Just two days
three and a half hours of drive time
and nine and a half hours of flight time
separate me from my family and friends
back home.
I hope it flies by.
Seriously.
I haven't been able to sit still for the past few days,
because I know that I'm so close.
It's been almost 7 months since I've been home.
It's high time I see everyone again,
and spend some quality time with family and friends.
I cannot wait!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Reflecting on the Past
So, because I've been reflecting over this past year a lot over the past couple of weeks, I decided to share exactly what God has been up to. Basically, this is my testimony. But, I just feel like it's something that needs to go out there...
I grew up in a God-believing family, and at the age of 8 I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. As I grew up, I wanted to know more about God and I was taught, kind of, how to serve Him and love Him. I always thought that I had to work at Christianity and serve God so that He would keep loving me. During high school a lot of things happened to me that made me question God. I had friends attempting suicide, cutting themselves, and I went through a relationship with a guy that impacted me for years. He used me to try to make himself feel like he wasn't gay, attempted suicide while in the relationship, and then ended up breaking up with me by telling me that I wasn't enough to make him feel like he could keep living a lie. Anyway, that broke my heart, deeply affected my self-esteem, and deeply hurt my relationship with God. For years I dealt with my hurt heart by just ignoring it. And then about a year ago, I was tired of living a lie. I was tired of pretending to be okay when I was hurting. So I thought the best way to take care of the hurt was shut out God. I pushed Him away, all the while thinking I would feel better because the "cause" of my hurt was no longer in my life. I started making decisions all on my own. I went to school pursuing all that I wanted to do. I got a job in a field that I thought I would love. I kept going to church, because that's what the good person would do. But this entire time, I was miserable. I hated my life, hated myself. I came to believe that I was the problem. I was to blame for my ex choosing to be gay. I was to blame for my brokenness. I was to blame for the problems in my life and any that showed up in my family. And I just needed to end my life. I started working on a plan to commit suicide. I knew what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it, and I had written several letters to friends and family saying goodbye. But when the time came around, I just couldn't bring myself to go through with it. Something was holding me back. And I knew Who it was. God still had a hold of my life, even if it was a small one. That night I cried out to Him, begging Him to do something, to change me in a big way. And He did. He started showing me that He loves me more than I could even imagine. He started changing me from the inside out. I learned what true Christianity is all about: loving God and glorifying Him. It's not about the works I do, but simply about singing His praises and loving Him, and glorifying Him. God slowly started showing me what I was doing wasn't what He had planned. So I started seeking after Him. He showed me where I needed to go to school, SEBTS, so I worked toward that. He started working everything out, and I can honestly say that I had nothing to do with it. I have no idea what God is going to tell me to do next, where He's going to take me, or anything like that. But I do know that He has a plan, and I intend to follow Him. Lately He's been working in my life in some pretty amazing ways. He's been sanctifying me in every possible way. And it's been one of the hardest seasons of my life. But seeing that God still loves me enough to work on me has been truly humbling and oh so glorious. I am so glad to know that I have a Savior who won't give up on me.
So, that's me. That's where I was, and where I am now.
It's crazy to think of what God can do in one year.
He is awesome.
I grew up in a God-believing family, and at the age of 8 I trusted Christ as my Savior and Lord. As I grew up, I wanted to know more about God and I was taught, kind of, how to serve Him and love Him. I always thought that I had to work at Christianity and serve God so that He would keep loving me. During high school a lot of things happened to me that made me question God. I had friends attempting suicide, cutting themselves, and I went through a relationship with a guy that impacted me for years. He used me to try to make himself feel like he wasn't gay, attempted suicide while in the relationship, and then ended up breaking up with me by telling me that I wasn't enough to make him feel like he could keep living a lie. Anyway, that broke my heart, deeply affected my self-esteem, and deeply hurt my relationship with God. For years I dealt with my hurt heart by just ignoring it. And then about a year ago, I was tired of living a lie. I was tired of pretending to be okay when I was hurting. So I thought the best way to take care of the hurt was shut out God. I pushed Him away, all the while thinking I would feel better because the "cause" of my hurt was no longer in my life. I started making decisions all on my own. I went to school pursuing all that I wanted to do. I got a job in a field that I thought I would love. I kept going to church, because that's what the good person would do. But this entire time, I was miserable. I hated my life, hated myself. I came to believe that I was the problem. I was to blame for my ex choosing to be gay. I was to blame for my brokenness. I was to blame for the problems in my life and any that showed up in my family. And I just needed to end my life. I started working on a plan to commit suicide. I knew what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it, and I had written several letters to friends and family saying goodbye. But when the time came around, I just couldn't bring myself to go through with it. Something was holding me back. And I knew Who it was. God still had a hold of my life, even if it was a small one. That night I cried out to Him, begging Him to do something, to change me in a big way. And He did. He started showing me that He loves me more than I could even imagine. He started changing me from the inside out. I learned what true Christianity is all about: loving God and glorifying Him. It's not about the works I do, but simply about singing His praises and loving Him, and glorifying Him. God slowly started showing me what I was doing wasn't what He had planned. So I started seeking after Him. He showed me where I needed to go to school, SEBTS, so I worked toward that. He started working everything out, and I can honestly say that I had nothing to do with it. I have no idea what God is going to tell me to do next, where He's going to take me, or anything like that. But I do know that He has a plan, and I intend to follow Him. Lately He's been working in my life in some pretty amazing ways. He's been sanctifying me in every possible way. And it's been one of the hardest seasons of my life. But seeing that God still loves me enough to work on me has been truly humbling and oh so glorious. I am so glad to know that I have a Savior who won't give up on me.
So, that's me. That's where I was, and where I am now.
It's crazy to think of what God can do in one year.
He is awesome.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Finals. Ick.
So this week is finals week.
Because it's not about me.
As is next week.
But three of my finals are this week.
I've taken one.
I've taken one.
I have one tomorrow, one Friday, and then my last one is next Tuesday!
And then I'll be done!
But in all reality,
my learning doesn't stop there.
These classes have truly opened my eyes to everything that I still don't know.
These classes have truly opened my eyes to everything that I still don't know.
Which is SO much.
I still have so much history, philosophy, theology that I don't know.
And I need to know it so I can make informed decisions,
as well as communicate my faith well.
So I'll keep learning.
Of course I have next semester to continue learning as well,
Of course I have next semester to continue learning as well,
but even outside of class I need to be diligent in learning.
The past couple of weeks have also been a time of reflection for me.
I've been reflecting on where I was a year ago,
and where God has brought me in that short amount of time.
Looking back, I've been able to see how gracious and amazing God really is.
He has had His hand in my life this whole time,
and that time last year when I wasn't doing well,
God is using that to remind me of how great He is.
And maybe one day He will be able to use it for His glory.
Anyway, during this stressful time of finals and as the semester is coming to a close,
God has been working in my life.
He's teaching me patience.
He's teaching me patience.
But most of all,
He's teaching me how to rest in Him.
He's teaching me that sometimes I do just need to walk away from things
and just escape with Him.
