breath is like the ocean
it creeps in
and cascades out into a gusty wave

listen

when they cross my mind
i feel like
my arms are being squeezed into a hug
and my cheeks are sore from being pulled into a thousand smiles
and my lips are bursting with giggles
and my heart is warm and content

i feel love

Tonight the sky looked like a watercolor painting

The clouds were broad strokes of cream
gently brushed across the bright backdrop
of warm oranges and nurturing blues

The moon was a glistening orb
it looked magical
winking at me from its milky cradle

My stereo hummed out a tune about love
as I winded down the roads
to see every corner of this beautiful piece of art

Love was on my mind
a smile was on my face
and in moments like this
I cannot help but believe in You.

Thank you.
Thank you for revealing yourself to me in ways that I never could have predicted.
Thank you for introducing me to your loving spirit in the hearts of these girls.
Thank you for the opportunity to learn, share, and grow closer to you.
Thank you for giving me another chance to honor you.
Thank you for allowing me to lead others towards finding you.
Thank you for always being with me in this crazy life.
Thank you for the ups and downs, and thank you for each lesson and blessing you have brought to me in the process.
You have blessed me with so much, and I will take this chance to act in your name, in the name of love, and to spread your spirit the best that I can.
Amen.

I am an early afternoon,
A setting sun that holds endless possibilities.

I am a floral swing dress one day,
And skinny jeans with heels the next
I am a carefully crafted outfit that represents me, even if it’s too much.

I am winter,
Bringing people together to find warmth and love.

I am purple,
A compromise between red and blue,
A modest yet captivating shade.

I am the soft flannel sheets that keep me warm in bed.

I am the hopeful, loving, giving spirit of Christmas.

I am the cross that symbolizes values and promises.

I am the chocolate cake that makes you forget everything else and just smile.

I am Dobby, always trying to do the right thing for my friends.

I am the sound of a crackling fireplace,
Quiet enough to let your mind roam free, but loud enough for you to know that I’m here to keep you warm.

to find something in everything
to savor each day
to look into people's eyes
to stand up straight
to create and be proud of my creations
to shut my eyes, will out my doubts, and jump
to sing
to open myself to others
to listen, and to learn
to wear it, even if it's too much
to laugh until I cry
to live out love.

The world is anew!
Love and joy are all around
My smile's here to stay.