Holding God's Hand

When I "asked Jesus into my heart”, I was only four so naturally I did not fully understand what I was doing. Now I realize I was reaching up and grabbing God's hand. If you know me well, you know I am stubborn. I like to do things my way and my way only. Therefore, I did not want to let Christ hold me just yet.

When you hold someone’s hand, you are showing him or her some sort of affection. It does not mean you are fully committed to that person. You can look away from them, pull away from them, bend their arm and cause them pain; you can also sit in silence and ignore them. All of these things are what I had been doing to Christ. I held his hand and did not let go, but I was not committed to him. I looked away from him and saw at the unsatisfying things of this world. I pulled on him to try to make him do what I wanted. I twisted his arm and caused him pain and grief over my sin. Finally, I sat in silence ignoring him because he would not do what I wanted.

Now, think about what it is like to be held, like a child being held by their mother or father. You hold on tight because you love them. They hold on tight because they love you. You rest your head on their chest and close your eyes because you feel safe and comfortable in their arms. All the while, they are taking you where you need to go and looking out for you. You do not worry because they are bigger than you. You can rest in their arms. This is what Christ wants to do for us. He loves us and wants us to rest in his arms, knowing that he will take care of us.

For so long I held his hand, uneasy about what his arms might be like. Finally, after holding God's hand for 12 years, I let him hold me.

Call Me Heartless

Christmas music started playing on 96.5 this week! My heart jumped for joy when I found out. I love Christmas. I want to celebrate it all year long. I was in Lee Branch the other day and saw Christmas wreaths on all the light posts. DAY. MADE. I will tweet like a mad woman the day they hang those snowflake lights alllllllll down 280.

Now, I love Christmas more than anyone in this world, however, there are two things that come with this glorious holiday that I cannot tolerate. First of all, I cannot stand the movie Elf. I hate it. Go ahead call me heartless. I have seen it at least four times, and every time I watch it want to go crazy. It is a funny movie, but it NEVER ENDS. Second, that song about shoes... no. Just stop.

On a more cheerful note, Christmas break could not get here soon enough! My plans for the holidays consist of making ginger bread houses, drinking apple cider, singing Christmas carols, and baking Christmas-time treats.

WAR EAGLE
49 DAYS

Streams Of Mercy, Never Ceasing

"Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above."

I love everything about this hymn.





Crossing Lines

All of you who go to Briarwood know what I am about to say. Today was such a blessing! I do not think I have ever experienced such a powerful presence of the Lord. My eyes were opened to so many wonderful things. I felt as if this message we have heard all our lives finally hit home.

For those of you who do not go to Briarwood, let me fill you in: Every Tuesday morning we have chapel in the auditorium. Most of the time, people use it to study or take a nap and just tune out the speaker. Sad I know, but it is the truth. This morning, like every Tuesday, we headed to the auditorium to hear a fellow student, Tanner Gann, speak. Honestly, I did not think it would be anything out of the ordinary. I was wrong. God truly spoke through him.

Tanner began by saying today, October 25th, would be a day every one of us remembered. He said today was the day that this school would start radically living for Christ. He began to explain the story of Jesus healing two blind men from Matthew 9:27-31. He said, in order to follow Christ, these men had to cross lines of what was considered acceptable back then. They would be looked down upon for their actions. However, in doing so, they were truly trusting and seeking after Christ. When they crossed that line, Jesus healed them. Their eyes were opened; the first thing they saw was the face of Christ.

I will not come near to having the same impact Tanner had in his message, but I will give it a shot:

Tanner's main point was that we must cross the lines we have made for ourselves in our friendships, schools, and churches. We have to confront our sinful desires and cast our fears upon the Lord. We must cross the line that Christ does not make, but sin makes.

At the end of chapel, he closed in prayer. He asked everyone to get on their knees and pray no matter what line seems to be holding them back. He asked that, through Christ alone, we would cross it. When the prayer was over, every student was on his or her knees. We were dismissed, and on the way out not a word was said. Everyone was speechless.

Typically, after chapel everyone goes back to their normal routine. Not today. I did not go to one class without hearing about what the Lord had said through Tanner. Even at lunch, we met and were encouraged by another student, Ben Blackburn, as he shared his testimony to 60+ people. I witnessed close friends change as they said they had to cross the line. I know Christ was moving in Briarwood.

The Lord really got a hold on me today. I have been a Christian since I was about four, but I have never have lived radically. So often, I am wrapped up in my own desires, fears, and sin that I do not even bother to cross the line. Heck, majority of the time I do not bother to look at it. But, today I crossed the line, and I will continue to cross the line day in and day out. It will not be easy. Christ will carry me through.

I was so encouraged by what happened today. I know this is a turning point for our school, and a new beginning for the junior class. Through faith alone, Briarwood Christian School will cross the line.

