

Yet Another Post Concerning Ben..

So Benjamin got to go home from the Children's Center a couple of days ago, only to start having the same problems he had before he went..I'm just going to remind you all that he, his mom, and four other siblings are staying at my grandparents.

It's a 2-bedroom house. And Benjamin is up all night throwing up from the pain. He was on his way to the bathroom two nights ago when he fell in the floor right in the middle of the hallway and said, "I died, mom. I died."

The pain is that bad.

Mary, his younger sister who is 4, is also throwing up again...we are really confused as to why she's still sick when we already thought she was over it, but Candace (their mom, who is my aunt) is going to take them both back to the hospital today. Benjamin did not have enough fluids going into his body over the weekend, so when Candace called the doctor and reported his and Mary's current condition, he said to bring them both in.
As if that weren't enough, her husband, Jeff, got diagnosed with diabetes a few weeks ago, and didn't respond in a healthy way, so they let him get on insulin...and he is still going up and down...and instead of gaining weight like a lot of diabetics do, he's actually losing weight. He has lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks. He works for the railroad, so he could easily wind up in a dangerous situation.
Please keep praying for them...they really need it.
Thanks.

Gabby

Update On Ben!

Benjamin is at my Nana and Papa's right now, they ran some tests and it looks like he has a kidney stone forming. He has quite a few crystals, which explains why he was in so much pain. They are going to test his urine over the next few days, and hopefully a stone won't try to form.
Thanks for your prayers, I'll keep updating.

Benjamin

This is my little cousin, Ben (we call him Spike). He is 5. We all adore this little guy, he's just so irresistible! Looking at his face gives you a hint.
Anyway, he has been in the hospital for a week. He got that stomach virus that has been going around, and his immune system is not very strong, so it really took its toll on him...he'd had the virus for 6 days already, having high fevers during the day and at night staying up all night with terrible pains in his body, and he was throwing up. At one point he told his mom, "I'm gonna die."
His parents realized that he wasn't getting better (his older brothers only had it for one day), so they took him to the ER and he has been staying in the hospital for a week now.
He no longer has the virus, but he is still having pains, and won't eat. The doctors can't figure out what's wrong with him...he's lost almost ten pounds during all this. They checked to see if his appendix was threatening to rupture, but that's not it, and they've done other testing, but they can't find what's wrong. The only thing they can say is that it might be blockage.
Tonight he is at the Childrens Center. His mom has been alone all week, so we are going to go see her and Ben tomorrow.
Please pray that nothing worse happens to him. With things like this, it could get very bad, very fast. I'll be updating soon.
Thanks everybody!

A Cross Between Insanity and Frustration

I know I haven't posted in a while, but if i dont post something soon, i may lose my captive audience (which is, what, 6 people?) So here goes..

*five minutes of typing and backspacing pass*

*Gabby screams with frustranity and bangs head against the keyboard*

Wait, frustranity isn't a word.
Well, it is now. Let's just call it a cross between insanity and frustration.

*crickets chirp*

No, I am not insane. Only Insanely Frustrated.

"The cliffs of insanity!!"

If you don't recognize that quote, shame shame. It's from The Princess Bride. If you haven't heard of or seen the Princess Bride, triple shame!

I'm getting nowhere with this post.

*Gabby screams with frustranity and bangs head against the keyboard*

9/11

I don't think anyone will forget September 11, 2001. I just watched a video of a woman taking a video from another building..at first she was fairly calm and explaining what happened..then another plane came out of nowhere and crashed into the 2nd tower.
Then she started screaming as well as the other people in the room, "OH MY GOD, ITS TERRORISTS!! What do we do?!?"
I remember when I found out about it. The sirens in OKC started sounding and my dad started freaking out, and since there wasn't any bad weather, he knew it could be something much more serious.
It was on every channel, people saying, "twin towers! Twin towers!"
And to think people saw that up close..
Today my mom and I were talking about 9/11 when Kelsey piped in and said, "So what exactly happened on September 11?"
Then it dawned on me that these kids under the age of 12 don't even remember that day, and some not even born yet.
Folks, do not EVER forget what happened. Ever. Tell your kids, tell your siblings. This is something that will be in school history books.
I saw a man on a bridge this morning waving a big American flag. Thank you, sir, for your rememberance.
We will never forget.

