A Song of Encouragement

This song is one of my favorites. It's definitely been an encouragement for me in my life. Hope you enjoy it! 

Blessings, 

Lesya

Friday

I was just reading my friend's blog and a lot of what she said has also been on my mind. This week in church, Sunday night Lesya, Nelly, Lilya, and Antone, got into a car accident. Their mom (Lesya's mom) said she did not think her hear would be able to "take it" when she came on the scene and saw her son's face filled with blood and her daughters hurt. On Tuesday night a grandfather and preacher in our church had a stroke. A bad one. He is unresponsive for now. We will continue to pray. This goes to show that in the blink of an eye something serious can happen to us, that could change the rest of our lives. Later Alesya crashed into a truck in front of her. Yea on facebook she is saying good bye to her car, but really, who knows what could have happened if it wasn't for God's mercy and grace.
I am reminded where in the Bible there is a verse that says that God will show mercy to those he wants to show mercy to, and put others through hardships. It is all in his hands!! Of course for us humans, it is not easy to put everything in His hands when "bad" things happen. But no matter how to try to control a situation, God will do what He wants to do.
Through all of this I am reminded of God's mercy and grace in my own life. Of how God chose to show his mercy. About two months ago I had what I would say the second worst scare of my life. Yes there was a first "worser" scare in my life, but I don't think its worth blogging about. Not everyone will understand. But this second scare was something that could have changed my life forever. Probably scarier than my first scare, or they are probably equal in "scariness." (Sorry, I'm babbling) I still thank God that things turned out the way they did. I don't know if I would have survived that things turned out differently...So stay tuned for that story coming up in the next few days.
Blessings,
Lesya

Don't Be Surprised...

....if you walk into my bathroom and see this:

It's exactly what I saw yesterday! Gotta love silly siblings:)

Life has been busy...

Hello everyone. Well I hoped you liked my Easter post. Wait what Easter post? That's right I had no Easter post. I did not have a scripture post either. Life has been busy. That's about all I can say. Saturday night I went to my cousins house where we enjoying hanging out as a family, and because of that I did not study. Sunday we had a great Easter service at church! I did not go to evening service because I had an exam Monday morning. I should have stayed home Saturday night...but I didn't. I hate missing church for homework but I guess some times you have to-especially when you don't make the "wiser" decision. Monday I had school, and then started on a term paper, which I am planning to finish after I write this. I also went to youth service so there was no blogging time for me! On another note, the weather here has been gloomy. It is starting to get warmer...yay, but it was so foggy this morning and has been and is going to rain for the remainder of this week. Today after volunteering at Greece Christian I decided to stop by my cousin Ira's house since she is on spring break, so I had a relaxing 2 hours. We also made plans to shop Friday, so hopefully all will work out. Well have a nice night everyone! (My posting will be minimum this next week in a half...because of, well because of life)!

Blessings,

Lesya  

Natural and Organic Foods

Happy Friday! 

First off, I'm not going to post scripture today, I would like to incorporate Jesus' resurrection so I thought Sunday when it is official Easter and Christ has risen from the grave, I will post them then. Hopefully I won't be too busy Sunday.

This morning I went to school, then I had to stop by to get my bangs trimmed, but there was a line, go figure, its a Friday, so I ended up going to Wegman's to grab a few things for my mom. Afterwards, it was pretty warm out so I wanted to get the food home as soon as possible so I did not get my bangs trimmed, but that's ok. I will go tomorrow :) 

I have been into natural and organic food for quite some time...now, that doesn't mean I've been eating it, but I've been wanting to. I guess it started when I began watching what I ate closely and trying to get myself into shape before summer time. In school, sometimes I end up getting unhealthy snacks because I'm not too hungry to buy a meal, but would like to nibble on something small. So I headed over to the organic section at Wegman's and decided to get a few things for myself. 

This is what I got:

No, no the lindt chocolate did not come from the natural/organic section. Let me explain...but first here is the run down:

Strawberry Cobblers: Were on sale for 2.99, originally 3.99 (I tried one already....not as good as they look!)

