I'm packing.

Well, the time has finally come; no more putting it off for a later date. Packing for college beckons like doing your taxes-- something that has to be done without delay.

I can't believe it's here. Where did the time go? Oh. I know.

I lived.

And I smile as I silently thank each person who told me to live life to the fullest. I haven't been a saint with my time, but I can honestly say I am happy with how I've spent the majority of it. Looking back on who I was and who I am, the time inbetween was spent in ways that taught me important lessons, through both mistakes and accomplishments.

Most of all, it's taught me that love and encouragement must go hand in hand when it comes to building someone up. It's like the old saying: "You catch more flies with honey, than with vinegar."

As a child, "tough love" was something I brought on myself. But everyone around me kept their cool, encouraging attitudes.

Reflecting on the love that's been poured into my soul through the years will take a lifetime to payback. Therefore, loving my neighbor as I have been loved is my testament, and I will continue fueling my thankfulness to the heavens, to Jesus who has saved me from my old, piteous, self.

P.S. I just got a call from Mr. Flaming-- WE GET TO USE HIS HOUSE FOR OUR PRIDE AND PREJUDICE FILM NEXT YEARAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hooray!

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love,

I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor, and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love,

I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind, love leaves envy far behind. Never boastful, proud or rude, love rejoices with the truth.

Slow to anger, stores no wrongs, love will never seek it's own.

Love does not delight in sin. It bears all things, believes all things, love hopes all things, endures all things: Love never fails, love never fails, love never fails... you."

-1 Corinthians 13: 1-8, sung by Bel Canto.