Most of all, I just need to leave everything at His feet,
Most of all, I just need to leave everything at His feet,
and through all things that He directs me to do, I need to worship Him.
Because it's not about me.
It's all about Him and Him alone.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Only Three Weeks Away!
So today marks a very important day.....
I am only three weeks away from flying home to see my family!
Praise Jesus!
I honestly thought that it was going to take
forever
to get here.
But it's so close!
The weeks are just flying by,
and I know that they will continue to do so,
especially with how much I have to do over the next couple of weeks.
(With finals and the end of the semester)
And I am so completely excited!
I get to see everyone and spend time with everyone!
I already have plans with Morgan to do some stuff with her!
And of course spend ample amounts of time with my parents and sister, as well as the rest of my family.
I hope to go on the Luminaria tour on Christmas Eve.
And at some point during the two weeks I hope to go to the River of Lights.
Annddd hopefully go up to Inlow one day.
But, whatever I get to do,
I know that I am greatly blessed because God has provided a way for me to go home.
I am already thankful for the time that He's given me to spend with them.
I just can't wait to go!
I am only three weeks away from flying home to see my family!
Praise Jesus!
I honestly thought that it was going to take
forever
to get here.
But it's so close!
The weeks are just flying by,
and I know that they will continue to do so,
especially with how much I have to do over the next couple of weeks.
(With finals and the end of the semester)
And I am so completely excited!
I get to see everyone and spend time with everyone!
I already have plans with Morgan to do some stuff with her!
And of course spend ample amounts of time with my parents and sister, as well as the rest of my family.
I hope to go on the Luminaria tour on Christmas Eve.
And at some point during the two weeks I hope to go to the River of Lights.
Annddd hopefully go up to Inlow one day.
But, whatever I get to do,
I know that I am greatly blessed because God has provided a way for me to go home.
I am already thankful for the time that He's given me to spend with them.
I just can't wait to go!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well, I have a feeling tomorrow will be crazy busy....
so I thought I would write this now, while I still have some energy.
I've done lots of baking while I've been here in the SC.
Homemade crescent rolls, turkey cake pops, and apple spice cupcakes have all been completed.
And it's been lovely spending some time with this precious family.
Absolutely lovely.
God has greatly blessed me with people to spend this holiday with.
Even though I greatly long to be home with my family in NM,
I know that He's planned it for me to be here.
Thanksgiving day is tomorrow.
And I am so thankful for so many things:
God and His mercy, grace, love, and sovereignty in my life.
my family (parents, sister, grandparents, etc.).
my friends (old and new).
my school.
my car.
where I live.
books.
laughter.
joy.
sorrow.
pain.
happiness.
grace.
forgiveness.
learning.
knowledge.
peace.
patience.
and so many other wonderful things.
God has greatly blessed my life.
Even though there has been pain and hardship,
I wouldn't have it any other way.
He's drawn me closer to Himself.
And I am thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
Blessings.
so I thought I would write this now, while I still have some energy.
I've done lots of baking while I've been here in the SC.
Homemade crescent rolls, turkey cake pops, and apple spice cupcakes have all been completed.
And it's been lovely spending some time with this precious family.
Absolutely lovely.
God has greatly blessed me with people to spend this holiday with.
Even though I greatly long to be home with my family in NM,
I know that He's planned it for me to be here.
Thanksgiving day is tomorrow.
And I am so thankful for so many things:
God and His mercy, grace, love, and sovereignty in my life.
my family (parents, sister, grandparents, etc.).
my friends (old and new).
my school.
my car.
where I live.
books.
laughter.
joy.
sorrow.
pain.
happiness.
grace.
forgiveness.
learning.
knowledge.
peace.
patience.
and so many other wonderful things.
God has greatly blessed my life.
Even though there has been pain and hardship,
I wouldn't have it any other way.
He's drawn me closer to Himself.
And I am thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
Blessings.
Friday, November 18, 2011
The Silence is Creeping me out.
It's so quiet here.
There is no noise but the hum from my computer and the tapping of the keys.
It's insane.
Everyone is already gone for break.
Except for the random crazy few that have decided to stay a couple extra days.
(I am one of those few.)
So, it's a Friday night.
No one is here.
I feel like I should be productive and do something,
but I am so tired,
I am not motivated to work on any homework
or bake anything
or even go anywhere.
But I don't know what to do!
Oh the horror.
Well, it is Thanksgiving Break now.
Thank goodness!
I thought it would never come!
I head out on Sunday afternoon to spend some time with an amazing friend and her family!
And I'm so excited!
I can't wait to get away from the dorm for a little while.
It will be so great.
And only 30 days till I get to go home!
I can't believe how quickly time has passed!
I feel like the semester just began,
and here we are only three more weeks till it's over.
What happened??
It's insane!
But I can't wait to go home!
I miss everyone so much!
So the couple weeks that I get to spend with them will be oh so sweet, precious, and I will treasure it all.
Anyway,
I guess I'll go back to doing absolutely nothing.
Blessings.
There is no noise but the hum from my computer and the tapping of the keys.
It's insane.
Everyone is already gone for break.
Except for the random crazy few that have decided to stay a couple extra days.
(I am one of those few.)
So, it's a Friday night.
No one is here.
I feel like I should be productive and do something,
but I am so tired,
I am not motivated to work on any homework
or bake anything
or even go anywhere.
But I don't know what to do!
Oh the horror.
Well, it is Thanksgiving Break now.
Thank goodness!
I thought it would never come!
I head out on Sunday afternoon to spend some time with an amazing friend and her family!
And I'm so excited!
I can't wait to get away from the dorm for a little while.
It will be so great.
And only 30 days till I get to go home!
I can't believe how quickly time has passed!
I feel like the semester just began,
and here we are only three more weeks till it's over.
What happened??
It's insane!
But I can't wait to go home!
I miss everyone so much!
So the couple weeks that I get to spend with them will be oh so sweet, precious, and I will treasure it all.
Anyway,
I guess I'll go back to doing absolutely nothing.
Blessings.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Orphan Care
This whole past week has been about orphan care it seems.
Monday night was the Orphan Care Coffee House,
and I got to learn a lot about orphan care.
And God has been bringing this to mind this past week.
And today in church,
the teaching pastor, Tony, taught from Galatians 4:1-7
about Orphan Care and the Doctrine of Adoption.
We were orphans.
Jesus came, lived a life we couldn't live, died the life we should've died, so that we could be adopted by God into His family.
We are now heirs.
How incredibly blessed are we!
After hearing the message this morning,
I didn't want to be around other people.
(I now knew the reason why I drove alone to church this morning.)
So I left, and I spent some time alone with the Lord.
What does He want me to do in light of what He's taught me about orphan care?
1. Pray and pray hard.
2. Continue supporting Nekairo. (She's my Compassion child that I sponsor.)
3. Pray some more about how to serve next, where to go, what to do, etc.
4. Share the news with others.
I don't know what God has in store for me in this area.
I don't know if I'm just going to adopt in the future,
if I'll be come an advocate for children...
only God knows what will happen in my life.
But He's igniting a passion for the care of orphans, widows, and seeking out justice in me.
