Realization…

Dear Diary,

So I wanted to share this with all of you but this is more for women. This afternoon after work I decided to stop in at the new Ross store cuz I was in need of a new purse. After selecting the purse I wanted to purchase...I started to walk around the store at stuff. Well bein a scrapbooker; I was looking at the scrapbooks...the same aisle included journals/books.

So I looked through the books & came across the book called "Captivating" by Todd & Stasi Eldridge. I skimmed the book & read the intro to the book but I really didn't understand what the book was about...but I felt something(which was maybe God) that I needed to get this book. I didn't buy it because I wanted to come on Amazon & look it up. I wanted to see more of what the book is about & why God would want me to read it.

I have looked it up & God has spoken again I feel directly to me about the book through this reader review of "Captivating"....

"Captivating" speaks to our need for God to meet us deeply, personally and intimately. I hear many people saying- I don't relate because I don't need someone to rescue me. Well then, why do you need Jesus? I think I believe a lie that "God loves sinners- His grace is sufficent for sinners- sinners need Jesus to save them...but now, I'm a Christian (a saved sinner) and yeah, I still need grace and He loves me, but I'm no longer in need of rescue." God wants more for us then this- read Romans 5- read 5:8 (while we were still sinners Christ died for us- AMAZING)...now keep reading- it doesn't end with salvation...Paul says "HOW MUCH MORE" multiple times in the next few verses talking about what God has FOR us after our conversion. It never stops being about God rescuing us, or our need. What I love about this book is that it does beat the idea that God loves us. And you know what- I don't think we ever really learn this lesson and need to stop hearing it. This is not a Barney "God loves me" now let's all run and give eachother hugs- it is learning that God's love is totally life transforming. HE changes us- and not because we are this problem He has to deal with (which I think is how many people see sanctification)- but because He loves us more than we can imagine! "Captivating" forces us to our continual need...that's not a comfortable place...I think that is part of why I wanted to chuck the book across the room. I don't want to need anyone- I am a strong woman, right? Oh, wait, I am broken...we all are!! This book is not for low-self-esteem women- it is for any women who is willing to consider that she is broken (and maybe more than she wants to admit).

This review really hit home for me & I'm realizing that I need God more then I want to admit..cuz I always considered myself a strong women that I can live my life on my own without God. But that is not true...I noticed a change trying to live my life the way I want & not the way God wants. It's been rough...I will tell you that much.

I'm admitting that I am broken & wounded...I need to fully rely on Him for the rest of my life through everything not just when things are not good. I'm seeing alot of things now...thanks to an encouragement from Chad Collins...no matter how much I mess up & sin against God...to still come to church & not shut friends & specially God out of my life. That I need to let people love me & not push them away. I need to be with Godly friends who can build me up & know that I'm not judged when I mess up. I've messed up so much lately. I hadn't been to church cuz I was afraid of judgement by people & that God hasn't forgiven me or loves me anymore cuz I'm a bad person. All that was in my head but today...God wanted me to read this review & I am feeling that this book is important for me to read.

"I'm a strong women & don't need anyone" thought...God has taught me I can no longer use that excuse to not turn to Him through everything...good or bad. God has shown me today that I'm more broken & wounded then I even realized or was willing to admit...that I need to look to Him everyday cuz He wants to change my heart but I have to let go & let Him in to the work in my heart that needs to be done....

So this review has had an impact on me that I needed to see...God was behind it all. Who knew I would go into Ross to buy a purse & come across this book which led me to this review...that says exactly what I feel & where I'm at....God knew already...AMAZIN!!

No matter how much I turned my back on God & friends....the one thing that remained was that God never let go of me...He was there right beside me even though I didn't want Him there. The same thing with friends...you never let go of me (always kept me in prayer) no matter how much I resisted. THANK U for stickin by me through the worst of it. I love u all!!!

I have purchased the book from Amazon....just pray for me-that I continue to feel encouraged & not push those away who love me & want to help. But most importantly for me to let go & let God into my heart to do His work...to let God guide me & to trust Him with my life. To have the continual need for God each day & to rely on Him completely.

Thanks For Reading...comments are welcome.

In HIS LOVE,

~*Kelly*~

Not Feeling Good...Ugh!

Dear Diary,

Ok so I've been a slacker on blogging but I have been sick the last month with a sinus infection & now bronchitis!!! I'm getting better but it just is taking awhile. I'm on 5 different medications & I'm so exhausted all the time!!