Clif Crunch: Paid the original price, 2.99 (These are some white chocolate macadamia nut flavor.) I haven't tried them yet, but decided they are not worth buying in regards to the "healthy" snacks I am trying to eat. Well, unless they are REALLY good I'll continue to get them since they are not expensive and are healthier than candy bars, but I'm not into those anyways. I guess it was nice to buy something "sweet" that is considered healthier!

Hummus Chips: On Sale 2/5.00 I like chips, so this would be a healthy substitute I thought. I tried the red pepper flavor and after the first few I ate, I was not sure I was liking them, but the more I ate the more I began to really like them! 

The Lindt chocolates: These are my favorite. I love the smooth chocolate filling that is in them, but I always abstain from buying them because they are expensive, unhealthy, etc...but I bought them in the bulk section. I still paid 5.39 for them but that's ok. I don't buy them often. As I am trying to eat healthy, I shouldn't have bought them in the first place, but you know when you are hungry in a store, and then the thought comes, well I will be eating these healthy snacks, why not get chocolate? This will be my splurging area. So I did. I ate four today because they are just so good. 

So these snacks are basically for when I go to school. At home I will continue to eat healthy (usually!) homemade foods. I just thought I might as well spend a little more on snacks that are healthier for me, or snacks that are not as unhealthy. Maybe that is the correct way of stating it! Also, even at home when I feel like having chips, why not have the "healthier" option to choose.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I will be busy cleaning, and doing homework (I feel like I am drowning in it).
I am glad that we got most of our dessert cooking for Easter done Wednesday night and today. Coming up next week I will share with you about my lovely brothers helping in the kitchen. Let me tell you, that was no small task for them!
Blessings, 
Lesya

In a Nutshell...

Yes...sitting at my desk and typing away. Homework. Homework. And more homework. Yesterday, I went to school, and was working on homework from 9 to 5. Usually Tuesdays I go into the preschool, but they have spring break this week, so I was free. It was nice, because I have so much to do! I had a final paper due yesterday so I am relieved to have that out of the way! Also, it helped that my only class on Tuesday was canceled so I didn't have any classes to go to. It's funny because every time I complete an assignment, I think oh now I will have less work to do...but no, the work load doesn't get smaller, at this point in the semester, or at any point it seems like! Tuesday night when I got home, my mom asked me to get my sister Lena from my aunt's house so I stayed there a bit because she made me sit down and drink tea with her (this was aunt Tanya). Then I had to drop something out at Nina's so she made me stay there a bit too long! But at least it was a relaxing evening.

I've also been filling out scholarship forms, asking for recommendations from professors, and making sure they get it to me on time! I do not like asking, I just feel so bad because I know they have so much to do, especially when you ask them to write/fill out a few forms! But, you do what you have to do. I still have to write a few essays myself. All this is so time consuming. Oh well. Hopefully it'll be worth it.

When I was at the register, at The Limited, they asked whether I'd like to receive two free issues of InStyle magazine, so yesterday my first free issue came. I've never ordered these, so it's been fun looking through it. 

Finally, I've been reading the word. I have some scripture that I'd like to share here, but that will have to wait until Friday probably. No matter how busy life gets, its important to go back to what is really important. God. 

Blessings,
Lesya

A Week of Firsts

Last Monday, was the first time, since I believe 3rd grade that I have long hair and bangs at the same time!
Last Thursday marks the first time that I was told I can be an official teacher at Vacation Bible School.
Last Friday and Saturday were the first times I drove on Parkway.
Saturday also marks the beginning of starting my final papers for the semester.
Today marks the first time I hit...and killed an animal on the road. I was driving on Peck road and saw the animal which looked like a chubby big mouse...obviously was not a mouse. I saw it too late, and hit it. Guts and all. I did not see but I just heard the squashing sound while driving over it.
Then I felt like my heart broke.
I felt so sad for that poor animal.
My brother said that I put it out of its miserable fat life. Now I'm not an animal lover, but I felt bad.
So, today will be a "blogging day of silence" in that there will be no picture. So take a moment with me to reflect on that poor animal who is no longer with us because of...because of me.

Shopping Days

Well Happy Saturday Friends! Today is going to be a post more so for myself. So since it will be rather corny, I won't be offended if you choose not to read it! ha!

Well in the future I want to look back to see what I bought and how much I paid for it (lol) I know. I wonder if the things I buy in a couple years  will be totally different. For example, I love pencil skirt. Will I still like them a couple years from now? Well see these are my recent buys...

