As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I wanted to reflect on how God has placed His hand in my life for the past 18 years of my life. Through times of sadness and darkness, I also found myself in times of radiant joy and endless love. As it is my mission to evangelize to those around me, I have found this mission play a huge part in my life. I have also realized the true power of prayer, and what it means to be in relationship with Jesus. I have realized that no matter how down may be, goodness can always arise. What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you’re here? What if the trials of this life are your mercies in disguise?” (Laura Story).
I grew up in a small town in Louisiana knowing who Jesus was, but not knowing who He was personally. I grew up Methodist, and went to a public elementary school, where I met some of my life long friends. God placed His hands in my life that early, and I still keep in touch with those people today. He taught me that distance from people you once knew can actually be a good thing; that distance made the heart stronger. When I was going into 6th grade, He put me in the private school I went to in preschool, which I realize now was on of the best things that happened to me in my lifetime. My best friend, Peyton and I, were reunited and it was like we never were apart. I got my heartbroken in middle school, I danced ridiculously at school dances, and I grew closer with an amazing group of girls who helped shape me as a person. At the end of my 6th grade year, I found out that my dad’s job was transferring to Kansas, and I did not understand why God could move me from such an amazing situation. I understand now. After moving to Kansas, I was angry and hurt that I had to drop everything and move. I did not truly understand my meaning in Kansas until I was in high school. After 1 year of living in Kansas my 7th grade year, my dad was FIRED for something He did not do, and we were left with nothing. We moved back to Louisiana, and struggled for 2 years. We moved from house to house, and at one point, we were living with my grandmother. What I do know is those 2 years Peyton and I got closer, my family and I got closer, and I saw God bringing the good out of a horrible situation, which He would prove to me over and over again.
Peyton & I – 6th Grade
Peyton, Dad, and I- 8th Grade Graduation
Once I graduated my 8th grade year, Peyton and I went to different schools but remained close friends, even though we didn’t see each other every day. This year was the year that I realized that something felt empty in my life, even in the wonderful year I had at my school freshman year. My dad was living in Kansas, because his job was offered back to him after an investigation went down- realizing that a huge mistake was made. Even though my mind was telling me I needed to be with my family, I didn’t want to leave Peyton, my best friends, and most of all, my family!
My best friend Jessica & I- the day before I left for Kansas- freshman year!
Peyton and I- freshman year!
Once I left Louisiana after freshman year, I got in a relationship that was long distance. God told me over and over again that Kansas was the right place for me, but all that I wanted to do was be away from my family, go with my boyfriend at the time, and move back home. I went through rough times with my family–it was hard to ever get along with them- and sophomore year was a living hell for me. I distanced myself from my classmates, and I didn’t want to be there. Out of the horrible time I was having my sophomore year, I managed to meet several of my now lifelong friends on the cheer team, as well as re-begin the sport which would lead me to greater things. God realized I needed sisters, and realized I needed to meet certain people. Here are a few pictures from sophomore year.
My best friend Stacy & I- sophomore year! Best friends to this day. Couldn’t do life without her!
Makynna and I sophomore year- she got me through some very dark and difficult times this year- forever grateful! Love you!
Sophomore year, my relationship and another thing kept me from becoming who I was meant to be. I was being selfish, but my mom was also becoming Catholic after 2 months of working at my school. I hated the Catholic Church. I found it threatening and I was so angry at the fact that anything could separate my family: AGAIN. It was a year full of anger, fights, yelling, and sadness for my family. It was a year of selfishness for me.
My mom’s bracelet from being confirmed in the Catholic Church- Easter 2013
It was not until the end of my sophomore year to the beginning of junior year that my life was COMPLETELY renewed and changed. At the end of my sophomore year, I broke up with the boyfriend who I had been dating throughout my sophomore year. I missed my family, and felt like I was being held back from them. At that time, I decided to let go of myself and let God work in my life. He worked VERY QUICKLY. I had just gotten back from a few weeks in Louisiana to get away from everything when I realized that I needed to be with my family and love them unconditionally again. Here is a picture of when I returned home. I can see the joy on my face during this time.
My Mom and I- Summer After Sophomore Year
Now- here comes where my life was completely changed. Once I told God that He needed to takeover and grab a hold of my life and guide my heart- he brought someone very special into my life. He had been trying to bring him in my life several times, and I refused because of selfish reasons.
I met Jake my sophomore year when I got to St. James. I sat by him in geometry my sophomore year, and we got closer every class that we were in. I sucked at math, and he was great, so he helped me pass. Jake started falling for me as soon as he met me, and I just couldn’t see him that way- yet. He asked me to coffee 7 times- yes 7! I denied him every single time- but something in Him was telling him to KEEP GOING. Once I broke up with my now ex-boyfriend, Jake and I became closer friends. That is when I let go of myself and latched onto Jesus, who brought me to Jake. Jake asked me out on a date in July of 2013, and on July 23 of 2013 I finally went on a date with Jake. It was an instant connection and we got closer. On the 25th, we went to Starbucks and just found ourselves wrapped up in conversation that we didn’t want to end. Jake wanted me to be his girlfriend, but for myself, I needed time to think it over and ask God was he wanted me to do. At the beach, all I could think about was Jake. I kept thinking and wondering if he was right for me, and every doubt I had was turned into a reassurance that this was God’s person for me. On August 6th, 2013 Jake and I started dating. Here is the picture from that night.
