Somewhat New Year's Resolutions

Well it’s that time of year again, New Year’s resolutions. I will spare you the cliché “new year, new me” blog post because, truthfully, I have never actually written down an official New Year’s resolution and don’t plan on it this year. To me, every day is another opportunity to improve yourself, why wait until January 1^st.  I recently have been reflecting on the past year. Today I want to share some things I learned in 2014 and some of my aspirations for 2015.

This past year I grew a lot as a person. As a senior year in high school, I became a leader and had many opportunities to practice leadership in 2014. As a believer in Christ, I strengthened and grew deeper in my relationship with Christ. I also, learned how and took more opportunities to share my faith. I hope to further my leadership skills and continue to draw closer to God in 2015.

This summer I had the opportunity to be a leader at weekend retreat for
the middle school students. That weekend was so influential on me
spiritually and as a leader. At least once a week I recall memories
or things I learned that weekend.

This past year taught me a lot about the “real world”. I began to learn what it means to grow up and have “big kid” responsibilities. From making college and career choices to figuring out how to pay for college to starting a job, I learned that being a grown up isn’t as fun (or easy) as it seems. With that said, I began to embrace and enjoy my last few months of high school, living at home, and just being a kid. I hope to retain my childlike sense of wonder as I continue to grow up and take on responsibilities in 2015.

Me visiting the University of Florida over the summer.

Me when I received my Auburn acceptance letter.

 

This past year taught me that family doesn’t mean blood. I became aware of just how amazing and important my friends are to me. Whether it be late night heart to heart conversations or hilarious snapchats, I learned this year that true friends are always there to comfort, encourage, and make you laugh. I hope that everyone has friends like that. In 2015, I hope to grow deeper in my current friendships and gain new friendships too.

"Madison Squared"

Some of my favorite sisters in Christ.

My "big sister"

My "adopted underclassmen" and dear friend.

This past year also reminded me how awesome my parents are. Even when I’m being stubborn and don’t want to see it, my parents always have my best interest. They want to do what’s right for me. Sometimes I try to be a little too independent and overlook how great my parents really are. This upcoming year I will be moving away from home for college and I hope to stay close with my parents.

My hilarious yet sometimes serious dad.

My sassy and loving mom.

 

This past year I learned that being nice makes others happy and yourself even happier. Sending an encouraging text or picking up your friend’s favorite treat or simply complimenting someone, spreads happiness. Everyone is hurting and going through something, and sometimes a positive word can really impact someone’s day. I know how it makes me feel when someone shows me kindness, and I want to make other people feel that way in 2015.

This past year I also learned that the best part of memories is making them. This year I made a lot of memories and became mindful of how cool memories can be. As a senior, I have spent a lot of time reminiscing. Its funny how I don’t really recall anything special about the nights spent watching Netflix by myself, but I have vivid memories of the times spent doing exciting, random, and funny things with my friends and family. I hope I can take my love of making memories into 2015 as I head off to conquer new adventures.

Such school spirit.

Yes, that is shaving cream.

Canoeing like Lewis and Clark.

Going zip lining in Mexico (and yes, I have clothes on)

Like the title of this post, these are my “somewhat New Year’s resolutions.” This past year I have really started to discover and create myself as a person. I learned about a lot about myself and how the world works. I 'm grateful for all that 2014 taught me and I am looking forward to all that 2015 has to offer. What are your aspirations for the New Year? I wish y’all a happy and safe New Year!

Winter Break Part One Recap

Well, Christmas has passed which means winter break is half over. This year’s winter break has been filled with friends, family, food, and lots of laughter. I’ve made memories with all of them this winter break that I will never forget. Today, I wanted to share some of the things I have done over the first half of winter break.

The Nutcracker and Nostalgia

It’s not Christmas without the Nutcracker. Like I have mentioned in previous posts, I was a ballet dancer and danced in the Nutcracker for over ten years. This year was the second year watching the show from the audience. My friend Carrie, who also used to dance, and I saw the Nutcracker and spent hours after reminiscing of our dancing days.


 

Coco and the Causeway with Celene (alliteration at it’s finest)
Living in Florida, I always dream of a white Christmas but settle with a sandy one. My friend Celene and I watched the sunset while sipping on hot chocolate and exchanging presents. I’m sure some of my northern readers are laughing at me right now, but hey it was like 65 degrees outside which is pretty chilly for Florida.

Working Girl

For the past few months I have been interning at a local pharmacy once a week, but over break I was offered a part time job at the pharmacy. The opportunity to gain insight and experience in my future career field has been awesome. I am loving my job and all that I learning.