Moving on...

I am extremely worried about my older brother. I'm not going to go in details on here but I can tell you that my mother had to fly up where he lives to help & get him to a doctor asap. So just please keep him in prayer & myself to get well-for God to heal me.

This is all I have to say for now...

God Bless,
~*Kelly*~

My 2nd Cousin Ryan...

Dear Diary,

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! So wow it's been so long since I've written...over a month now!! I have to really try & be better at blogging more on a regular basis!!

So I'm a bit sad because I found out that my 6 yr. old second cousin...Ryan..doesn't know how to read. He's in 1st grade & the other kids in his class are learning to read. Ryan can't even read small words. In Kindergarden, his teacher said he was very bright but then why doesn't he know or at least be learning to read??? Well, my cousin; Carrie says that he has to go to a behavior modification program for 3 hours a day during school. Why can't he go after school was my question. She said "he can't because it's through the school district". I think it's wrong for his school to send him to another program when he could be in school learning what he needs to get along in this world & one is knowing how to read!!!

What aggravates me even more is the fact that my cousin-his mom won't get him any help..not a tutor, teacher, or somebody that can help Ryan learn to read after school or something. She just doesn't really care.

Ryan is in a program for his behavior due to the fact that he doesn't get attention from his mom that he so desperately needs so he acts out at school & gets in all kinds of trouble. Last year when he was in Kindergarden, he was suspended from school like 3 times for calling his teacher a b****, biting another kid, & running out of the school yard. He never had any discipline when he was younger..never went to preschool.

My cousin is a recovering herione addict & I can't even begin to imagine what Ryan has seen in his years of life. I know though that he has seen her shoot up...among other things. He's been in foster care for a few years & she was able to get him back.

The bottem line is my cousin Carrie needs to step up to the plate & be a mother to him because that is what he needs & wants is a mom. She needs to give him attention & love so he knows that his mom does care about him. If she truly loves her son...she would do anything to help him learn to read.

My fear is for Ryan's future if he doesn't know how to read...please keep Ryan in your prayers & his mom Carrie-to step up to the plate & be a mother to him.

Thank You!!

Peace, Love, & Jesus,
~*Kelly*~

Last Week's Devotional(1/7/09)

Dear Diary,

I wrote my first devotional ever & sent it out to all my friends by email. I wanted to post it here too. Maybe someone reading this might benefit from it. I plan to do weekly devotionals about what I'm learning or what is on my heart at the time..however, this week I'm not feeling good so next week will be my next devotional. I have a nasty cold...so if you can pray for me to feel better. That would be great & I would appreciate it so much!!

James 4:1-10
"Drawing Close to God" is the title of this part of the scripture in James 4. I've been thinking about revival in the Lord & prayed about my own revival. I wanted to be shown what I need to do to revive my relationship with Christ. God answered my prayer...I need to draw closer to God in everything in my life. So I wanted to share this with all of you.

James 4:1-3
These verses talk about how we as believers should not want more then what we have as far as possessions, more money, higher status, more recognition, ect. These can cause conflicts within ourselves & can turn to fighting/scheming to get what we want. Instead of wanting more of our desires...we should submit ourselves to God & trust Him to give us what we really need. Prayer is the ultimate way of asking for what we need. Your prayers will become more powerful when you allow God to change your desires so that they perfectly correspond to His will for you(1 John 3:21,22). God wants you to have a pleasurable life but remember that pleasure that keeps you from pleasing God is sinful-always keep God as the center of your life. God alway provides for us but in His timing. We just have to be patient. I find peace in my heart to know that God will always take care of me & that I don't need to worry about anything.

James 4:4-6
This scripture teaches us about pride & humility. Pride tends to make you self centered & you think you deserve everything the world has to offer. God opposes those that are prideful & favors those that are humble. The best way to humble yourself in God's eyes is to understand that all we need is God's approval. Being filled with the Holy Spirit has shown me that my desires are selfish & cheap. I can find true happiness in God & what He has to offer me.

James 4:7-10
God & the devil are at war constantly but the good news is that God has ALREADY defeated satan(Revelation 12:10-12) & when Christ returns..satan & all he stands for will be eliminated forever!!!! Until then we just need to resist satan with the Holy Spirit's power & he will flee from us.