October 25, 2011

Immaculate and Beautiful

However inadequate my words may be, I will attempt to tell you how wonderful and beautiful the Fleet Foxes concert was last night.

When we arrived at the Alabama theater I did not expect what I was about to hear. I figured it would be a good concert, but I did not think it would blow my mind. I was wrong, so very wrong.

The sound that those six "indie mountain men" produced was incredible. I did not listen to every song they sang, but I felt every song they sang. Every note that came from, lead singer, Robin Pecknold's mouth told a story. Every strum on the guitar seemed endless as it carried throughout the theater. Every sound that came from the countless instruments played was perfect. I could have stayed for days upon end to feel all the harmony they had to offer.

My favorite song by Fleet Foxes is White Winter Hymnal. Do yourself a favor and listen to it. I will post the video of it on my Facebook.

Tired

I am tired. I am tired of junior year. I am tired of not being done with high school. I am tired of not being in college. That is all.

War Eagle

Holly Jolly Christmas

I am tired of warm weather. I think this is the first time I am wishing it away. Normally, I love the sweltering heat (no sarcasm in that, I really do). However, it was just a little too hot this year.

Another thing that makes me wish it were cold outside is cold weather=Christmas time. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I love the music, the presents, the terrible red and green sweaters, Delilah on 96.5, the food, and Jesus.... Ok maybe I lied about Delilah. Besides her, who does not like all of that? I will tell you who, heartless people. I just want to spread a little Christmas cheer to all those heartless people. If I could knit, then I would make them a terrible red and green sweater. That would win them over.

If you are as excited about Christmas as I am then click here. If you are not.... First, I will knit you a sweater. Then you can click here .

97 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

War Eagle

Comfort

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

He knows what he is doing. To Him be the glory.

Busy, Busy, Busy

The past 2 weeks have been eventful. I turned 16, school started back, I got a car (kind of), I am selling cupcakes again, and cross country is now in full swing.

THE BIG ONE-SIX

It is official! On August 16, 2011, this girl right here FINALLY turned 16. It was a loooong day. Most of which was spent in Columbiana at the license office. It took forever, but I passed! After that, I had a wonderful birthday dinner with my family+Sam.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (NOT)

I did not go to the first day of school.... Sorry, I am not sorry.

T'SHARVIN

Technically, I did not get my own car... It is my mom's on weekdays, mine on weekends. Nevertheless, it is exactly what I wanted! A little, black Ford Escape. His name is T'Sharvin. He is very friendly.

SWEET CAROLINE'S CUPCAKES

That is right! I am back in business. I am taking cupcakes orders until Thursday. This week’s flavors are chocolate peanut butter and snickerdoodle. This year I will be making them less often so get them while you can! I also would be more than thrilled to do an event/party for anyone. Just let me know a week in advance. With an event, you can choose any flavor you want.

CROSS COUNTRY

...I just hope I do not die of a heat stroke every day at practice.

WAR EAGLE

Big Day Ahead of Me

I HAVE BEEN COUNTING DOWN FOR THE PAST 364 DAYS. THIS IS IT! THE BIG ONE SIX.

WAR EAGLE

Looking Back

Today is the day. I have officially been a blogger for 1 full year. So much has happened in the past year.

Moving Rosemary in one year ago.

15th Birthday luncheon.

Austin and I on twin day.

This is my little buddy. I love love love babysitting this little guy and his brothers.

Kit might as well change her last name to Jager.

No lie, I had some amazing hair for all 3 dances. All thanks to Rosemary of course.

Homecoming 2010

There is nothing I miss more than football season. Auburn is a way of life in our house. Just about every Saturday we go to Auburn games. Last fall, I went to all but 1 home game and about half the away games.

Ruthie and I got to sing a song together in the review this winter. We sang You are My Sunshine.

All 4 Jager girls at the kids table on Christmas day.

The winning field goal at the national championship. #nbd

This is my all time favorite picture ever. This is my dad's face right after Wes kicked the winning field goal.

The whole Jager FamJam after the game in Glendale.

My hair for spring fling. Again, thanks to Rosemary.

Ruthie and I at the dance.

In the wine cellar at Bern's Steak House in Tampa over spring break.

My hair for prom.

Margan and I looking all fancy before prom.

Easter Sunday at Papa's house in Montgomery.

Towards the end of the year my cupcake buisness took off! I am so excited to start back up again this fall! I have lots of new ideas.

Sam and I got to go on 2 wonderful lake trips this summer.

All my gurlies! I have not seen them as much as I would have liked to this summer.

I love this girl. Morgan took me to Watercolor for an amazing beach trip.

Anual family beach trip.