Christmas Chaos

My youth group celebrated Christmas with fake snow, an ice ball fight (which was a lot more painful than anticipated), and Christmas karaoke. It was such a great time and I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a long time.

Santa's favorite little elf, Sarah.

Downtown Shenanigans
My friends and I headed downtown one evening over break to enjoy the pretty city lights and dinner. Celene brought her camera and took over a hundred pictures capturing some sweet moments and some hilarious moments.

We may have snuck into a rooftop party, but look at this view!

So festive.

Celene says, "turn around" and this is the face we both make.
Never a dull moment with us!

Christmas Eve Eve Tea

On Christmas Eve Eve (the day before Christmas Eve), my friends and I had a tea party. As kiddish as it sounds, it was seriously so fun. We laughed, told stories, and sipped on tea for hours.

 

 

Christmas Eve

Is it weird that I like Christmas Eve more than actual Christmas? Anyway, my family attended a candlelight church service at my church which was beautiful. This service is one of favorites every year. The dark room lit only by candles gives such a picture of how Jesus is our light in the darkness.  


When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of
the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life,"
-John 8:12

Following church, my family headed to dinner. We enjoyed a delicious meal with favorites like guacamole, smoked Gouda grits, and tableside campfire s’mores (which is exactly what it sounds, a mini campfire on your table).  

 

Feeling like Blair Waldorf with my plaid dress, headband, and pearls.

I love my mama!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning was spent sipping hot chocolate and exchanging gifts. Be sure to check out yesterday’s blog post about my most cherished Christmas present. Then, my aunt and uncle came over for a breakfast. At breakfast I may have eaten my weight in waffles and bacon.

The magic of Christmas morning.

Christmas afternoon was spent at my other aunt’s house for the big family dinner. And when I say big, I mean like over forty people. We have a big family so there is lots of noise and laughter.

Once driving home from my aunt’s, my family enjoyed more hot chocolate and cookies and watched the movie Christmas Vacation. It was such a perfect ending to the busy day.


We thought we were cute with our matching initial mugs.

Today I shared some of the highlights of my winter break. I am looking forward to New Years and the second half of winter break. I would for you to share some of your winter break highlights or Christmas traditions, comment below or on Instagram. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year!

Christmas Presents

Already another Christmas has come and gone, it seems like this time of year always goes by so quickly. Like many families, yesterday morning was spent sipping hot chocolate and opening presents. Today I will be sharing with y’all the most meaningful gift I received this Christmas.

The last present I opened on Christmas morning was a small gift bag that held a beautiful passport cover and a passport application. For months now, a missions trip has been on my heart. I’ve been praying about and seeking opportunities to go on a missions trip. Opening this present on Christmas morning filled my heart with such joy. It truly is going to happen. I’m going to have the opportunity to go down to the Dominican Republic this summer and share the glory and love of Jesus Christ.

Honestly, opening this gift almost brought me to tears and just made it all so real. Then, Christmas afternoon my family headed over to my aunt’s house for the big family dinner. We again exchanged gifts and I received many gifts to help pay for my missions trip. 

With paying for college and other expenses coming up, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go on a missions trip at this time, but I am quickly seeing that God is making a way with generous donations and fundraising opportunities. If you ever feel like you are being called to go on a missions trip, don’t let the financial cost keep you from going. Money isn’t an obstacle for God and his will.

I am looking forward to learning more about what our group will being doing down in the DR and how God will prepare and use us to glorify him. This was such a meaningful and memorable Christmas. I hope y’all had a very merry Christmas filled with laughter and memories.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
-1 Chronicles 16:24

  

Share Your Story Sunday {Week Two}

Today I am excited to welcome the Happy Prepster to my blog. Her story will be the second story in my new series entitled Share Your Story Sunday. Be sure to check out my story in last week's post. I had the opportunity to connect with the Happy Prepster on Instagram a few months ago and have continued to fall in love with her account, her monthly scripture cards, and her passion for Christ. I hope you enjoy reading her story and check out her Instagram and adorable Etsy shop.

I was born in Florida and have been living here my whole life. Similar to the beginning of most testimonies, I was born into a Christian home with loving parents and went to a private school where I did well and was, for the most part, very happy. My 7^th grade year, I experienced the typical middle school bullying and at the time, it seemed like the end of the world but coming out of my middle school and learning to not let words get the best of me, ultimately made me a much stronger person.