So how can we draw closer to God?
1. Humble yourselves before God-Yield to His authority & will for your life. Commit your life to Him & His control. Be willing to follow Him.
2. Resist the devil-Don't allow satan to entice & tempt you to do what you know is not pleasing to God because it is a sin.
3. Wash your hands & purify your hearts-this means to lead a pure life. Be cleansed from sin-replacing your desire to sin with your desire to experience God's purity.
4. Let there be sorrow & deep grief for your sins-don't be afraid to express deep heartfelt sorrow for what you have done.
5. Humble yourselves before the Lord & He will lift you up in honor.

Being humble before the Lord recognizes that our worth comes from God alone. To be humble...you must lean on His power & guidance-not going your own independent way. Always involve God in everything you do in your life.

If any of you need to "revive" your relationship with Christ...I encourage you to do so. It is the most refreshing experience with the Lord that I've had.

PRAISE GOD!!!!! HE LOVES US SO MUCH & WANTS ONLY THE BEST FOR HIS CHILDREN.

LOVE U ALL!!!

God Bless!
~*Kelly*~

My 2008 Year End Letter...

Dear Diary,

I hope that this entry finds you in good health & spirit. I just want to say hope you had a blessed Christmas & Happy New Year!!!! Hope that 2009 will be a better year then 2008 full of happiness & good things!!!

Well, I can’t believe it’s the end of the year!! This year has flown by!! This year has been filled with good experiences & not so good experiences. I want to tell you what’s been happening in my life in the last year…I will just tell you the news of my world month by month!!

JANUARY: *The end of the month was exciting & made a major decision to re-dedicate my life to Christ. Late one night I was feeling a tug on my heart strings to return to church. I knew that it was a call from God to come back. So I found Knott Ave. Christian Church on the internet & decided to check the church out. After talking with Pastor Dan Harper on that Sunday…I re-dedicated my life to God one week later…it was early on a Saturday morning. The end of January 09 will mark one year since becoming a Christian again. PRAISE GOD!!!!

FEBRUARY: *This month was also exciting because I was baptized on the
10th of the month!!!! Pastor Mike Hammontre baptized me due to some unforeseen circumstances with Pastor Dan on the day of the baptism. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be baptized because I wanted Pastor Dan to do it but I got another call from God to do it anyway…Got the feeling from God that this is about Me…confessing to everyone that you are going to follow Me & I want you to do it right now…today. So I obeyed God’s call to do it that day & I did. The experience was AMAZING!! I know this is going to sound weird to some of you but when I was dunked back in the water…I actually saw a vision of Jesus’s tomb-where He was placed after they took Him down off the cross. I saw the white sheet but instead of Jesus wrapped up in it..it was me wrapped up in the white sheet. So it was like God was wanting me to see this vision & I’m still not sure why. All I can say is it was AMAZING!!! Those of you that understand the symbolism of baptism will know what I’m talking about.
*Also, my mom & I went to see “Stars On Ice” & that was fun!!! It was a early Christmas present from my brother!! My favorite part of the show was when Sasha Cohen(’06 Olympic Silver Medalist-USA) performed a music box number…she is so flexilble that the other skaters call her Gumby!!!

MARCH: *The end of the month was my first swim meet for Special Olympics. I competed in 25/50 meter freestyle & 25 meter backstroke. I was so nervous too but I prayed and God helped to calm me down. I came away with 2 gold medals & 1 silver medal!!!

APRIL: *Had a few more swim meets which I did well at & won more medals…came away with gold & silver medals. I love medals!!!

MAY: *I went on vacation to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico!!! It’s in the Caribbean!!! Just look at the blue water in the pic!!! My favorite part of the trip is when I got to swim with a dolphin & snorkel. That was an awesome trip & I had a blast!!!

*Also, I had my 35th bday party at Hof’s Hut!!! I had so much fun being with my friends!!!! I think I’m old…LOL!!!!

JUNE: *This month was the SO Summer State Games!!! They were held at Long Beach State University!!! This was a huge meet because this was the best swimmers with the best times were invited to attend. So it was an honor for me to go & represent Long Beach!!! I won a silver medal, 4th & 5th place ribbons. Not bad for my first state games!!!

JULY: *This was a bad month for me as I had found out that I had a fibroid tumor in my uterus. It was causing me so much pain that I went to the doctor to find out what was going on. I had so many emotions when I found out but the first person I called was my pastor…Dan. I knew some how I needed some comfort from God & Dan was helpful to me. He was able to calm me down on the phone because I was in tears when I called him because I had just found out. I was told the only treatment is surgery…so I was to have a hysterectomy.