With God and A Little Caffiene

Oh, I'm so tired this morning..getting up early and staying up late is really taking it's toll on me. I'm realizing that I need God more than I think..I'm so used to going through life on my own that I get confused when I think about the idea of resting in Him.
So I've gone a week or two avoiding that topic with God. But last night I gave in. I set my school books aside and let myself relax.
How we take such things as this for granted! Just sitting there letting my exhausted self chill for a while, and knowing it was ok, meant everything to me.
Isn't it funny how God knows stuff like that?
Even though last night was yet another sleepless night, I think I can get through today.
With a little caffeine;)

MikesChair - Someone Worth Dying For (Official Music Video)

Kylee Anne

Kylee Anne Ingram was born at 10:50 pm on 8/31/11, she's 7lbs 8oz and beautiful! Mom and Kelsey got home at 3:30 am and showed me pictures. She's sooo pretty, I can't wait to meet her.
I'll try to post pictures soon. Still have to figure out how to do that from a phone..

See you.
Gabby

Mat Kearney, Down

Can you hear when we call
There where we fall
Standing with our backs against the wall
Top of our lungs
Hallelujah
Baby when all you see is darkness
Coming down now
We all need forgiveness
It's coming down now

Beat Up That Car!

A few years ago my friend and i volunteered to help with a carnival. We got there at eight, ran a booth until noon, then we let someone else take over so we could get lunch. We had a little spare time, so after I got my face painted, I went across the street to play a game where you get to beat up a car. Yup, you read that right. No typos. They'd had a useless old car towed to the carnivals' location, and all around the car there was yellow caution tape. Kids took turns grabbing a hammer, mallet, or bat and after putting on gloves and safety glasses, walked up and took a whack. As I waited in line and watched these kids, some of them my age, I noticed how most of them didn't really do anything. The ones who did busted out windows, but there are only six possible to bust out and it didn't take long before there weren't any windows left to smash through. After that, most didn't even leave a small dent.
And were they driving me crazy? Um YEAH. I mean come on, when else would they get an opportunity to beat up a car and it be ok?
It was my turn. My hands tingling, I grabbed a bat, stalked up to the cafr, and beat the tar out of it. I used to have some pretty serious anger issues, and at that point, I was sick of my life. I walked away from the car when I was done leaving four large dents in the hood, two on the side, and the drivers side door hanging on one hinge.
What am I getting at? Well, let's say that car represents this world's sin, pain, and unbelief. Picture those kids barely making a small dent as the Christians doing nothing about it except for the few of us who did.
Yeah. Ouch. Didn't see that coming, did you?
We have got to stop being so afraid of looking like freaks and start helping lost people find home! Why do you think they call us Jesus freaks? Believe it or not, people see a difference in Christians. Even if you really aren't showing your faith very much, they can still see that you're different. Trust me, I've been that person. We gotta get a move on and start hauling butt on that car. Don't just give the hood a tiny little dent, shatter the windows of unbelief, knock a big ol' hole in sin and pain. Come on people! Let's get this show on the road! Lol feel free to go Carrie Underwood and carve your name in the leather seats. XD
That's my 2 cents for today;) see you next post, and remember your fellow man!

Friends

Tonight I'm feeling pretty good:) I've been talking to a girl named Kirstyn for a month or two now, and she is the best! That girl always brightens my day. I hope she's coming to Thanksgiving (a family gathering on my moms side that we go to every year)
Friends are important. If we put them in the right place. God first, then family, then friends. Right now I have to really focus on my family, and a lot of my friends have sort of dropped out of my life-including my best friend.
You know, even though that really hurts, it makes me realize who my true friends are. My good friends are sticking with me through this even though I can't give them as much time right now. And when I think about it that way, it's really not so bad! Letting go of those the friends that weren't going to stick by me has brought me closer to God and the most important people in my life.
It's all about balance. Have you been balancing your relationships? Who are you putting first? Do a little heart check and you can email me at gabbymcgee15@gmail.com to let me know what you find and talk a little more about it.