When I graduated and moved on to high school, everything changed. I was taken out of my private school bubble and was exposed to “the real world”. Through out my first 2 years of high school, I came into horrible contact with drinking, bad friends, even worse boys, drugs, partying, abuse etc. They were all things that I had heard about in movies and books but never something that I actually thought I would experience.

Then finally, a friend who I was so blessed to have at the time, came into my life and showed me what it truly meant to be a Christian. He explained to me that being a Christian is more than just believing in God or doing good things. It’s about serving others, doing a daily devotional, wanting to grow stronger in your faith, and loving on people as much as you possibly can. He brought me to a youth group that radically changed my life and I accepted Christ within the first night there. Immediately, I was over come with joy. I had never felt so much acceptance, love and happiness. Even though I had always had a lot of friends and had never been particularly unhappy, I realized that I had always been missing a key component to my happiness and that was a real relationship with God.

Today I continue to worship God through prayer, thankfulness and most of all my business. I love spreading His word through scripture cards and faith filled canvases and I love brightening people’s days with unexpected gifts. Even after becoming a true follower of Christ, however, I still have struggles. I still have friends who aren’t Christians and who unfortunately probably never will be and I have to deal with the pressure and the fact that I will probably be the only Jesus that some of them see. I also still deal with the stresses of school and work and everything else that comes my way but what’s different about those struggles now, is that I know God will always be by my side and He has a wonderful plan and future for me.

Ali McGary

Email: alimcgary@gmail.com

Insta: @thehappyprepster

Etsy store: The Happy Prepster

Sending Holiday Cheer

For those of you who have been following my blog for any amount of time probably know how much I love good ole’ snail mail. This holiday season I found a way to combine my adoration of old fashion mail and making others smile. While online, I stumbled upon the website sendkidstheworld.com. The websites enables people from all over the world to share words of encouragement by sending cards to children with life threatening illnesses.

Last night, I made a dozen cards and spent hours on the website. The website provides you with a picture of the child, their interests, their diagnosis, and their story. Reading through countless heartbreaking stories really made me realize how blessed I am. I chose children that had similar interests to me and talked about those things in the card.

I’m sharing this opportunity on my blog because I think it’s such an easy and inexpensive way to provide positivity, especially around the holidays. A simple note with some encouragement would mean so much to a sick child. I hope you take the time this holiday season to grab a box of stationery and visit this website (here).

Semester One Recap

 

Well, today I took my last final of the semester which means my senior year is half over. As excited as I am to have a month off of school (and don’t get me wrong I am really excited), it is all kind of bittersweet. I think it is starting to sink in that in six months everything will be so different. I will be committing to a college, graduating high school, and saying good bye to lifelong friends. But as I enter this next chapter, I am looking forward to heading off to college, meeting new people, and tackling new adventures. There really is no other way to describe this time other than bittersweet.

In this post, I just wanted to share some of my memories and things I learned during my first semester of senior year.

-Senior year flies by

I honestly cannot believe I am already writing a semester one recap. These last few months have been so busy and have flown by. So, underclassmen don't rush your time left in high school, it goes by fast enough. If I had a penny for every time someone told me that when I was an underclassmen, I'd be a millionaire but now that I've experienced it, I can say it is so true.

My friend Maddy and I on the first day of school.
I cannot believe this was five months ago!

 

-Do fun things or you’ll regret it

As I looked back through my pictures from first semester, I realized I did a lot of fun and somewhat spontaneous stuff. Okay probably not spontaneous by most people's standards, but I actually went and did fun things with my friends this semester. Also, I attended more school sponsored things like sporting events which were really fun. So, underclassmen staying home and watching Netflix will always be an option, but doing fun things with your high school friends won't so make these memories while you can.

My hilarious friend Sarah and I jamming
at the Luke Bryan concert.

Smuggling in Starbucks to the
powderpuff game.... so rebellious.

Homecoming with my beautiful friends.

Canoeing adventures.

Overdosing on school spirit.

Attending a Gator game in the Swamp.
Go Gators!

 

-Senioritis is real

Unfortunately I found out this "senior stereotype" is in fact true. For those of you who don't know what senioritis is, it's a strong motivation to do absolutely nothing. As I started senior year, I though there is no way I will get senioritis, I am so motivated but I did experience a few instances of senioritis. So, underclassmen be aware that senioritis does exist and be prepared to fight it! 

Cute school supplies and ice coffee does
help treat senioritis, just sayin.