And I pray that He continues to fan the flame.
Monday night was the Orphan Care Coffee House,
and I got to learn a lot about orphan care.
And God has been bringing this to mind this past week.
And today in church,
the teaching pastor, Tony, taught from Galatians 4:1-7
about Orphan Care and the Doctrine of Adoption.
We were orphans.
Jesus came, lived a life we couldn't live, died the life we should've died, so that we could be adopted by God into His family.
We are now heirs.
How incredibly blessed are we!
After hearing the message this morning,
I didn't want to be around other people.
(I now knew the reason why I drove alone to church this morning.)
So I left, and I spent some time alone with the Lord.
What does He want me to do in light of what He's taught me about orphan care?
1. Pray and pray hard.
2. Continue supporting Nekairo. (She's my Compassion child that I sponsor.)
3. Pray some more about how to serve next, where to go, what to do, etc.
4. Share the news with others.
I don't know what God has in store for me in this area.
I don't know if I'm just going to adopt in the future,
if I'll be come an advocate for children...
only God knows what will happen in my life.
But He's igniting a passion for the care of orphans, widows, and seeking out justice in me.
And I pray that He continues to fan the flame.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Looooong Day
Found out a friend from high school died in her sleep last night.
This is hitting hard.
Why?
Because I wasn't the nicest person to her.
I ignored her.
I tried to avoid her.
And now there's no way to ever apologize.
Time with Jesus is going to be greatly needed tonight.
And on top of that, it was a rough night at work.
The girls were psycho tonight.
Thank goodness the weekend is just around the corner.
This is hitting hard.
Why?
Because I wasn't the nicest person to her.
I ignored her.
I tried to avoid her.
And now there's no way to ever apologize.
Time with Jesus is going to be greatly needed tonight.
And on top of that, it was a rough night at work.
The girls were psycho tonight.
Thank goodness the weekend is just around the corner.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Let's Be Honest
I have a really hard time opening up to new people.
It's not that I don't like meeting new people.
But until I have a lot of time to observe others and really get to know them,
I'm a really quiet person.
I always have been this way...
or at least for as long as I can remember.
I do admit that I have some trust issues,
And I'm working on overcoming those with the Lord's help.
But it's a struggle for me to open up to "newer" people.
Even if I've hung out with them for a few consecutive weeks.
The whole reason I'm bringing this up is just because I feel like a loner.
Seriously.
Here at school, I don't have that many friends.
I mean, I know a lot of people,
I have a lot of acquaintances,
But I don't really know people.
And that's a problem for me.
I crave people. NOT the attention of people.
But just being around people that I know, and that know me.
There's fellowship in just sitting with people. And I love that kind of fellowship.
I love to just sit and listen to other people.
And I haven't found much time for that since being here.
And I'm having a hard time finding my place.
Finding where God wants me.
It's a struggle.
This is probably mostly my fault.
I'm not good at all at putting myself out there,
Making myself vulnerable.
Often I feel like people look at me like I have my life completely together.
Like I'm putting on a face.
But I'm really not.
I just have a hard time showing my real feelings to people I don't know.
People I haven't had any real time with.
But, the problem is, I don't know how to fix this.
I don't know how to make new friends.
(I know that sounds really stupid.)
But I feel like I'm intruding on people when I want to hang out with others.
Or get to know them.
This has always been a problem with me.
I don't want to burden anyone.
And I guess that's how I've always seen myself: a burden.
But I'm learning that I'm not.
I'm not that at all.
And by thinking that for all these years,
I've, indeed, hindered my growth in my relationships with others,
But, more importantly, my relationship with God.
How dumb I am.
God has to teach me the same lessons over.
And over.
And over.
You would think by now I would have learned these things.
But I guess not.
It's so easy for me to express myself in writing.
I've always found comfort in writing out my feelings and thoughts.
But speaking to others and telling them what's really going on is hard for me.
Like this blog,
I have no idea how many people actually read this.
And I really don't care. Because this is a place for me to express myself.
But having a conversation with someone I don't really know is hard.
Extremely hard.
On the verge of impossible actually.
It's painful.
It's nerve-wracking.
And that explains why for most of my life I have avoided it.
But at the same time I so desperately want to know people and have them know me.
I want them to know my story and I want to know theirs.
I want to see the Biblical church come alive.
So how do these things balance out?
Jesus.
He's going to have to continue His work in me.
Which He's already begun.
(Just to let you know.)
He's already showing me that this is a problem,
And this needs to be dealt with by Him.
Am I going to allow Him to have control of this area of my life?
Absolutely.
Because I'm tired of being alone.
I'm tired of being afraid to speak.
And I want Him to be glorified in my life.
This change, it's not going to be easy.
But when has my life ever been easy?
Ha.
Oh, I can't wait to see what God is going to do through this.
It's not that I don't like meeting new people.
But until I have a lot of time to observe others and really get to know them,
I'm a really quiet person.
I always have been this way...
or at least for as long as I can remember.
I do admit that I have some trust issues,
And I'm working on overcoming those with the Lord's help.
But it's a struggle for me to open up to "newer" people.
Even if I've hung out with them for a few consecutive weeks.
The whole reason I'm bringing this up is just because I feel like a loner.
Seriously.
Here at school, I don't have that many friends.
I mean, I know a lot of people,
I have a lot of acquaintances,
But I don't really know people.
And that's a problem for me.
I crave people. NOT the attention of people.
But just being around people that I know, and that know me.
There's fellowship in just sitting with people. And I love that kind of fellowship.
I love to just sit and listen to other people.
And I haven't found much time for that since being here.
And I'm having a hard time finding my place.
Finding where God wants me.
It's a struggle.
This is probably mostly my fault.
I'm not good at all at putting myself out there,
Making myself vulnerable.
Often I feel like people look at me like I have my life completely together.
Like I'm putting on a face.
But I'm really not.
I just have a hard time showing my real feelings to people I don't know.
People I haven't had any real time with.
But, the problem is, I don't know how to fix this.
I don't know how to make new friends.
(I know that sounds really stupid.)
But I feel like I'm intruding on people when I want to hang out with others.
Or get to know them.
This has always been a problem with me.
I don't want to burden anyone.
And I guess that's how I've always seen myself: a burden.
But I'm learning that I'm not.
I'm not that at all.
And by thinking that for all these years,
I've, indeed, hindered my growth in my relationships with others,
But, more importantly, my relationship with God.
How dumb I am.
God has to teach me the same lessons over.
And over.
And over.
You would think by now I would have learned these things.
But I guess not.
It's so easy for me to express myself in writing.
I've always found comfort in writing out my feelings and thoughts.
But speaking to others and telling them what's really going on is hard for me.
Like this blog,
I have no idea how many people actually read this.
And I really don't care. Because this is a place for me to express myself.
But having a conversation with someone I don't really know is hard.
Extremely hard.
On the verge of impossible actually.
It's painful.
It's nerve-wracking.
And that explains why for most of my life I have avoided it.
But at the same time I so desperately want to know people and have them know me.
I want them to know my story and I want to know theirs.
I want to see the Biblical church come alive.
