I must admit however, the movie cast Snape in a much more sympathetic light than the books. I did not feel hardly any sympathy for the written Snape...maybe it was the music, maybe it was Alan Rickman's awesome acting, maybe it was J.K.Rowling's disinclination for tragic heroes...whatever the case, the movie wrenched the heart more poignantly.... but regardless, I shall always be of the opinion the worst of Harry Potter is better than the best of Twilight. =)

Dear Lord…

I am ready to forget. I am ready to totally move on. I am ready to stop hurting over this. Because I know you have in mind for me someone amazing. And I know that I'd rather be alone forever than sacrifice your precious plans for my life.You know my foolishness in this matter and you patiently wait for me to let go. Dear Lord, help me let go... I am tired of holding on to nothing. But most importantly, give me the faith to believe that I deserve better...and am worth the wait.

<3

When Hurt Begins to Heal...

   Sometimes it feels so good to close a door, lock it up, and hand God the key. Because you know then you have become strong enough to start healing. ♥

It's Okay to Cry

I never use to cry. I hated crying. I don't know if it was my stoic pride, my embarrassment, or an inability to gulp down the pain of what was before me. Whatever the case may be, I would pinch my fingers, bite my cheek, hide my face--do whatever it would take to not let anyone see me cry or even let myself.

Now, I seem to cry over everything! The touching music in the Sarah Mclaughlin/abused animal commercial...the ending of Tangled...a deep, spiritual hymn...thinking of my blessings...thinking of God...thinking of my fears... I turn into a major weeper!

And I know it probably isn't a big deal to people. Girls cry. So what? Everyone expects it. But for someone of us it isn't very easy.

Sometimes I feel guilty crying. Like I should be tougher, stronger, and not so stupidly emotional.

But it is okay to cry. It releases all that emotion and pain stored away. It is okay because God gave us tears. Even Jesus wept. And even if we don't want to start sobbing in front of everyone, it is okay to allow yourself at some point to cry. So whether you are trapped in a castle and think you will never see your father again...or you are lost in the woods and are surrounded by birds that look like umbrellas...or you can't go to the ball...or your heart was utterly and completely broken, whatever the case, be good to yourself. Let yourself cry. And always remember, each tear you shed just brings you one tear closer to the last tear you'll ever shed over what is hurting you.

<3

I know it hurts today. I know it seems like the end of the world. I know your tears are those of fear, of sadness, of betrayal. And you think: why would you do this to me? Don't you love me?

But it will be okay. You are loved. You are precious. You are all things lovely in my heart. One day you won't be afraid anymore, you won't be sad. You will grow and then understand. You will learn that I did this, not because I wanted to hurt you, but because I love you....so dearly, and so deeply.

 You see, I want only the best for my child... and sometimes that means taking away people who hurt you, or making you grow stronger through trials, or...getting a hair cut.

Someday you will understand. But today, just hold my hand and try to be brave.

Life will get better, dear one!