Jake and I- August 6th, 2013
Once I started dating Jake, i was the happiest I have ever been. I made myself open to friendships that I keep today, and I found myself to be full of joy. I was still missing something, and Jake had it. He was Catholic. The fall of my junior year was life changing. I had been thinking about converting and felt like God was calling me to that. I was on my knees in Holy Trinity praying side by side with Jake when I heard God’s voice tell me that I need His body and His blood–I needed to convert! Jake was my angel- He was sent on this Earth to influence my conversion, to teach me how to love, and to be my soulmate. Here are pictures from my junior year.
Makynna and I- football season Junior Year!
Katie, Makynna, and I- Junior Year Football Season
Homecoming Junior Year
Jake and I- Christmas 2013
Prom 2014!
Jake and I- Junior Year
Taylor, Jake, Me, and Maddie- Confirmation 2014 Jake sponsored Taylor in coming into the Church, and Maddie sponsored me. Forever grateful for these people right here!
These people have been there for me through it all. They have seen me laugh, cry, and not understand God’s plan for me. They have always encouraged me to follow His will. Thank you Jake and thank you Jake’s parents!
After Junior Year, my life was changed forever and I was a completely different person. Going into my senior year, I was voted as cheer captain and community captain, which was amazing to me. I felt like I was needed and loved. God was guiding me to great things. I led the cheer team in choreography and my loud voice that was heard from afar, and led the community of Gianna Molla in a quiet, but I hope, powerful way. My mission was to be a leader that inspired others with goodness and love. This was the year that Jake and I both visited Benedictine College, and we recognized that that was our home. This was the year that Jake and I promised each other forever. This was the year that everything fell into place. Here are some pictures to highlight my senior year. There was so much to say- that I will just show you pictures!
My Mom & Dad’s marriage was blessed in the Catholic Church this year.
We finally won the banana at cheer camp senior year! Selena and Meghan are the other officers!
The Beach- Senior Year
Football Season- Senior Year Love you sweetheart!
Cheering Senior Year!
My sweet Megan and I- basketball season senior year!
You are my love! Us at the beach senior year- Spring Break!
Prom 2015! We have grown so much!
Signing to cheer and play football at Benedictine College! Our girls!
Graduation 2015! Ben!
Signing Day- Cheering and Playing football at BC- lifelong dream of mine was to cheer in college. Without Jake, St. James, and my family, none of this would have come true!
This is the woman who inspired my heart and helped me to grow so much in cheerleading. Without you, I would not be where I am with my cheerleading career today! I love you!
This girl has been with me throughout the last couple of years at St. James and she has been one of my very best friends!
My senior year gave me opportunities to cheer in college and lead others to Christ through my words and actions. God led me to understand what I am supposed to do with my life, led me to do what I love, and brought me closer to Jake in holiness. I am forever grateful for all of the people that have shaped me into the person I am today.
As I move onto Benedictine College in a few days, I will always remember to rely on Jesus Christ, and not myself. I will recognize the power of quality time with those you love. I will understand when things don’t go my way, that God has a bigger plan.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
GO RAVENS!
Mommy, thank you for always being there for me through every rough time in my life. I love you and am so thankful for the open, honest, and amazing relationship we have built.
Maw Maw and Paw Paw, Thank you for all of the love, generosity, and life lessons you have taught me over the years. Thank you for being an example of true love for Jake and I, and for always letting me know how much you love me. You are amazing!
Peyton, Thank you for being my best friend from Day 1 of our lives. You have been my best friend for almost 19 years, and I am forever grateful for my relationship with you. Even though we are apart, nothing will break us apart. I love you Pey Pey!
Jake, Thank you for inspiring my heart and leading me to Jesus. Thank you for everything. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you with all of my heart! I always will. You are the biggest blessing. I look forward to many more years!
Jessica, Even though I do not talk to you everyday, when we are together, it is like we never left. You are my lifelong friend, and sister. I love you! Always thinking about you!
Cameron, I have watched you grow up into an amazing man. I am so grateful for you and your relationship with me and my brother. Keep killin it in high school, and come to BC for college!
Honey & Daddy D, Thank you for all you have done for me in my life. Thank you for being amazing examples of love and joy. I am forever grateful for both of you and the inspiration you have always had on me. I love you both!
Taylor, Thank you for continuously supporting me in all that I do. You are the weirdest, nerdiest, yet most brave person I know. Love you bunches!
BC, HERE I COME!
Insaintly Preppy 