 

-The “lasts” are sadder than you think they will be

For most of my time in high school (and some of middle school), I had been looking forward to graduation. With that said, it surprised me when I started to experience some of my "lasts", it was a lot harder than I thought it would be.  Although first semester isn't filled with as many "lasts" as second semester, this semester I played in my last high school golf match and  cheered on my school at the last football game. So, underclassmen enjoy your time in high school because when it ends, you will be sad (even if you don't think you will).

My last high school match wasn't complete
without a sparkly senior sash and
hot pink knee high socks. It's sad to think I will
never represent my school in golf again, but
I am thankful to qualify for
regionals both years on varsity and for the
opportunity to play for such a great team.

My last high school home football game was so
bittersweet. Along side my best friends and
random students, we cheered on our team to the
state semifinals. The sense of family I felt in
 the stadium was so overwhelming I couldn't be
more proud of my team and thankful all the
memories of Friday nights spent in the bleachers
over the past four years.

So, I probably began to ramble in this post but senior year has been a lot different than I thought it would be. Although I am only half way done, it has been the busiest yet most fun and memorable year of high school. I am so excited to see what second semester and 2015 brings. Underclassmen, I hope you found this post helpful. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and comment your favorite memory from high school whether you're currently in high school or you've graduated.

 

Share Your Story Sunday {Week One}

Since launching my blog back in July, I have had this idea of a blog series where I feature different bloggers and friends of mine that to me are truly shining for Christ. I wanted them to share how they came to know Jesus and how their lives changed. It has taken a few months but, at last, here is “Share Your Story Sunday.” If you are interesting in sharing your story on my blog, please e-mail me at monogrammedmadison@gmail.com.

I thought to start this series, I should first share my story. As I sat down to write this post I realized I have never truly told my story. After countless drafts, here it is and my apologizes for such a lengthy post.

Perfection. That’s what I strived for and wouldn’t except any less from myself, which as you can imagine, led to some problems. Ever since my first performance at age four, I dreamed of the day when I would be as perfect as the beautiful dancers in the lead roles.

Whether I was at dance or at school, I was always working to be the best. Then eight grade rolled around. I was taking all honors classes and even some high school level classes. Also during this time, I was working really hard in ballet to be the lead role in the Nutcracker. I still can remember  the morning the cast list was released and my name wasn’t under the lead role. All I could think was that I wasn’t good enough, I didn’t try hard enough, and I was a failure. Now looking back, I see that not getting the lead role wasn't the end of the world but at the time, dance was everything to me.

Throughout eighth grade, my mind continued to be filled with these destructive thoughts. The level of perfection I wanted from myself was beyond unattainable. I began to think that if I was thinner, I would get the lead role and ultimately be happy. It’s obvious that with that thought process I didn’t have Jesus in my life.

Then, I began taking my thoughts and putting them into actions. I would skip meals, constant weight myself in hopes that a certain number on the scale would make me happy. Quickly, food began to control my life. I began separating myself from my friends, avoiding situations with food, and growing unhappy with myself. Looking back, I realize how good of an actress I was. I hid all of this from my friends and family- who cared for me so much. I would eat enough in front of them so they wouldn’t notice and, truthfully, I don’t think I lost a significant amount of weight (I was already thin anyway). I think it was more of a mental game that I played with myself.

The end of eighth grade, I recognized that what I was doing to myself physically and mentally wasn’t normal. I feared reaching out for help because I was doing all this to reach perfection and seeking help meant admitting I wasn’t perfect.

After recognizing I had a problem, I grew so fed up with the self-hatred and my desire to be perfect that I reached out, more like cried out, to my mom for help. I was terrified to admit I had a problem but immediately it felt a ton of bricks being lifted off of me.

Once finishing my counseling, establishing healthy eating habits, and coming to accept that perfection isn't attainable, I felt so much better about myself but it still felt like something wasn’t right.

The next fall, I started high school. I was excited about a fresh start and overall freshmen year was great. I focused most of my energy on school and dance but took more time to relax. That winter I got the opportunity to dance the lead role in the Nutcracker which was one of the happiest moments of my life. I still remember after I finished my first performance as Clara I began to cry. For the first time in a long time, I was proud of myself.

Long story short, sophomore year was good too. Dance just wasn't the same for me. That year I decided to stop dancing which was such a big change. But the most significant moment, not just of sophomore year but of my life, was when I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on May 5, 2013.

A new church had opened and my family began going every Sunday. I had never really felt connected at a church until now. I quickly began to understand who God is, that He loved me, and had plans for me. That emptiness I had felt was now abundantly filled. Rather than dance being my everything, God became my everything.

