2015 Summer Missions Trip

Any day now Gobal Epxeditions will be announcing their 2015 summer mission trips! I am so excited and trying very hard to be patient while waiting! My hope is that they will have the same 2 month South Africa and Uganda mission trip that they had this summer. I can't wait to see! 

Family Vacation 2014

August 11th - 14th was our family vacation! Everybody from my mom's side went to Honey Creek Lake and Resort. It was definitely a lot of fun with kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, biking, and boating. We also had fun playing volleyball, making bonfires and eating s'mores, and just enjoying spending time together! 

Cousin Elizabeth teaching Sabrina how to serve a volleyball 

Movies Under The Moon

Friday, August 22nd was my parents 27th wedding anniversary! So I got to babysit Sabrina and we went to watch Brave at Movies Under The Moon! On some Fridays during the summer, a park in our town puts on movies after sunset. They are free and so much fun! 

We came early so we could get a good spot right in a front! We brought colors to keep us busy while waiting :) 

They also had some people play music before the show

New this year was the blow up screen donated by the local gaming association! It is so cool :) 

I will always love spending time with my little sissy! She sat on my lap the whole time :) 

My Apartment!

On August 8th, I moved out and into my new apartment! They are right across from the college that I will be attending in the Spring. I have two roommates, Leah and Stacey. They are both really nice and fun to hang out with (an answer to our prayers). So here is a little "tour" of my apartment! 

The kitchen

Bar and view of kitchen

Living room

Laundry/Cleaning closet

My bathroom ♡

My room! ♡

Keeping Strong in my Faith

I have been a Christian my whole life but that doesn't mean that I have been strong in my faith my whole life. There have been moments when sin and temptation has made me stray away. There has also been times during sickness where I was mad at God, but throughout my life I have always believed in him and knew that he has died for our sins. I have always tried to keep my faith strong though because deep down I knew that I would not be able to get through life without him! He is my strength and rock during tough times. Recently I decided that I was going to get to know God more and really dig deep into his word. I have always tried to read the bible, go to church, and pray but I really wanted to get to know God more. I know that there is always more that I can learn from God. One night I decided that I would be going on a missions trip next year, so I decided that I'll be going to Africa for two months next summer. I'll be going with Global Expeditions but they have not announced next summer's trips yet so I can't say exactly which one I am going on yet. I am so excited and can't wait to see what God is going to do with my life. God is the only way in which I can find true peace and happiness.

This is my favorite Christian song, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United. 

http://youtu.be/dy9nwe9_xzw

I got this amazing shirt from www.unlockhope.com , they have many other great designs and they proceeds go to support young women in Uganda. You can read more about what they do on their website and view other designs/products! 

Lush Addict Part 2

Twilight Bath Bomb- Recreate the magic of a starry night in your bath water with clouds of lavender and tonka absolute to fight the demons of insomnia and soothe your stressed out body and mind. Our most relaxing Bath Bomb yet, Twilight is our gentle, reassuring hug for the bath to transform you from worn out to warm and fuzzy. It changes color like the sky at dusk, from pinks to purples and darker still. Lay back in the comforting herbal waters to soak your troubles far, far away.

Granny Takes A Dip Bath Bomb- When you need a break from the real world, hide away in the tub with this psychedelic fizzer. Lie back and watch as its mesmerizing colorful swirls radiate around you, filling the air with the groovy multilayered scent of uplifting lemon oil, spicy black pepper and fresh ginger oil. Let your mind wander as the colors dance and swirl creating a hypnotizing spectacle, and eventually blend together to turn the water a deep comforting purple. Ready to make your triumphant return to reality? Emerge from the tub with softened, lightly perfumed skin and a clear mind.

Black Pearl Shower Gel

Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask-

Prevent disasters by taking regular care of your skin with our deep-cleansing, nutrient-rich blueberry mask. The little blue bulbs are packed with vitamins, and blended into calamine, rose absolute and chamomile blue oil to soothe redness, irritation and cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. This one is wonderfully soothing on sensitive skin. Treat your face to Catastrophe Cosmetic as often as you can to keep your skin looking its best. 

Big Blue Bath Bomb- 

Take a dip into the deep blue sea of our Big Blue Bath Bomb for an inspiring getaway to the seashore. Lavender is instantly relaxing on the body and mind, and lemon oil helps to keep you afloat. For a truly authentic experience, we’ve added in some of nature’s finest ingredients – sea salt and seaweed. Packed with minerals, salt helps the body rid itself of toxins, while seaweed softens and soothes your skin. Just lay back and sail away to shores of uncluttered thoughts, softer skin and warm, blue seas.

Melting Marshmallow Moment- 

MMM melts into a pink, fluffy waterbed of marshmallow and moisturizing cocoa butter to satisfy cravings for all things sweet and delicious. Each pink, cupcake-shaped bath melt is made with real marshmallow herb, which produces a sweet, skin-soothing mucilage and marigold, which is equally lovely and calming for your skin. Part bath melt and part Bath Bomb – it’s the fluffiest, pinkest bath melt we’ve ever created. Mixing it with the Bath Bomb mixture means that Melting Marshmallow Moment goes the distance. It fizzes and melts slowly, releasing the softening, skin soothing cocoa butter and almond oil into the water.

Letters of Encouragement

Over the years I have received many letters from people all around the world. One of my walls in my room is covered in letters! So I decided that I would start posting them on here in hopes that it would encourage other people fighting chronic or invisible illnesses and also give people some ideas or examples of what to send to someone in there life who is hurting! 

" Noelle,

You are such an inspiration! Know that we are praying for you during this rough season you are going through. God often takes us to places where we are uncomfortable or even scared, but just remember that He has gone before you and He is also walking right alongside you, holding your hand. Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will be your strength. You are the branches and Jesus is the vine! " 

Moving on Out!

This Friday, August 8th, I will be moving in to my first apartment!! It is so crazy how fast the times goes. It feels like yesterday that I was going to middle school. I am so incredibly blessed and thankful that I am able to move out, financially and health wise! I am super excited to meet new people and to start the next chapter in my life! I am not starting college until Spring 2015 because I still have seven credits to complete in high school. All throughout high school and even part of middle school, I had to have a modified schedule due to my health. Also I technically dropped out two times  during high school so I am very grateful to only be graduating a semester behind. With hard work, determination, and God by my side, I fully believe that I can accomplish anything in life. For those of you who don't know, my plan is to take my first two years of classes ( Liberal Arts degree with an emphasis in Science) at our local community college and then continue on to take two more years at a nursing school near us so I can receive my  BSN ( Bachelors of Science in Nursing.) 

At my apartment, there are four bedrooms (one for each person), two bathrooms (you share with the person across from you), and a community patio, living room, and kitchen! Right now  I only have two roommates and I am really hoping it stays that way!

DIY Cork board

I knew for awhile that I wanted a cork board in my new room at my apartment. Especially since I have been used to having a whole wall that cork board! So this past week, I got a cork board from Walmart (around $10) and got two different paint samples from Home Depot ($6 for both of them, I already had the black). So I used my bowls to draw the circles, painted, and turned a boring old cork board into something beautiful! I am so happy with how it turned out and I can't wait to see it hanging up with letters and pictures on it! 

James 1:12

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test , that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."