*The really only good thing that happened this month was I entered a scrapbook page into the scrapbook competition for the first time at the Orange County Fair & I got an honorable mention. Honorable mentions are 4th place which I was very happy with…here is a pic of my page…

AUGUST-OCTOBER: *Struggled a lot with God & emotions. It was a difficult time because satan was not gonna leave me alone!!! Most of my emotions were centered around the surgery I was to have in November!!

AUGUST: *The big O!!! The Olympics in Beijing!!!! I watched the swimming & gymnastics. All I can say is that Michael Phelps blew me away with what was it? 9 gold medals??? Totally cool!! But even cooler was when Nastia Liukin(U.S. Gymnast) won the all around gold medal…the all around gold is the most cherished medal in gymnastics that you can win!! Nastia is the third American women in gymnastics history to win the all around!! Her former team mate-Carly Patterson won the all around gold in ’04. Two gymnasts from the same gym that have won back to back all around Olympic titles!!! For those of you who are not familiar with the term “all around”…it means a total combined score from vault, uneven bars, balance beam, & floor exercise.

SEPTEMBER: *I went to the “Gymnastics Superstars” show at the Honda Center. It featured most of the gymnasts who were at the Olympics!! That was a fun night!!! My favorite part of the show was when Nastia performed!!! She is my favorite gymnast…also got to meet Joe Hagerty of the US Men's Team-here are a couple of pics from the evening...

OCTOBER: *Nothing much happened! Except Halloween where I worked at Mega Night at my church. Dressed as a fairy or something like that!

NOVEMBER: *This was the month that I was to have my hysterectomy but something AMAZIN happened!!!! I went to the doctor to have a sonnagram done to see if there was any changes in the tumor or anything…this was prior to surgery because they needed to know what they were dealing with exactly because it had been a couple of months since the last test. So I called my doctor on that Thursday for the results & he said that I needed to come into the office the next day. So Friday…I went in & he showed me the pics from the sonnagram & he said I have not explanation for this but the tumor is gone!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD because He performed a miracle!!! HE HEALED ME!!!! TRULY AMAZIN…GOD CAN DO ANYTHING!!! The one thing that I learned through all this is that God can take any bad situation & turn it into a good one…if you let Him. So with some recent issues…I’ve given them to God & He can work in it. Guess this means…I’m trusting God that He will do what is best for me.
*I went to see Hanson at the “House of Blues” in Downtown Disney. It was a great night. I really admire what Hanson is doing to help the children in Africa with something as simple as providing shoes for the kids. Hanson partnered with Tom’s Shoes & at their concert they sold these shoes. For every pair of shoes purchased one pair of shoes were donated to a child in Africa. To help their fans understand….in each city where Hanson had a concert…they did what they call “The Walk”. It is a one mile walk with Hanson & no shoes on…they want people to experience what it’s like to walk around with no shoes on all day. Children in Africa walk around with no shoes day in and day out. We tend to take things as shoes for granted..it’s a reminder to stop & be thankful for what you have.

*My brother came home for Thanksgiving for the first time since college & that’s a long time.
*I had a lot to be thankful for this year…I am truly blessed.

DECEMBER: *Was busy a lot this month!!! My brother came home for Christmas too so that was good.
*Just a reminder to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas….It’s Jesus’s Birthday!!! He is the reason for the season. Jesus’s was born for a reason….to die on the cross for you!!! Always remember to take time out & reflect on that….HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

*I still work at Petco in Buena Park…going on 7 years at the end of May.
*I have 3 cats now:Jacob(1 yr. & 4 months old), Ebony(4 yrs. old), & Jenna(13 yrs. old.
*I just want to say thank you to all my friends…God has truly blessed me with you. You all mean alot to me & thank you for everything that you do!!! Always remember that God loves you & so do I!!!!

Peace, Love, & Jesus,
~*Kelly*~

Special Olympics: 2008 Summer State Games

Dear Diary,

Wow...I haven't blogged since the end of June & I got alot to say but in my last entry I said I was going to tell you about my experience at my first summer games for Special Olympics & that is what I am going to write about in this blog entry.

For those that don't know...I train & compete in swimming. I love swimming...I always have. I feel so free & in another world in the water. It's who I am & I love it. I feel like a dolphin when I'm in the water...maybe that's why dolphins are my favorite aquatic animal!! I might add that it's so fun to win medals...just icing on the cake!!