So how do these things balance out?
Jesus.
He's going to have to continue His work in me.
Which He's already begun.
(Just to let you know.)
He's already showing me that this is a problem,
And this needs to be dealt with by Him.
Am I going to allow Him to have control of this area of my life?
Absolutely.
Because I'm tired of being alone.
I'm tired of being afraid to speak.
And I want Him to be glorified in my life.
This change, it's not going to be easy.
But when has my life ever been easy?
Ha.
Oh, I can't wait to see what God is going to do through this.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
God Answers Prayer
Seriously. He does.
I know we hear this said all the time.
But sometimes I feel like we forget this fact.
But I've been seeing this principle at work in my life so much lately.
Last week, for example, God answered a prayer.
My Growth Group has been praying for a girl to come to know Christ and trust Him for salvation.
We've been praying hardcore for her.
And last week, Tuesday, to be exact, she trusted Christ.
She became my sister.
And I've been able to witness a complete turn around in her life.
It truly is incredible.
And I'm so excited to see what God has in store for her.
Today is another example.
I was really having a hard time at seeing myself as beautiful.
(This is something that I struggle with off and on.)
And God brought me to Song of Songs 4,
And He reminded me that He thinks I am beautiful.
It doesn't matter what I think of myself.
He has created me without a flaw, beautiful.
So I was just praying that He would help me see myself as beautiful.
That He would remind me of my beauty inside and out.
So just after I finished talking with Him, I went to the basement to make my lunch.
When I got there, two friends were there eating some lunch and chatting.
And we got to talking about a lot of different things...
one of them happening to be about beauty.
And we were able to encourage one another, reminding each other how beautiful we were.
So two precious friends reminded me of my beauty in the Lord.
It was amazing.
I walked away feeling refreshed and amazed.
My God decided to answer my puny prayer about needed to know that I'm beautiful.
If He would answer that prayer,
What else could/should I be asking?
All too often I put God in a box,
limiting Him to what I know.
What if I started praying for things that are beyond the things I know?
What if I started asking big things from my big God?
Something to ponder the next few days.
Anyway,
God answers prayer.
He always has,
and He always will.
Sometimes we just have to take the time to be still
and listen.
I know we hear this said all the time.
But sometimes I feel like we forget this fact.
But I've been seeing this principle at work in my life so much lately.
Last week, for example, God answered a prayer.
My Growth Group has been praying for a girl to come to know Christ and trust Him for salvation.
We've been praying hardcore for her.
And last week, Tuesday, to be exact, she trusted Christ.
She became my sister.
And I've been able to witness a complete turn around in her life.
It truly is incredible.
And I'm so excited to see what God has in store for her.
Today is another example.
I was really having a hard time at seeing myself as beautiful.
(This is something that I struggle with off and on.)
And God brought me to Song of Songs 4,
And He reminded me that He thinks I am beautiful.
It doesn't matter what I think of myself.
He has created me without a flaw, beautiful.
So I was just praying that He would help me see myself as beautiful.
That He would remind me of my beauty inside and out.
So just after I finished talking with Him, I went to the basement to make my lunch.
When I got there, two friends were there eating some lunch and chatting.
And we got to talking about a lot of different things...
one of them happening to be about beauty.
And we were able to encourage one another, reminding each other how beautiful we were.
So two precious friends reminded me of my beauty in the Lord.
It was amazing.
I walked away feeling refreshed and amazed.
My God decided to answer my puny prayer about needed to know that I'm beautiful.
If He would answer that prayer,
What else could/should I be asking?
All too often I put God in a box,
limiting Him to what I know.
What if I started praying for things that are beyond the things I know?
What if I started asking big things from my big God?
Something to ponder the next few days.
Anyway,
God answers prayer.
He always has,
and He always will.
Sometimes we just have to take the time to be still
and listen.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Learning Equals Life
so my last blog was rather depressing.
sorry about that.
i was having a rough day/week.
but i'm doing a lot better now.
and a lot of it has to do with God.
transitioning to a life without my roommate turned out to be a lot harder than i thought it was going to be. i had gotten so used to always having someone around, or even just knowing that someone was going to be around when i woke up in the middle of the night or when i got up in the morning. i mean, i've been sharing a room with someone since the beginning of june. and before that, i lived in a house with my family. so i was just used to having people there. so when rachel wasn't there anymore...it was just really hard.
i didn't understand what God was up to. i didn't understand why i had to go through this. i didn't understand what was really going on. i felt lost, alone, and miserable.
that week was filled with tears, heartache, and lessons.
time and time again, God taught me something.
i think i learned some important lessons that i could have only learned that way.
1. i have learned that i was way too dependent upon people. i hadn't realized that i was placing my hopes in the people around me. i was living for their acceptance, for their smiles, for their approval. and not having someone around me all the time really opened my eyes to this problem in my life. i've been able to take a good look at my life and allow God to start working in me in some different ways that He couldn't have done otherwise.
2. i have learned that He does have a plan through all things. i've been able to spend extra time with Him without worrying about being interrupted or anything like that. which is a great thing. i don't think i've had this kind of quality time with Him since i left home back in May. so it's been good. and in spending some time with Him, He's made it perfectly clear that He does in fact have a plan for my life. i started thinking that He didn't, because i have absolutely no idea what i want to do with the rest of my life. (i don't like being asked what i want to do when i get out of college anymore, because i simply don't know. i don't know what i want to do. i don't even know what tomorrow is going to look like, so how can i look down the road 5 years ahead. ha.) anyway, through everything, God has made it perfectly clear that He has a plan. and He's going to guide me down the right path. i just have to be willing to follow Him in the small and big things of my life. He's going to show me what He wants me to do and where He wants me to go.
and finally:
and finally:
3. i have learned that God will provide. after that week, i was in great need of some close friends to visit! and what do you know, krystal, rachel, and mandy came to visit for the weekend! no matter what i face, God is going to provide for me. this past week, my car was broken...it was leaking oil, badly, so i needed to get it fixed. and God took care of getting it fixed within a couple days. God will provide the big and little things. and He will work all things out for His glory. i had a breakdown on sunday after seeing my car leaking oil, and i called my dad crying. and he said to look at it not as things going wrong. well, that stuck with me all week and even right now. up till then, i had been looking at a lot of things as going wrong. not going according to my plan. BUT all of these things aren't going wrong. they are the plans of the Almighty. and He's working everything out for my good. He's been using this time in my life to shape and mold me into the person He can use later on in life. it's not easy, but i have hope that He's doing this. God knew all this would happen long before i was even born. how comforting is this! He's in control. and i'm so thankful.
so it's been an interesting couple of weeks.
i've been so busy with school and life.
this past week, especially, has been rather crazy.
but it's been good.
God has been good this week.
anyway, i have more homework to finish up so that i can just chill for a while.
blessings!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
This is Hard
Today is one of those days I am wishing I was home.
Home to talk to everyone.
Home to be around my family and friends.
It's just been hard.
Hard to see why God is doing the things He is.
Hard to understand everything.
Hard to be alone.
Hard not to have any friends.
Hard to not have my family close by.