I love every single person in this picture. I was blessed in some way by each one of them. I worked a week of Briarwood overnight camp, and it was the best week of my entire summer. I cannot wait to go back next summer!

These 2 have been with me through it all. This weekend we all went down to Orange Beach for Kaitlin's Birthday. I had so much fun! Kaitlin is the first friend I remember. She has been around the Jager's since I was 1 and she was 2. I met Raley in 4th grade and she has always been such a sweet friend to me. I love them both. I am so thankful to have them in my life!

Exactly one year ago, a major change took place in the Jager household. Rosemary went to college. I never thought the day would come. However, it came, and it passed. Now, I truly have a new way of living. Not to say I am a new person, but I believe I have changed in the past year. I think differently of those around me. I have learned lesson, sometimes the hard way. I have grown apart from some, and closer to others. People have come into my life, and truly blessed me. Most importantly, I have come to realize the Lord is the only one I really can rely on. People may fail me, and I sure as heck fail them, but His love never fails.

Pascal the Gecko

This past week I volunteered at Camp Briarwood. I will let you know all about my week later, because now I am here to honor the one and only Pascal.

Not many had the privilege of meeting Pascal, but if you had, he would love you. Pascal loved all. He was a good little gecko. As his owner, John Morson, said, "Pascal is 1/4 human, 1/2 angel, and 1/4 gecko." He loved camp, and was a happy little creature.

For two weeks, Pascal lived among us counselors. I will always remember meeting him for the first time. We bonded immediately. He and John shared a connection unlike any man and gecko had before. John gave him food, a home, and unconditional love.

Now, as much as it pains me to say it, Pascal is no longer with us. We were led to believe a camper is the cause of this great loss. One morning John came to see Pascal... Pascal was not there. His house was taken off the shelf, and left open on the counter. He was nowhere to be found.

There is a place in all our hearts for a little green gecko. Pascal had enough love to fill this place, in not only my heart, but everyone else's.

Pascal and his loving father, John.

Pascal getting his beauty rest

RIP Pascal

#watchtan #plans #whatnot

#watchtan

Ok. Look at this picture. Look at it again. Now try and tell me you are not impressed. Us Jager girls take pride in our watch tans. Mine, the most impressive one, is on the left, then Rosie's then Ruthie's. Virginia got a watch today. If she was not afraid of the sun, she could have one too. You might think I am kidding about the whole afraid of the sun thing, but I am not. She puts on nothing lower than 50... the rest of us use 4. Oh well, her loss. Anyway, back to my watch tan. I have been working on it since February. I probably take too much pride in it. HA! That was a funny joke. No one can take too much pride in a watch tan.

#plans

I know all of you are itching to know my plans for the rest of the summer. I am not going on anymore vacations. Unless, it is the lake or something not far. Other than that, I will be babysitting and working for my dad some. Sounds fun, right? #bejealous

#whatnot

What else is going on in my life? 

1. I am stuck being 15 for another month and 3 days. The administration thinks I am going to start school on my 16th birthday. Ha. Yeah, that's a good one. I am not going. I am putting my foot down.

2. Auburn football starts back in 52 days. So, basically my life begins again in 52 days.

3.HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 COMES OUT TOMORROW!! I might cry. I am not kidding. That says a ton, because I do not cry much.

 If you are really wanting to stalk me follow me on Twitter @carolinejgr.

That lovely picture above was taken by the one and only, Rosemary Jager.

WAR EAGLE

Fireworks

What is it about a firework that is so amazing? The mix of explosive color and light draws me in. To me, the most beautiful fireworks stretch across the sky as a magnificent golden color and sparkle as they streak towards the ground. When watching a firework show I become captivated by the night sky as it is painted with rich, bold colors. They are a simple thing that I find breath taking.

Of course, I took pictures fireworks on the 4th of July. Here are my 2 favorite shots. Enjoy.

War Eagle

Obsessed

I found this quite some time ago and have been obsessed ever since. The video above is Ingrid Michaelson (my favorite singer) singing Skinny Love (my favorite song) by Bon Iver (my other favorite). Basically, this is my musical heaven.

War Eagle

No Inspiration

I am having what I would like to call bloggers block. Rosemary has told me to"#blasttheblock." So, after disappearing for about a month, here I am blasting the block. I promise fun and interesting stories will be up later this summer.

Well, here is my summer so far...

Rave, wisdom teeth surgery, a week of being a chipmunk, movie night, rock quarry, lake, barn, girls night, yard work, getting lost in Greystone, babysitting, cross country practice, doodles, meeting new people, more doodles, and finally buying a super cute romper.

Sorry for the lack of creativity. Maybe next time.