On to the 2008 SO Summer State Games...they were held in Long Beach, California @ Long Beach State University on father's day weekend. Being able to compete on this particular weekend was cool cuz I was determined to win a gold medal for my father who passed away in 2002...I wanted to honor my father on father's day. It meant so much to me to do this for my dad. In my last entry...I said that the meet in Antelope Valley was setting me up for state games & God taught me something through the weekend at the games.

On Friday...I arrived at LBSU & found my dorm I would be staying in all weekend. My room mate was Lindsay. I always thought dorm rooms were a little nicer but these ones were ok. We had a chance to unpack & stuff before we had to all meet up to go to dinner at the cafeteria. The food was alright. After dinner..we all headed to the pyramid for the opening ceremonies of the games!!! We were all waiting for quite awhile to get our group photo taken for some of the newspapers that were there reporting on the games over the weekend. Here are a few pics while waiting....

Jim my swim coach & I!!

Coach Chris & his wife Lorna

My team mates: Danielle & Regan

Coach Chris & I

Jamie, Coach Karen, Coach Kathy, Amanda & her boyfriend

So after waiting around...I got a little bored so I spotted a reporter from Channel 9 news!!! I went up to her & said I never seen her before on the news. We started to chat a little bit. Then when I was about to leave she asked me if she could interview me & I said sure!!! I was on the news that evening!!!! Here is a pic of her & the camera man...

Then after we had our group picture taken we had to go out to the softball field & wait to walk into the pyramid for the opening ceremony. Since we are hosting the games...Long Beach was the last team to walk in. It was amazing because they had the band playing the Olympic song as we walked in...felt like I was in for more then I thought it would be. The ceremony was so cool...my favorite part was when the SO torch was lit up because it made the state games so much more real to me...like this wasn't a dream-it was real & I was a part of it. I don't think I have ever been part of something so important besides accepting Christ a few months ago-letting Christ into my heart was the biggest decision I'd ever made!!! Ok back to the opening ceremonies...here is a pic of the flame that was lit by my coach's son-Dave Saunders...

The torch was the most important part of the ceremony for me!! So, now I'm moving on to Saturday-the first day of competition. The way they do it is that they do time trials for freestyle only but I did compete in the 25 meter backstroke for medals. There were 8 people in my race. I felt pretty good that I could win the gold. Soon as I heard the beep...I was off the wall in no time. I kept myself focused on my race & not worry about anyone else. I made great time up until the end...I started drifting & basically ran into the divider. Had to move away & get back on track. When I finished...I came away with a silver medal. I was 2nd best. I was a little disappointed & to hear from my mom who was the stands that I was in the lead until I drifted. She said you were like a hair ahead of her & when you drifted she was able to edge ahead of you. So...I felt a little angry at myself. I know I needed to learn how to control myself so I don't drift. It was a good day. Saturday evening was the dance...so here are a couple of pics from that...

Coach Ashley & I

Me, Regan, Lindsay, Lorna, Debbie, & Jamie at the dance

Dave & Regan at the dance....I think they are a cute couple!!!
Lindsay & Coach Kasey at the dance

The next day was father's day & the final day of competition. I was going to compete the 25/50 meter freestyle. I just tried to have a positive attitude & go into the bubble so I kept my ipod on. Listening to music always helps me to prepare for my races. I also prayed at certain times too. I prayed just for God to be there with me & let me feel His presence...which I did. The bible teaches that everything happens for a reason so what happened that day...there was a reason for it.

So my first race was the 25 m freestyle. There were 8 other swimmers in my race. I knew I was up against the best of the best from the state. This was huge for me. I did my best & I came in 5th place. I was very upset as you can imagine!!! I wanted to do so much better. I had one more chance to prove it to myself in my next race.

After some time to relax...I had to get ready for my next & final race-the 50 meter freestyle. I had to prepare myself & went into the bubble. In the back of my mind...I had one shot left to win a gold medal for my father because it was father's day. My dad is no longer on this earth but I still wanted to honor my dad with a gold medal. I had prepared myself & was as ready as I could be for this race. I just had to remember not to worry about others just focus on what I needed to do. So, when the race was done...I came in 4th. I think that if I did a flip turn-I would have came in 3rd but I didn't do that because I didn't feel comfortable for some reason & my coach said only do it if you feel ok with it. I did my best & I had to be ok with that.