Hard not to have a roommate.
Hard to not do well on midterms.
Hard to just live.
The past week or so has been this kind of hard.
I don't feel like I'm adjusting as well as I thought I would.
I just wish I could go to sleep and not ever have to leave my bed again.
I wish I was back home.
But even in all this, my God is greater than these feelings.
He's brought me here. He's brought me through past situations.
And this current situation, He's taking care of it.
He's working in and through it. I don't know how yet.
Still waiting on Him to show me that.
But I know that He's taking care of me.
He's working things out in a way that could only bring Him glory.
I just need to rest in the hope of His deliverance and salvation.
He's got this.
This may be hard, but my God works in the hard times.
He is good. He is faithful.
Home to talk to everyone.
Home to be around my family and friends.
It's just been hard.
Hard to see why God is doing the things He is.
Hard to understand everything.
Hard to be alone.
Hard not to have any friends.
Hard to not have my family close by.
Hard not to have a roommate.
Hard to not do well on midterms.
Hard to just live.
The past week or so has been this kind of hard.
I don't feel like I'm adjusting as well as I thought I would.
I just wish I could go to sleep and not ever have to leave my bed again.
I wish I was back home.
But even in all this, my God is greater than these feelings.
He's brought me here. He's brought me through past situations.
And this current situation, He's taking care of it.
He's working in and through it. I don't know how yet.
Still waiting on Him to show me that.
But I know that He's taking care of me.
He's working things out in a way that could only bring Him glory.
I just need to rest in the hope of His deliverance and salvation.
He's got this.
This may be hard, but my God works in the hard times.
He is good. He is faithful.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Fall Breakness
The last day of Fall Break. Is. Today.
Nooooooo!!!!
As much as I don't want this lovely break to end,
I am so thankful for the opportunities God has given me this past week.
Let me tell you about a few of them.
It's rather exciting.
Last Sunday I drove out to Tenessee to spend some time with some close friends of mine.
The Patricks.
They are an amazing family with a passion for God.
And I got to spend a lot of time with them.
Anyway, so I got there on Sunday night, and got to see the movie Courageous with them and their awesome church.
(The movie was awesome btw. Highly recommend it. I honestly would have loved a different ending though. Ha. It was a little abrupt for me.)
After the movie we just got to hang out for a little while before I was exhausted enough to go to sleep.
Monday was my only day to get homework done.
When I left Wake Forest, I was totally expecting to get a lot of homework done.
I guess I just set too high expectations. Haha.
Anyway, I spend the day reading my history and philosophy books.
Thrilling, right?
But, oddly enough, it was very relaxing.
It was great to be in a different environment than what I was used to.
So it was good.
When the family got home from work/school I was able to spend some time with them,
so that made the day even better.
Tuesday was my birthday!
Yay! It was a good day!
I got to hang out with the Patricks all day long.
We went up into the Smokey mountains and drove around for a while,
got ice cream, and then later some cake.
And it was just good to be around people I'm close to
since I couldn't be around my family back home.
Wednesday was a day just hanging out.
And then...at night I spoke to their youth group.
Scary!
I am not a huge fan of talking in front of groups of people.
But, I hope, God spoke through me and said what He wanted to say.
It was good though.
It was great to be around a youth group again,
I had forgotten how much I loved helping with the youth
and kinda leading out with stuff.
It's been such a long time since I had done anything like that.
Maybe God will bring a job along that has to do with a youth group sometime in the future.
Hopefully.
Thursday I spent the day with Karen!
We went to Knoxville and hung out for a while.
Oh, and we got Rita's.
The heavenly tasting stuff. That's right.
That night we went to a banquet for a local rescue mission type foundation.
It was pretty nifty.
THEN we dyed each others hairs. Ha.
So, I am no longer a blonde.
I am back to a brown-ish color.
And I am loving it.
Just so you all know.
And then Friday, I had to come home.
Sadness.
It was hard to say goodbye, especially since it felt like I just got there.
But I definitely know I will be going back soon.
I need to see all the Christmas lights the town puts up.
Seriously.
I've been told that they're lit from late October to February.
I need to see this for myself.
And I will.
Soon.
Friday was the LONGEST day ever.
I was in the car about an hour and a half longer than I should have been due to traffic on I-40.
Lame sauce.
But I made it home, and that night I crashed.
Saturday Mary Grace came to see me!!
She drove all the way from Columbia
to see me!!
We just hung out for a while.
We went to Moe's for lunch,
got some Rita's!
And then went shopping.
We went to Goodwill where
she got spoons -- so silly,
and I got a new cabinet! (Ah!)
I was tired of crouching down for my fridge...
so I got something for it to stand on. (And I now have more storage.)
Holla!
Anyway, it was a good day with her visit.
And I am so very glad that I got to see her.
Anyway, my very exciting opportunities were these:
-speaking to a youth group
-slowing down for a while to actually listen to His voice
-encouraging some friends (the Patricks and MG)
-sleeping (a lot)
I know they may not sound too exciting.
But oh, they were.
Especially the second one I listed.
I really needed some time away from all the noise of my life here at school:
all the professors, preachers, chapels, friends, and books.
I needed some time with my Savior
to process what He had told me over the past few weeks/months
as well as see what He wanted me to do about it all.
And He gave me some clarity about some things.
So I am very thankful for that.
I'm still not sure about a lot of things though.
But that's okay.
He is sovereign.
And that's all I need to know.
He's going to guide me, take care of me, and help me follow Him.
One of the things I really needed clarity on was a program I thought I wanted to do.
I was looking into the Hands-On program
through IMB.
It's a really cool program,
and I thought I would really love to do it.
So I started and finished the application process.
But something just didn't seem right.
But I couldn't put my finger on it.
And all of a sudden, my life started getting really busy and I didn't have as much time to pray about it with God, but I knew He was trying desperately to tell me something about this program.
So going away, getting away from the familiar, the noise, I was able to hear God speak to me.
I had all the wrong motives for doing this program.
It was a selfish desire to do missions that was promoting me to go.
I've always wanted to do foreign missions.
And this was my big chance to do so.
How wrong I was.
And God showed me that while I was away.
I'm where He wants me.
I don't know how long I'll be here. But this is where He wants me to be for the school years.
Now the summer is a completely different subject.
Also while I was away, God was telling me "Go."
Go where?
I have no idea yet.
Well that's not true. I do have an idea.
But I'm praying about it.
A lot.
But this is one of those things that I know God will make clear as time passes.
God is moving and working in my life.
He's up to something big right now.
But I have no idea what it is.
I feel something big happening.
And I am excited to see what it is.
Ha. I don't do well with surprises.
I'm too curious about them.
God knows what He's doing though.
Of that I am confident.
I trust Him.
Nooooooo!!!!
As much as I don't want this lovely break to end,
I am so thankful for the opportunities God has given me this past week.
Let me tell you about a few of them.
It's rather exciting.
Last Sunday I drove out to Tenessee to spend some time with some close friends of mine.
The Patricks.
They are an amazing family with a passion for God.
And I got to spend a lot of time with them.