I bought this at The Limited-$21. I think it'd be cute with a light skirt.  I think it was $50 originally.

This I got at Banana Republic. It was $30, but was an additional 25% off so I was like ok I'll pay $23 because I thought it'd look good with skinny jeans and I liked the color. I come to the register and she says $13! Score! Don't you love when that happens?! Originally it was $70. I wish I'd gotten the other white one that was there too :(. They are so comfortable.

This I got at The Limited. Paid $15 for it I think...not exactly sure. I just like the look of it. I can go casual with it, or dress it up! Originally it was $40.

This shirt may look weird! ha! But it really is cute with my light purple skirt...I'll be sure to take a picture in it. I bought it basically because it matched that skirt. I paid $20 for it at Ann Taylor LOFT.  I love that store! It is my kind of style! Originally it was $50 if I remember correctly.

This was on clearance at The Limited. I earned 25 off 50 coupons from previous purchases...so It was $30 on clearance and I paid $15 for it! Now that is a good price for a skirt! Originally it was $50.

This was the last one The Limited had in my size! They took it off a mannequin for me. I paid $9 for it even though it was $50 but it was 40% off plus I had coupons. This skirt will go with the purple shirt that's up on top. 

 

I ordered this online from Banana Republic. It was cheap! $19! I just need a cute shirt to tuck into it.

This cost me $25. It was originally $70. I just like it's uniqueness. And the fact that it is modest when I wear it. I also needed some casual summer skirts. This is also from Ann Taylor LOFT.  Like the orange skirt, from The Limited up on top, they only had them in 0's so I got it. It is acceptable. Totally what everybody wears. But I like to feel comfortable/modest in my skirts. 

This is the light purple skirt. It doesn't look purple here though! I got it for $17. It is also rather modest. Butt they didn't have a smaller size and for church it will definitely do. Also from Ann Taylor LOFT. Originally $50. 

Keeping it real..This is a skirt I also got at The Limited recently for $17 with that $25 off $50 coupons. It was $35, on clearance to begin with. Anyway, I got a few more things, but I won't bother myself with anything more! 

I feel like this post is an advertisement of some sort lol but this is most of what I bought during the month of March and early April. Now I just have to shop summer stuff, especially for Florida, and I'll be all set........................................................................................................hopefully.

Hello Friends!
Well it's Friday! I was planning to do a longer post today, but I have to do things around the house...always fun. I know.
Well this week, I bummed out. Tuesday I did not feel like doing any homework.
So I didn't.
Wednesday, I did a little homework.
And did not do any more.
Later went to youth choir.
Thursday I leave the house around 9:15 and get home 12 hours later so I did not do any work.
Last night my mom said we must get some things done today.
But, she took my Grandmother somewhere...
I tried being doing work around the house but...
I am so tired.
By the end of the week don't you feel worn out? Even if it was a laid back week for you?
I better gather my strength because tomorrow will be a day in the library doing work that I've procrastinated on this week. Oh and more housework.
So have a good weekend everyone!

Yesterday's Typical Monday

Yesterday started off with "oh its Monday...I have so much work to do. Yayy." I took a snapshot with my lil sister before heading out. It was unusually warm-so I had a brain freeze of what to wear?! I didn't feel "ok" with pulling out the summer stuff yet! It was windy so I'm glad I wore a thin longer-sleeve shirt.

Later, the girls (Diana and Yulia) called me telling me that coffee house was canceled because there was no one to open the church, so they came over and we had coffee here, after I got dressed. This photo just "keeps it real" Only my cousin Natasha looked picture perfect!

My cousin Yulia and I. This girl is basically one of two girl cousins that live near me. So, we have lots of fun when we get together, especially at family camp. She's outgoing and so sweet. She has a very good heart, and doesn't see the bad in people. Both of us are striving to become teachers, so we will share similar future careers.