What Really Matters

These past few weeks have left us all feeling very empty. We're all just trying our best to push through these hard times, you know?
but even though we are all broke, drained, and having our patience tested to the max, we have really enjoyed each other the past couple of days. We have played lots of Wii together! Right now I can hear Spencer, Asher, and Kelsey playing Mario:) I made popcorn last night and aunt Candace played some Wii Sports with us. We all had a good laugh when my dad told Mary that the Kool-Aid he was drinking was medicine so he could live. LOL!
I will admit that I haven't laughed as hard as I have these 2 days in a really, really long time. We 'big people' sometimes get so caught up in our lives that we forget what's really important. It's not about friends, it's not about success, it's not about money, it's all about Jesus. He's not being selfish when he asks us to focus on him, to give him all the attention. He knows that we need something higher than ourselves to put our trust in.
It has taken me fourteen long years to get this basic point, and I still have trouble wrapping my mind around it.
God really, really, loves us. Like, a lot. I don't really know what he sees in me personally, and I honestly think he's crazy, but its true! Even though I've done things I'm not proud of, neglected important things, and have sinned just like everybody else...
He still loves me.
So here's what I want you to do. I want you to think about this when you're done reading. Read your Bible. Talk to God about it. Have you been focusing on him lately? Or have you been distracted by your life, whether it's good, hectic, or not so good?
The truth is, we all get distracted. I've done it time and time again...but soon as I turn my attention back to him, its like I'm relearning what he already told me and I'm like, "oh yeah! I almost forgot that."
So spend some time with God! Especially if you're feeling empty. You can try anything and everything to fill yourself up when you're empty but, take it from someone who has been down that road a million times-nothing will satisfy you like Jesus will.
Focus on what really matters today.

My song for today:

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of the sudden, I am unaware
of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are
And how great your affections are for me
and oh, how he loves us
Oh, how he loves us
how he loves us all
He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of the sudden I am unaware
Of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful you are
And how great your affections are for me
Oh, how he loves!
yeah he loves us
Oh, how he loves us
oh how loves
and we are his portion
And he is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes
If his grace is an ocean
We're all sinking
And heaven meets earth
Like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently
inside of my chest
And I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way
Oh, how he loves us
Oh, how he loves us
How he loves us all

That's David Crowder Band, How He Loves if u wanna check it out.

Thanks for reading! Adios!

love the little people

So this morning I woke up around eight thirty to see that everyone was gone but Olivia and I.
I was a little confused. Ok, I thought. Dad is at work, Kelsey went with Cindy to go pick peaches, and candace and the girls stayed at Nana's last night..
So where was mom?
Apparently she went to go get some breakfast because she was feeling sick and had a headache. As most of you who will be reading this blog already know, my mom is pregnant again! We are hoping for a boy, because we have enough girls already!
Now don't misread me. I love kids! When I get impatient with them (it's kinda hard not to. Put a two yr old, three year old, and a four year old in the same house and you get the picture), I just remember that I was their age too. I was once a four year old begging my incredibly busy mom to play with me. I know a lot of people, especially teens,don't like kids. I think that's really sad! We should be paying attention and be good examples to little kids. After all, they are the future of this world. We should be good examples for them, because they look up to us.
this is a really important thing for me right now. With the girls living in my house, I'm basically their 'mom' until mom gets back. They haven't seen their parents much lately, but today Jeff and Candace took them out to eat and run errands with them. When they stopped by a few minutes ago to drop them off, they ran back to their their dad three times saying every time, "Just one more hug, daddy. "
my heart literally broke for them.
Right then was when I really realized just how much they were missing their parents and siblings. It also made me feel more dedicated in doing a good job raising them until these next few months
are over.
So love the little people! You never know how much of an impact it will have on them when they think about you later in life.
Adios amigo!

Gabby

Hey everybody! Took me a while to figure this thing out, but this is my first post on here. Woot woot!
I mostly started this blog because I was trying to find Paytons blog, & I wound up getting sidetracked making one of my own. Haha! I won't be able to post very often because, like I said
when I was writing in the 'about me' space, my life is crazy busy!
I'm about to go make dinner, so I gots to go..

All I have to say is while you are reading my blog, enjoy the ride and I hope you like roller coasters;)