Anyway, so I got there on Sunday night, and got to see the movie Courageous with them and their awesome church.
(The movie was awesome btw. Highly recommend it. I honestly would have loved a different ending though. Ha. It was a little abrupt for me.)
After the movie we just got to hang out for a little while before I was exhausted enough to go to sleep.
Monday was my only day to get homework done.
When I left Wake Forest, I was totally expecting to get a lot of homework done.
I guess I just set too high expectations. Haha.
Anyway, I spend the day reading my history and philosophy books.
Thrilling, right?
But, oddly enough, it was very relaxing.
It was great to be in a different environment than what I was used to.
So it was good.
When the family got home from work/school I was able to spend some time with them,
so that made the day even better.
Tuesday was my birthday!
Yay! It was a good day!
I got to hang out with the Patricks all day long.
We went up into the Smokey mountains and drove around for a while,
got ice cream, and then later some cake.
And it was just good to be around people I'm close to
since I couldn't be around my family back home.
Wednesday was a day just hanging out.
And then...at night I spoke to their youth group.
Scary!
I am not a huge fan of talking in front of groups of people.
But, I hope, God spoke through me and said what He wanted to say.
It was good though.
It was great to be around a youth group again,
I had forgotten how much I loved helping with the youth
and kinda leading out with stuff.
It's been such a long time since I had done anything like that.
Maybe God will bring a job along that has to do with a youth group sometime in the future.
Hopefully.
Thursday I spent the day with Karen!
We went to Knoxville and hung out for a while.
Oh, and we got Rita's.
The heavenly tasting stuff. That's right.
That night we went to a banquet for a local rescue mission type foundation.
It was pretty nifty.
THEN we dyed each others hairs. Ha.
So, I am no longer a blonde.
I am back to a brown-ish color.
And I am loving it.
Just so you all know.
And then Friday, I had to come home.
Sadness.
It was hard to say goodbye, especially since it felt like I just got there.
But I definitely know I will be going back soon.
I need to see all the Christmas lights the town puts up.
Seriously.
I've been told that they're lit from late October to February.
I need to see this for myself.
And I will.
Soon.
Friday was the LONGEST day ever.
I was in the car about an hour and a half longer than I should have been due to traffic on I-40.
Lame sauce.
But I made it home, and that night I crashed.
Saturday Mary Grace came to see me!!
She drove all the way from Columbia
to see me!!
We just hung out for a while.
We went to Moe's for lunch,
got some Rita's!
And then went shopping.
We went to Goodwill where
she got spoons -- so silly,
and I got a new cabinet! (Ah!)
I was tired of crouching down for my fridge...
so I got something for it to stand on. (And I now have more storage.)
Holla!
Anyway, it was a good day with her visit.
And I am so very glad that I got to see her.
Anyway, my very exciting opportunities were these:
-speaking to a youth group
-slowing down for a while to actually listen to His voice
-encouraging some friends (the Patricks and MG)
-sleeping (a lot)
I know they may not sound too exciting.
But oh, they were.
Especially the second one I listed.
I really needed some time away from all the noise of my life here at school:
all the professors, preachers, chapels, friends, and books.
I needed some time with my Savior
to process what He had told me over the past few weeks/months
as well as see what He wanted me to do about it all.
And He gave me some clarity about some things.
So I am very thankful for that.
I'm still not sure about a lot of things though.
But that's okay.
He is sovereign.
And that's all I need to know.
He's going to guide me, take care of me, and help me follow Him.
One of the things I really needed clarity on was a program I thought I wanted to do.
I was looking into the Hands-On program
through IMB.
It's a really cool program,
and I thought I would really love to do it.
So I started and finished the application process.
But something just didn't seem right.
But I couldn't put my finger on it.
And all of a sudden, my life started getting really busy and I didn't have as much time to pray about it with God, but I knew He was trying desperately to tell me something about this program.
So going away, getting away from the familiar, the noise, I was able to hear God speak to me.
I had all the wrong motives for doing this program.
It was a selfish desire to do missions that was promoting me to go.
I've always wanted to do foreign missions.
And this was my big chance to do so.
How wrong I was.
And God showed me that while I was away.
I'm where He wants me.
I don't know how long I'll be here. But this is where He wants me to be for the school years.
Now the summer is a completely different subject.
Also while I was away, God was telling me "Go."
Go where?
I have no idea yet.
Well that's not true. I do have an idea.
But I'm praying about it.
A lot.
But this is one of those things that I know God will make clear as time passes.
God is moving and working in my life.
He's up to something big right now.
But I have no idea what it is.
I feel something big happening.
And I am excited to see what it is.
Ha. I don't do well with surprises.
I'm too curious about them.
God knows what He's doing though.
Of that I am confident.
I trust Him.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A Saturday Writing
So my mom informed me the other day that I have been writing on Sundays a lot lately. Not that it was on purpose or anything. It just happened to be the only free time I had. And even then I should have been working on homework...just like now. But I am currently avoiding it. I really just want to enjoy my break. So that's what I'm going to do. I'll probably wait till next weekend to do a majority of it. Cause I'm cool like that.
Anyway, this is the first year in like 14 years that I haven't been to the Balloon Fiesta. It was SO hard this morning. I never thought that I would miss it that much. But anyway. I got up this morning, and I watched it online via LIVESTREAM on kob.com. It was fantastic. Seriously. I got to see Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension. Ah. And I made some lovely friends watch it with me. And now they want to go next year to see it. Haha. Score one for me in getting them hooked on Albuquerque culture.
This morning, before enjoying the Balloon Fiesta, I was able to go to a campus yard sale! Yes! And I got some great deals! I was able to get two rugs for $4, a bedside lamp for $2, two round cake pans for $0.50, a Nalgene waterbottle for $0.50, and three more Harry Potter books for $3, for a grand total of $10. So I would say that I did really well in bargain shopping. haha. I'm always up for a good deal.
Um. I leave for tomorrow for TN! I can't wait to go! I can't wait to leave for a few days and just have some fun and relax! It will be awesome! I can't wait to see the Patricks! Anddd...I'll get to celebrate my birthday while I'm there! Holla!
Anyway,
that's all.
I didn't really have anything interesting to say.
But yeah.
Anyway, this is the first year in like 14 years that I haven't been to the Balloon Fiesta. It was SO hard this morning. I never thought that I would miss it that much. But anyway. I got up this morning, and I watched it online via LIVESTREAM on kob.com. It was fantastic. Seriously. I got to see Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascension. Ah. And I made some lovely friends watch it with me. And now they want to go next year to see it. Haha. Score one for me in getting them hooked on Albuquerque culture.
This morning, before enjoying the Balloon Fiesta, I was able to go to a campus yard sale! Yes! And I got some great deals! I was able to get two rugs for $4, a bedside lamp for $2, two round cake pans for $0.50, a Nalgene waterbottle for $0.50, and three more Harry Potter books for $3, for a grand total of $10. So I would say that I did really well in bargain shopping. haha. I'm always up for a good deal.