I believe God was trying to teach me something through all this. I learned something about pride & humility. I learned that I shouldn't think I would win all the races I was in that weekend. That the competition would be so easy. I know this more then anyone that it's hard. It takes hard work to be on top of that podium with the gold medal. Through out the season...I was mostly on top of the podium so when state games came I thought that's where I would be once again. That was being prideful & wrong in God's eyes. I needed to humble myself before God & with the new competitive season coming up that's what I'm going to remember. Just do my best & not worry so much about the outcome.

So for it being father's day that day & wanting so much to win a gold medal for my dad. I also came to realization that my dad would have been happy...no matter where I placed. I looked at it as I wanted to win a gold medal to honor him but I didn't. I got a silver medal which my dad would have been very proud of. So, I know now that I did honor my dad with my silver medal & just being there competing. Making it to state games isn't easy...you have to prove that you want to go bad enough & your willing to work hard to get there. So, I know God wanted me to learn that too. It didn't matter which color medal I received or even where I placed....I still honored my father just by making it to the games...

Peace, Love, & Jesus,
~*Kelly*~

Special Olympics: Antelope Valley Swim Meet

Dear Diary,

I am going to tell you my thoughts on the Antelope Valley Swim Meet for Special Olympics. Let me just say that this was the last meet before the Summer Games a week later. My first thought was that I can see what kind of competition I might have at the State Games a week later because alot of swimmers who were at that meet were at State Games. For this meet...I was going to race the 25m/50m freestyle, 25m backstroke, & the relay race...that only required me to swim 25m freestyle. I said to myself..this will be so easy to win. My goal was to win 3 gold medals because it wasn't definate about the relay race until the last minute but I wanted to win 3 golds for the races I was in.

My first race was the 25m freestyle...I blew that race. I came in 4th place and got a ribbon. I was angry and upset that I started crying. I just knew I could have done better then I did but I got off to a bad start, then I choked on pool water, and felt like I couldn't breathe..had to cough it out then finish the race. Surprising enough I came in 4th place with 6 people in that race!!!!

My second race was the 50m freestyle...I won the gold medal on that event. After the first race..my coaches kept me focused for the other races. They do what they call "damage control" which means when your not happy with your performance or upset about where you placed..part of the coaches job is to keep you focused on your next race so you don't "crack" under the pressure. Surprising to me though is that the girl who took the gold in the 25m freestyle race...I was in the same race and as you know I got 4th but we were both in the same race for the 50m freestyle and I was able to beat her for the gold...she took the silver. That's just weird to me how I blew the short race but beat her in the longer one!!!!

My third race was the 25m backstroke and I won the gold medal on that event. I pushed myself on that and I was done a bit before the swimmers made to the other side. In fact...the guy that took my time on that race said "Dang girl...you hauled @ss!" I was just like shocked that he said that...I mean the way he said it. I said "Thanks"!! I started to cry because I was so happy about winning that race.

The last race was the relay. I never had to swim relay in a meet before but there's always a first time for everything so this was it for relay. I only had to swim 25m freestyle and I was first in the water. The way the coaches decide what order you swim in relay is called strategy my friends. They start it off with a good swimmer, followed by a faster swimmer, followed by a slower swimmer, and the fastest swimmer(for the relay team) swims anchor which is the last part of the race. So, like I said I was first in the water and I did ok for my first time although I was nervous. The other girls on my relay team was Regan, Lorna, and Lindsay. As a team we won the gold...pretty awesome to me because it takes team work to get it done and we were able to enjoy victory with the gold medal. Congratulations to my team mates for a job well done!!!!

So the question remains is did I accomplish what my goal was the Antelope Valley Meet? The answer is yes. I did win 3 gold medals and a 4th place ribbon. I said my goal was to win 3 gold medals but I didn't say what races I would win them in. So I did accomplish my goal and I'm happy with that!!!

That is all for now. My next entry is going to be about the 2008 Special Olympics Summer Games that were held at Long Beach State University on Father's Day weekend.

Until Next Time,

~*Kelly*~

P.S.- At the swim meet in Antelope Valley....I did alot of praying before my races but God taught me about getting "a big head" in swimming...thinking that I was going to win every race that I was in. I took a 4th place in the 25m freestyle and I was extremely upset and crying. God showed me that I need to be a good sport when I don't win. I guess I was putting standards on myself and when I didn't reach them...it really bothered me because I was trying to please other people to make them proud of me. I felt like if I didn't win...they would be disappointed in me. God allowed that experience to happen to teach me about being a good sport and I believe now He was setting me up for State Games which I will tell you all about in my next entry.