I know that everyone has probably heard the phrase "Everybody hurts." When I first heard that phrase my thoughts were along the lines of "Duh, of course they do." This phrase has begun to mean more to me over the years. I've always struggled with self-image, how I look, if people like me or not, and other things like that. I've begun to realize more and more that every girl struggles with these things. Even the most beautiful, talented, popular girls struggle with thoughts like "You're not pretty enough," "You need to lose some weight," or "You'll never be as good as that person." No, this might not be real, physical pain, but it hurts just the same. Thoughts like these so easily take over our minds and many times, our lives. It's helped me so much to know that I'm not left alone to try and overcome these thoughts by myself. This phrase reminds me that there are people out there that know what I'm going through and can understand and help me. But I don't think this simple phrase should stop after "Everybody hurts." Because there's something that can help me more than a million people. I can always turn to God. I forget so often that God is always there for me and He can do even "more abundantly than we could ever ask." But it's true; He is there and He will help. So perhaps instead of just "Everybody hurts," this phrase should instead read something like "Everybody hurts, and God will heal hurt."

Exciting!!!

Exciting news!!!  So, some of you know how much I enjoy acting. Although I enjoy it so much, I haven't had a whole lot of opportunities to try out or participate in plays and musicals, other than church productions. I tried out for our community play recently, and got a part!!!  Or rather, I should say THE part. There are four people in this play, only one of which is played by a female, and I got it! I will be playing three or four roles myself in the production "39 steps." I'm really excited!!!!!  I get to be in a play!!!  Not only that, but I'm one of four people in it!!!!! I know I'm going to be really nervous, but I have until the beginning of September, so hopefully I'll be ready.  Wish me luck!!! :)