I can honestly say that God saved me from myself. I now seek to glorify God rather than seeking perfection. Yes, there are tough days still but I know that there is a powerful God who loves me the way I am and has an exact purpose for my life.

I hope that you know that God loves YOU and wants to use YOU to do great things for his glory. You don’t have to be perfect or good enough for God. God takes the broken and makes them strong through Him.

I know this post was long, but thank you for reading it. This is my story and each experience and struggle has brought me here to today. Please, if you relate to this post or are struggling, reach out to someone. If you would like to share your story, but not necessarily post it, you can email me as well. Thank you again for reading, check back next week for another story!

The Thankful Ten

A month without blogging… shameful, I know. Most of the month of November was spent with my nose in a textbook and hours of studying at Starbucks. But today, I am taking a few minutes away from studying to share ten things I am thankful for. This time of year it is easy to focus on the material things and lose sight of just how blessed we all really are. I encourage you to write a list or blog sharing ten things you are thankful for and leave a link in the comments or on Instagram.

-Family. As I am growing up, I am realizing more and more just how amazing my parents are. I don’t thank them enough, so shout out to mom and dad!

-Friends. Yes, these answers are so cliché but I am blessed with so many incredible friends. They always make me laugh and inspire me to be a better person.

-Brunch. This sounds foolish but I am thankful for brunch because not only do I get sleep in and eat delicious food but also spend time with my friends. Some of the most meaningful (and memorable) conversations with my friends have taken place over brunch.

-Blogging. Since starting my blog in July, I have “meet” so many lovely people. Many of which I would consider some of my best friends. The sense of community in the blogger world is really cool and I love being a part of it.

-My needs being met. I am blessed to have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food on my table. I often times forget how fortunate I am to have my needs met.

-Lazy days. I am thankful for days spent in pajamas and binge watching Netflix. Sometimes you just need a day off to be lazy.

-School. As much as I complain about school, I really am thankful for the opportunity I have to educate myself. There is so much to learn in this world and I have the chance to learn as much of it as I can which is awesome.

-My health. I am so blessed to be healthy. I think this is something I really take for granted. It’s so easy to forget that being able to walk, see, hear, and conquer each day with a healthy body is something that many people cannot do.

-Change. Some wouldn’t agree with me, but I am thankful that people (including me) can change. I always find it interesting when you are reconnected with someone who you haven’t seen in years and to see how much they have changed. I am constantly growing and learning new things which changes who I am and how I view things.

-God’s love. I am most thankful for the opportunity to know God and experience his love every day. The peace God gives me is unmatched by anything of this world. God is forgiving and merciful, even when I stray and disrespect him. I am thankful for God’s everlasting and never ending love.

I hope my “thankful ten” got you thinking about some things you are grateful for. Again, share your list with me in the comments below or on Instagram.

Now, that finals are almost done (one more left on Tuesday!), I am looking forward to blogging more often. I will be launching a new series tomorrow entitled “Share Your Story Sunday” which will feature many of my favorite bloggers and friends. They will be sharing their testimonies and how God has impacted their lives. Be sure to check it out tomorrow!

Halloween Fun

I really cannot believe it's already November! Halloween definitely snuck up on me this year. This year I attended two different "Fall Festival" type of things. I am going to share with you a few pictures of the costumes I wore to both events. Comment below, on instagram, or twitter with what you dressed up as, I love hearing about peoples costumes!

You Get the Best of Both Worlds
Last weekend, Maddy and I went to the Fall Festival at her church dressed as Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana. As much as I hate to admit it, we didn't purchase anything for these costumes. We pulled out the printed jeans and monstrosity that is the eighth grade dance dress and like that we were back in 2007 getting the best of both worlds.

!

The Miley to my Hannah.

Shhh!

"You're a trueeeeee friend"

Wild Animals
On Halloween night, I attended another Fall Festival at my church. There were games, candy, and fun. Each ministry set up a booth to distribute candy from. The high school ministry was animal themed. We had lots of blow up animals, fake plants, and of course, candy. I dressed up as a pig because who doesn't love pink, little pigs. I simply made my costume out of two pieces of felt and elastic. It was super easy and I think it turned out cute.

Pigs and cheetahs are friends right?

Piggy back rides with my favorite cheetah girl.

 

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! Follow more of my adventures on instagram @MonogrammedMadison and twitter @MonogramMadison. Comment or send me pictures of your Halloween costumes.