Bullying

Thought I’d touch on this. 
I’ve heard people say “Oh, there’s bullying in our school?” “I don’t think people are really being bullied”
If this is you, then you’re blind to your own fault.
Any time you gossip about someone, or say something mean about someone to their face or behind their back, you’re being a bully.
That’s what hurts people. Not just what’s said to their face, but what everyone is saying behind their back. The rumors that you spread. That secret that you tell your friend about someone messing around on new years, that’s bullying. That’s spreading somebody’s personal life and mocking/judging it. Is there physical bullying and face to face bullying? Yes, however minimal, there still is.
But I think the real problem is when you and your group of friends is ripping on what a girl did with her hair, what someone wore, someone gaining weight, losing weight, being weird, or being passionate about something ‘geeky’. These people are daring to step out, they’re doing something that they want to do, and you’re going to tell them they’re not cool and that it’s not acceptable? The problem with society is we continue to tell people to ‘be themselves:)’ but as soon as they are, you run to your friends and tear them down.
Every time you gossip or rip on someone, it’s coming from your own insecurity, and until everyone grows up and realizes this, there’s still going to be a problem with bullying.
Everybody is equal. No matter what your passions are, how much money your family has, what exclusive friend group you’re in, the sports you play, etc. Because when it comes down to it, you’re worth is in who you truly are on the inside, and if everything listed above was taken away and your personality was out on the table, what would be so cool about you then? 

How you treat the ‘nobodies’ is how you really are. And next time you want to tear someone down or make fun of what they’re doing, ask yourself what’s really wrong with it, if it even concerns you, and if you’re doing any better.
 

(Source: ellymaye)

New Year

I miss having the time to write in this.
I spent my new year in Kansas City, Missouri, like I have the last 2 years. Haha I seriously can’t even begin to explain the Jesus high I’m on right now.  If you’d like to learn more about the technicalities of Onething, click here (: Basically, it’s 25,000 people in the convention center worshiping Jesus and watching miracles unfold. But please, don’t disregard this because of your dislike towards the stereotypical ‘Christian,’ because it’s not a room full of Christians, (I mean yeah but,) It’s a room full of people that are so on fire and passionate for my God that brings peace and happiness and a forever undying love. It’s watching miracles happen and literally being brought to your knees in complete surrender. It was so crazy. It made me realize that I’m ready to grow up this year. I’m ready to be done conforming to the high-school status quo. I’m not going to feel left out because I don’t mess around or drink or smoke, because that’s not what life’s about, and half of you only do it because it’s what’s cool. The men there inspired me, that there are men out there that are mature, respectful, and strong enough to not give way to lust. They showed me what’s worth waiting for. There are guys out there besides the ones in high school. Personally, nothing’s more attractive than a guy completely surrendering in worship to God. The measure of a man is the measure of his heart, and I’ll wait patiently for God’s will to be done to put the man he has picked out for me in my life. 
I made some new friends as well. One of which I ended up prophesying over, which has been a gift that God’s been working through me for the last year. That was pretty radical. Everyone was so nice, and you could feel the peace and presence of God throughout the city. 
It was refreshing and I’m ready to start the new year living a new life, as cliche as that is. I want to seek God in everything I do and build my relationship with Him. I wish I could bring everyone I know down there, because you don’t leave there without being changed. 
Be Blessed,
El (: 

(Source: ellymaye)

Deeper;

So I go to Substance Church here in MN, let me start off by saying that this church is THE BOMB. I’ve been going here for a little over a year and these people are honestly my family. I’m on the worship band at the youth group and it’s such a small thing that I do but it’s honestly like my favorite thing in the world and I’m pretty positive its something I’m going to continue doing the rest of my life. Anyways, last night was the monthly Deeper Worship night. It was 2 and a half hours of just worship. Ohh it was SO refreshing! Nothin gets ya goin like being in a place with so many people just on fire for God! I came to new senses about things in my life, and got word for my friend Mariah, as well as just being inspired in my life to start living differently. Let me tell you though, the worship band, those are some awesome people! They’re all so friendly and man, they know how to worship! Click here and go like the page, and listen to their new song! Anyways, it was really just what I needed right now. I’ve been trying to let go of a few burdens and just trying to start fresh and new but it was hard, of course, and I just kinda felt like I was sort of in a desert. But honestly, if you live around here I totally encourage you to go to one. (:

With love,

Elly

(Source: ellymaye)

Lately;

Summer is FLYING by. It doesn’t help that I was gone for a month up at my cabin working, but the plus side to that is I actually have some money now. I really wanted this summer to be adventurous and be crazy good, but it might just be time that I need to use to transition in my life, plan for the future, and grow spiritually. I feel like I need to start planning for college. Ultimately I shouldn’t, but it’s my absolute dream to go to Northwestern College. If it was up to me, this would be no problem and I would go and deal with the cost as it comes. But my parents aren’t huge advocates for the concept of paying more for a better school. They think I’ll get the same education at a state school that costs $20,000 less. Whether that’s true I have no idea. But this is something I’m gonna be praying about a tonnn. I can’t think of anywhere else that I’d want to go as much. I’m in love with the campus, they have a great music program, I’d be right across the lake from where my best friend is going, I’d be right in the middle of where i’d need to be for any shopping or visiting friends/family etc, and I could stay with my church. Pleease pray for me for this. I want to go to a bible college, and this is one of the cheaper. But I’d need to come up with about 20k a year in scholarships or financial aid. This is a pretty boring post but it’s just really what’s on my mind right now. Its still a little early to be thinking about it but when you have dreams, they don’t leave your mind. It’s not even whether i’d be able to get in, but the fact that I don’t know if my parents would let me go there. They’re only gonna be able to pay for so much and I know they’re reeeally against me having a ton of student loans to pay once I get out. I guess that’d be my responsibility. a;lskdjfoiqwh

With love,

<3Elly

(Source: ellymaye)