War Eagle

Hurry Up

Summer is all I really want right now. That actually is not true. There are a bunch of things I want right now. But, summer is pretty dang high up on my "I want" list. I am just tired of doing the same thing. Monotonus school days seem to be neverending, even though there is only 14 left. I do not think these days could go by any slower.

Well, I can only cross off the days one at a time. So, hurry up and get here summer. I have been waiting 9 months.

War Eagle

Shout Out to Mama

I do not know what I would do, or who I would be without my mom. She is who keeps me going throughout the day. She always cares for me, even when I say I want nothing to do with her. She always knows what to say, even when I do not. She knows how to put up with me, even when I am at my worst. She believes in me, even when I do not believe in myself. She is proud of me, even when I think I have failed. She encourages me, even when I think I cannot do it. And even when I think she cannot, she loves me more and more every day.

Although, I may not show it all the time, I love you mom. Happy Mother's Day.

War eagle to all the mamas.

"Be Still and Know that I am God"

The morning after the horrific tornado, I was sitting on my back porch having breakfast, because we did not have power. While sitting alone, I heard birds singing and noticed bees were busy once again. As a gentle breeze tickled my face, I noticed how astonishingly beautiful and blue the sky was. I was shocked that such beauty would come directly after such a hideous storm. I knew that this was the Lord’s way of saying, “be still and know that I am God.”

Reminder

I just want to remind everyone that Auburn won the national championship. THE. NATIONAL. CHAMPIONSHIP.
War Eagle

25 Days

I keep reminding myself that summer is right around the corner.
I can make it.
School is almost over.
I can do this.
I am free in 25 days.
Three cheers for summer.
War Eagle.

Seven

While avoiding doing homework I stumbled upon Leigh Animals blog and liked what she did. So I am going to be a copy cat. Here are 7 things about me that you may or may not know.



1. My chacos have names. Meet Fred and George. 



2. I want a Bentley Supersport more than anything.

3. I love Auburn football, and I want to live in Auburn when I grow up.



4. I have a passion for baking. It is so much fun to come up with creative, sweet treats that put smiles on people's faces.




5. GREEN BEANS. BREAKFAST. BRUNCH. LUNCH. SNACK. DINNER.



6. I love fireworks.

7. I really enjoy photography. I would rather take a picture than be in it.

War Eagle.

Soaking Wet Keds

Earlier this afternoon, while babysitting Parker (8) and Tanner (4), we went down by the lake to feed the geese. Tanner could not hold in all his excitement to see these "black ducks” so, he took a triumphant leap up in the air... and landed in the water. I could not help but laugh when I saw his little eyes grow to the size of golf balls. He just looked at me waiting to see what I would say. Watching this brought me back to when I was his age.



My family was visiting Callaway gardens. Of course, I was acting very rambunctious (when was a time that I was not?) While having our pictures made by a small pond, something caught my eye. It was a frog. I constructed a foolproof plan to capture the little green guy. As I turn to go get him my mom said, "Caroline don't do that. You will fall in." In my raspy little voice, I said, "I won't fall in." SPLASH. My beautiful, most likely hand-me-down, keds tennis shoes were at the bottom of the pond. I just looked at my mom with wide eyes waiting for a response. I remember feeling embarrassed for what I had done.  I jumped out of the water as quick as I could. My mom scooped me up, and it was off to the bathroom to be cleaned up. I am sure my mom was frustrated having me complain about my wet shoes all day. However, I know she could not help but smile when she saw her little mess maker walking around in soaking wet keds.



I cannot help but miss being that careless little mess maker. Growing up was the least of my worries. All I knew was my shoes were wet.

War Eagle to being little.

#hashtag CAM

#helloblogreaders I would like to express my love for #hashtags. They don't do anything on here, but I wish they did. I love to #hashtag! I do not know why but I just want to put a #hashtag on everything. I really want to #hashtag my name on the top of my papers. I feel like my teachers would get really annoyed though. Whatevs.

Some other good news that I did not tell you about is (drum role please)....... I MET CAM NEWTON!!!!

I know what you are thinking. You already know this because the only people that read my blog see it from my facebook link. And the picture of me and him has been up for like a month #wellkeepreadinganyways

I just do not think I will every be able to express in words how excited I really was to meet him. My heart was racing, I could not stop smiling, and I told him I loved him way too many times. IT. WAS. GREAT. #BESTDAYOFMYLIFE My wedding day will probably be the only thing to top it. #sorryfuturekids

WAR EAGLE TO THAT!!! #LOVEMESOMECAM

Frustration

I am way too frustrated at teachers, people, not being 16, and the 44 days of school I have left. So, I do not have much to say right now. I will let you know what is going on with pictures that have been semi-recently taken by/of me. Enjoy

War Eagle

Peanut butter cup cupcakes

Little Benjamin

In the wine cellar at Bern's

The Amish are a gift from heaven.