Um. I leave for tomorrow for TN! I can't wait to go! I can't wait to leave for a few days and just have some fun and relax! It will be awesome! I can't wait to see the Patricks! Anddd...I'll get to celebrate my birthday while I'm there! Holla!
Anyway,
that's all.
I didn't really have anything interesting to say.
But yeah.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Life of a College Student
So.
Lots is going on.
And I mean lots.
Haha.
Through God's providence I have finally found a church!
(I don't remember if I have talked about this or not. But I'll share it again! It's just that exciting!)
I'm going to be joining IDC. (Imago Dei Church)
It's a new church, as in just planted new.
And I love it.
Each week that I've been I've learned SO much.
And God keeps showing me new things.
I've been to the small groups a couple of times,
and they have be absolutely amazing as well!
So, starting Sunday, as in next week,
I'll be going through the membership classes!
So excited!
I'm excited to get involved with this church and my fellow believers.
They are a great group of people who are completely dedicated to the cause of Christ.
And I know that I am going to be challeged,
pulled, stretched, and grown greatly while I am here.
The Growth Group--what they call small groups--I'll be a part of
is going to go to NC State's campus and reach out to the students there!
How awesome is that!?
I am so ready to go!
I know being here on campus is great,
But sometimes we get so stuck in our little bubble,
And it's so easy to forget that there are people out there who, as of right now, are going to hell.
So, I'm excited to be on mission with this church.j
It will be epic.
Let's see....
Classes are also picking up speed.
Very much so.
We are almost halfway through the term.
(The end of next week will mark the midpoint. I think.)
And it's starting to get crazy.
I have a lot of reading.
And a ton of writing.
I have two ten page papers coming up quickly.
And I haven't quite started on them yet.
English is keeping me on my toes as well.
Then there's all the smaller papers that start to add up.
So.
Did I mention that I have a lot of reading as well?
Haha.
It's insane.
BUT!
I have a break coming up soon!
Holla!
It starts October 1st!
I cannot wait.
It will be a week of sleep, relaxation, and rest.
And it will also be full of reading and some homework.
As well as some time with some close friends of mine.
I can't wait to see them.
It's been too long.
I guess that's really it....
I thought I had so much more happening.
But I guess not.
My life is rather boring.
Well.
Kinda.
Not really.
Because...
I have Jesus.
Yes, I did just pull the Jesus card.
God is still moving and working.
He's been teaching me so much about Himself.
So much that I've never even thought of before, much less known.
It's been incredible.
And He's not just teaching me in class or in any Bible studies.
But He's showing me a lot just in the time I spend with Him.
He is all I could ever need or want.
And I am loving this time of my life.
LOVING IT.
Anyway, I do believe it's time to get some more reading done.
I've been "taking a break" from homework for the past two hours.
Ha. Good job, I know.
But I shall read some more.
And then I shall watch this past week's episode of Parenthood.
Ah, I love that show.
Blessings!
Lots is going on.
And I mean lots.
Haha.
Through God's providence I have finally found a church!
(I don't remember if I have talked about this or not. But I'll share it again! It's just that exciting!)
I'm going to be joining IDC. (Imago Dei Church)
It's a new church, as in just planted new.
And I love it.
Each week that I've been I've learned SO much.
And God keeps showing me new things.
I've been to the small groups a couple of times,
and they have be absolutely amazing as well!
So, starting Sunday, as in next week,
I'll be going through the membership classes!
So excited!
I'm excited to get involved with this church and my fellow believers.
They are a great group of people who are completely dedicated to the cause of Christ.
And I know that I am going to be challeged,
pulled, stretched, and grown greatly while I am here.
The Growth Group--what they call small groups--I'll be a part of
is going to go to NC State's campus and reach out to the students there!
How awesome is that!?
I am so ready to go!
I know being here on campus is great,
But sometimes we get so stuck in our little bubble,
And it's so easy to forget that there are people out there who, as of right now, are going to hell.
So, I'm excited to be on mission with this church.j
It will be epic.
Let's see....
Classes are also picking up speed.
Very much so.
We are almost halfway through the term.
(The end of next week will mark the midpoint. I think.)
And it's starting to get crazy.
I have a lot of reading.
And a ton of writing.
I have two ten page papers coming up quickly.
And I haven't quite started on them yet.
English is keeping me on my toes as well.
Then there's all the smaller papers that start to add up.
So.
Did I mention that I have a lot of reading as well?
Haha.
It's insane.
BUT!
I have a break coming up soon!
Holla!
It starts October 1st!
I cannot wait.
It will be a week of sleep, relaxation, and rest.
And it will also be full of reading and some homework.
As well as some time with some close friends of mine.
I can't wait to see them.
It's been too long.
I guess that's really it....
I thought I had so much more happening.
But I guess not.
My life is rather boring.
Well.
Kinda.
Not really.
Because...
I have Jesus.
Yes, I did just pull the Jesus card.
God is still moving and working.
He's been teaching me so much about Himself.
So much that I've never even thought of before, much less known.
It's been incredible.
And He's not just teaching me in class or in any Bible studies.
But He's showing me a lot just in the time I spend with Him.
He is all I could ever need or want.
And I am loving this time of my life.
LOVING IT.
Anyway, I do believe it's time to get some more reading done.
I've been "taking a break" from homework for the past two hours.
Ha. Good job, I know.
But I shall read some more.
And then I shall watch this past week's episode of Parenthood.
Ah, I love that show.
Blessings!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Church Hopping and Other Things
For the past few weeks I have been church hopping.
Or hunting would be the better name for it.
I've been searching the church God would have me serve in for the time that He has me here at SEBTS.
And I do believe that I have found that church.
Imago Dei Church is a new church plant that is totally committed to the gospel of Christ and sharing His love with others through intentional relationships. It's amazing. God has challenged me over the last couple of weeks that I've been attending. And I love it.
But anyway, I am so very thankful that God has taken me to the right place. He knew I needed to see some of the other churches in the area, just to have an idea of what I was surrounded by before He brought me to the right one. And I am so thankful that He has finally taken me where He wants me. I can't wait to start serving and worshiping consistently with the same Body of Believers. I can't wait to get to know my family and serve alongside them in the war for this world.
School has been going well.
Classes are really starting to pick up now...
I have a lot of reading to do all the time,
lots of papers to prepare for and write,
and lots of studying to do.
But I'm loving it. It's been incredible to study the Bible in school as the inerrant Word of God and be able to see how history is unfolded in God's perfect timing. It's been amazing to see how the Bible is actually the perfect study for the English language...grammar and such like that. God has been teaching me SO MUCH. And I've only been here a month. Haha. I don't even know what He might show me as time goes on.
The weather is starting to change a little here. And I'm loving it. It's been a little cooler over the past few days. And oh. my. word. I am so ready for fall. I'm ready for the sweaters and jeans all the time. I'm ready for the change of colors in the leaves. I cannot wait! It's going to be incredible. And the actual first day of fall is only a week away! Yay!
Flag football is going well...I guess you could say that. Haha. My team still has not won a game, BUT we are still having a blast. We are all seeking to have fun, and, hopefully at some point, get a touchdown. It's been a good learning experience to see how to communicate better with one another. And it's been great to get to know some of the girls a lot more. (We even made some tye-dye t-shirts the other day to unify us more...lots of fun!)