Inna and Tanya. After youth service we went to Tim Horton's. Inna wanted McDonald's so we stopped and got her some. She is the other girl I am going to Florida with.  I got to know her better last Spring. It was her last semester, before she graduated from Brockport and boy did we have fun. When we start chatting we go on and on. Once we took a "road trip" to Utica for her dress-fitting and we rambled and rambled on. Shopping is definitely another connection that we have. I remember in school I asked her, so you don't work that much, where do you get money to buy the brand name clothes? She said idk, I just do. I feel the same way. Like right now, I know I have to save money but I don't want to wear skirts that I have been wearing. A girl always need to add to her closet. So, when people have money and don't buy and wear clothes they've been wearing for years I want to say-you greedy girl-even when it comes to buying for yourself! I know this sounds very "bad" so please don't comment if you have a negative feeling towards my words, but these are my thoughts and this is where I record them. I am totally NOT talking about people who indeed have to save, or can't buy for themselves for different reasons. I am talking about those that can and don't.  Like in my current situation, I can even though I don't have much right now. I can choose to say I can't buy anything I need to save-but in reality I don't need to "that much." Another thing that bothers me is when people buy clothes and add to their closets, but don't get rid of anything!!! Bless someone else! You know you are not going to wear that shirt, you just keep it thinking oh, I will wear it someday, but never do.

At Tim Horton's. A typical hangout spot. I guess this picture speaks for its self. I got home from everything around midnight and was off to bed. I hope everyone else had a blessed start of the week as well! 

Blessings,
Lesya

Weekend Fun

Hi friends! Happy Monday! Today we are enjoying weather in NY that is in the 70's in April. That does not usually happen..but then again it won't stay long either. Well yesterday we had a lot of fun downtown so I wanted to share some of the pictures here and write a little bit about my friends! I want to look back and remember whom I hung out with and such.

This is me before church. This is so my style! I wonder if I will look back and like what I wore 10 years from now! A friend of mine told me I look like a teacher in this outfit...yayy lol

This is my good friend Diana. We definitely have a lot of fun times together! I love her personality, and "easy-goingness." The more I hang out with her the more I get to know her. She is a very to her self kind of gal, and I feel like I talk way to much when I'm with her...and in general...so I will be working on that! But other than that we both understand each other in dressing modestly to church, being on time to places, and saving money! ha! 

This is Natalya. I met her through Diana a couple years back, but we have really grown as friends this past year I'd say. I've finally learned how to get along with her! ha! But she is a sweet girl and we think alike on a lot of subjects, so its easy to carry a conversation with her. She is a very simple kind of person who will be anyone who needs a friend, friend. I kept wanting to take pictures yesterday and she would say, why? why? Diana and I eventually told her that we have blogs.

This is Tanya and Alesya. Tanya is an incredibly sweet girl.  I've gotten close to her in high school. We began college at the same time so we went into "this season of life" together. She is the friend that is always taking her time, so we always end up waiting for her! ha! Alesya (in the pink) is also very kind. She can make you laugh easily and put a smile on your face! Well, so can Tanya. I will be going in a couple short weeks to Florida with Alesya and her sister Inna so I am hoping that will be a time to get closer to Alesya!

This is just me. I really like the color in this photo! Now what can I say about myself? Basically, I have a lot to work on behind that smiling face of mine! I wish I was more kind to people, and stepped out of my comfort zone to help someone more often. I wish I can say that I was friendly. I wish I easily loved everyone. I wish I kept my mouth quiet more often. I wish I had more patience and complained less. I know that yea yea we all have things to work on, but that shouldn't be a source of comfort. Well I would upload more photos and such but I would like to get some school work done so that I can go to youth service! I wasn't planning on it today, but I competed more than I expected in the morning so why not go and Praise God.

He Never Promised

 Happy Sunday friends! I wanted to share this song with you today! It's been my "weekly favorite" this past week. As you can tell I will be posting songs that speak to me that particular week, every Sunday.

God never promised us an easy life just because we chose to follow after him...but He did say help will always come in time!

On a personal note...today we only had morning service, and so after wards we went out to eat with friends. Now I am going to downtown with a few friends to walk and obviously TALK. Tomorrow I have a fun post planned (for me at least) and later this week I will tell you about my future plans for this summer! Lets just say, God is so good to me, for no particular reason.

Well THAT Caught my Attention

Hello Friends!

This past week has been a blessed one! I have a lot of work to do but it was definitely one of the more "manageable" weeks. Having Scholar's Day on Wednesday may have helped! And going to the mall...twice may have contributed to my successful week as well...(because successful shopping trips always manage to put a smile on ones face)

Anyway, moving on, I would like to start doing weekly posts on verses that have "stuck out" to me in particular, during my Bible reading time. Some weeks there will be more Bible verses than others that stuck out, but I want to look back one day and see how the Lord was speaking to me during this time, through his word. 

So here goes my first "well THAT Caught my Attention post! 

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, Lord, but only with justice-not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing." Jeremiah 11:23-24
I do not know what about these two verses, but reading them made me so emotional! I guess I can closely relate? As humans we know we do wrong in God's eyes, and it's all about asking Him for mercy and grace. This verse indeed declares God's power over all. But most of all, I feel badly that I do do things that aren't pleasing in God's eyes, and that I sometimes choose to wander the way I want to go, not necessarily the way God is leading me. That is my prayer: Lord help me to walk in the path you have prepared for me, and have mercy on me in my wrong doings.
Well have a blessed weekend. I hope to post more tomorrow!
Blessings, 
Lesya 

Siblings

I JUST LOVE THESE TWO!

My current "loves"

All Things Yellow...

Especially Yellow Shoes! (But I haven't found ones I've "fallen in love with" yet!

Yellow Tops... A yellow top that I would totally wear this summer...

And most of all I have this "renewed" love for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole-wheat bread. (Trying to keep things healthy around here!)

via

Well now I'm going to go back to working on my homework. The girls are coming over tonight to finally practice our song! (Lord I Offer My Life! Don Moen) So I don't have much time, thought I'd hop on here to say what I'm loving. Tomorrow I hope to do a Bible verse post...

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Happy Monday Friends!

Today is my little brother's birthday, So HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY ANDREW!

I see that I don' t have many pictures of just you! You are always with your cousins or sibling.

I remember the day you were born. Boy, it was a longgg day. Your mom left to the hospital early in the morning, but you were born at like 11:30 p.m.! You were all worth it though. When you were born the nurses couldn't believe how perfect you were. On their apgar scoring, you were 10/10! I remember they said your heart was as strong as can be, because you were "stressed" all day working to make your way into this world but your little heart stayed strong. As a newborn, you were also the most beautiful baby boy your mom had. Ha! Don't tell the rest of your brothers!

There was a time when you did NOT like me. You would always run from me and go to your brothers. That has changed! Before I go to school in the morning you give me a hug and ask, "Are you going to college?" I say "yes" and you say "come back soon, ok Lesya?" 

You also say the silliest things. Your cousin Alex told you he couldn't come to your birthday party because he had to study and you said, "well if you came here, you wouldn't have had to study!"

I also love when you say, "can I sleep with you, Lesya?" You are just so lovable!

Another thing you do is pray every night. You say the Father's prayer with your dad. Then you always ask, "can we say it again Tato (Dad)?" You are always asking about Jesus and when I ask who is Jesus, you say "He died on the cross for us." 

You also love clothes. You cry if your mother doesn't buy you something when she goes shopping! You take 10 minutes telling us what you will wear to church, only to hear that you can't wear that, that doesn't match or we don't wear that to church! 

Finally, you LOVE being the center of attention, and you LOVE your siblings. Especially your sister Leah! You are such a good big brother to her. You also can't sit still-as seen in the picture above.

I was telling my mom the other day that I believe you will grow up to be a genuinely good  person! Your character is forming into one that I like! (It was not so when you were 2 and 3) You were a "cute bad little boy!

So here are so pictures from the party this weekend:

Birthday Boy! Before the pizza came...

Before you opened your gift! You especially loveeeed watch your cousin Karina gave you and the racing cars track your mom and dad got for you! We also made goodie bags for the kids to take home, in orange baggies-your favorite color! 

Overall it was a fun time with family and friends and most of all, Andrew had fun!

Oh, and a funny thing he said earlier today...he wanted a drink we did not have and my dad told him to drink what we had! He started complaining so my dad was like okay, we will use your birthday money to buy you that drink. Andrew said, "but I don't have that money, you stole it!" (My parents took it obviously so he wouldn't lose it, but look at things from his perspective. Lol.)

Have a blessed rest of the week!

Lesya

Friday Thoughts