Well, I guess that is really all! My life really isn't all that thrilling. But God is teaching me soooo much right now. And that's all I really care about!
Blessings!
Or hunting would be the better name for it.
I've been searching the church God would have me serve in for the time that He has me here at SEBTS.
And I do believe that I have found that church.
Imago Dei Church is a new church plant that is totally committed to the gospel of Christ and sharing His love with others through intentional relationships. It's amazing. God has challenged me over the last couple of weeks that I've been attending. And I love it.
But anyway, I am so very thankful that God has taken me to the right place. He knew I needed to see some of the other churches in the area, just to have an idea of what I was surrounded by before He brought me to the right one. And I am so thankful that He has finally taken me where He wants me. I can't wait to start serving and worshiping consistently with the same Body of Believers. I can't wait to get to know my family and serve alongside them in the war for this world.
School has been going well.
Classes are really starting to pick up now...
I have a lot of reading to do all the time,
lots of papers to prepare for and write,
and lots of studying to do.
But I'm loving it. It's been incredible to study the Bible in school as the inerrant Word of God and be able to see how history is unfolded in God's perfect timing. It's been amazing to see how the Bible is actually the perfect study for the English language...grammar and such like that. God has been teaching me SO MUCH. And I've only been here a month. Haha. I don't even know what He might show me as time goes on.
The weather is starting to change a little here. And I'm loving it. It's been a little cooler over the past few days. And oh. my. word. I am so ready for fall. I'm ready for the sweaters and jeans all the time. I'm ready for the change of colors in the leaves. I cannot wait! It's going to be incredible. And the actual first day of fall is only a week away! Yay!
Flag football is going well...I guess you could say that. Haha. My team still has not won a game, BUT we are still having a blast. We are all seeking to have fun, and, hopefully at some point, get a touchdown. It's been a good learning experience to see how to communicate better with one another. And it's been great to get to know some of the girls a lot more. (We even made some tye-dye t-shirts the other day to unify us more...lots of fun!)
Well, I guess that is really all! My life really isn't all that thrilling. But God is teaching me soooo much right now. And that's all I really care about!
Blessings!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Work He's Started
Okay, so it's been a while. And a lot has happened.
After I wrote my last blog about my "firsts," I experienced my first earthquake. Ha. It was crazy. I didn't really know what was going on, but after it was over, I registered what actually happened.
Um, I've been just getting into the swing of things, basically, over the last few weeks. It's been an adjustment getting used to all of my classes and new professors, but then again, isn't that what usually happens at the begining of a new sememster? I've also just been getting used to all the changes in my life. Moving and getting settled in a new room, getting used to a new job, making new friends, searching for a church home, etc.
I'm really enjoying my classes so far. I'm learning so much valuable information. And God is teaching me a lot about what I thought I knew...because it turns out I don't actually know very much. Haha. So that's been a good lesson to have now, before I get too far into the semester. So I've been approaching every opportunity with openness, seeing what God can teach me.
Flag Football started last Saturday. And it's amazing! My team, the LolleyGaggers, lost our first game by one touchdown. But that's not bad considering we didn't have any practice really first, and the other team was together last year. So, we did pretty well. Our defense is really strong, but we still have A LOT of work to do on our offense. I'm playing both. I'm a rusher on the defense and the ball snapper/qb defender on the offense. It's a lot of fun, and I'm so glad that I'm playing. Plus, it gives me something to do on Saturday besides homework, which is always a good thing.
I'm still searching for a church home. I've visited a couple really great churches, and I'm getting closer to start narrowing them down. I'm excited to get plugged in with a local church and start growing with the people around me. It will be a great day when I figure out where God wants me.
Um....not much else is really going on here. Like, really. I know that sounds really wierd that I'm not doing much, but classes kinda take up all my time. haha.
OH! David Platt spoke in Chapel yesterday, and, OH MY WORD, the message he gave was incredible. God spoke directly to my heart. It was about 4 temptations we are going to face while we are involved in ministry based off Exodus 32:1-6. I would encourage you to listen to the message online, because it was great.
God has been working in my heart and in my life over the past month, basically, that I've been here. He's been showing me things, shaping my heart, and changing the way I look at things. I knew that I was supposed to come here because this was where God was going to really be working in my life. But I never thought He would have started to work as quickly as He has. It's been amazing to see. And I know that this is just the beginning. He has so much more He wants to do. I just have to be patient and wait on Him. (Which I am totally willing to do.)
After I wrote my last blog about my "firsts," I experienced my first earthquake. Ha. It was crazy. I didn't really know what was going on, but after it was over, I registered what actually happened.
Um, I've been just getting into the swing of things, basically, over the last few weeks. It's been an adjustment getting used to all of my classes and new professors, but then again, isn't that what usually happens at the begining of a new sememster? I've also just been getting used to all the changes in my life. Moving and getting settled in a new room, getting used to a new job, making new friends, searching for a church home, etc.
I'm really enjoying my classes so far. I'm learning so much valuable information. And God is teaching me a lot about what I thought I knew...because it turns out I don't actually know very much. Haha. So that's been a good lesson to have now, before I get too far into the semester. So I've been approaching every opportunity with openness, seeing what God can teach me.
Flag Football started last Saturday. And it's amazing! My team, the LolleyGaggers, lost our first game by one touchdown. But that's not bad considering we didn't have any practice really first, and the other team was together last year. So, we did pretty well. Our defense is really strong, but we still have A LOT of work to do on our offense. I'm playing both. I'm a rusher on the defense and the ball snapper/qb defender on the offense. It's a lot of fun, and I'm so glad that I'm playing. Plus, it gives me something to do on Saturday besides homework, which is always a good thing.
I'm still searching for a church home. I've visited a couple really great churches, and I'm getting closer to start narrowing them down. I'm excited to get plugged in with a local church and start growing with the people around me. It will be a great day when I figure out where God wants me.
Um....not much else is really going on here. Like, really. I know that sounds really wierd that I'm not doing much, but classes kinda take up all my time. haha.
OH! David Platt spoke in Chapel yesterday, and, OH MY WORD, the message he gave was incredible. God spoke directly to my heart. It was about 4 temptations we are going to face while we are involved in ministry based off Exodus 32:1-6. I would encourage you to listen to the message online, because it was great.
God has been working in my heart and in my life over the past month, basically, that I've been here. He's been showing me things, shaping my heart, and changing the way I look at things. I knew that I was supposed to come here because this was where God was going to really be working in my life. But I never thought He would have started to work as quickly as He has. It's been amazing to see. And I know that this is just the beginning. He has so much more He wants to do. I just have to be patient and wait on Him. (Which I am totally willing to do.)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
The Firsts
You know how they say "There's a first time for everything"? Well, I do believe that this applies to me. I've been in school for a while and everything. I went back to CNM last year around this time to do what I thought would make me happy, but I just ended up being miserable. I was anxious all the time. I never felt at peace with what I was studying. And the same was way back in 09 at OBU. I was anxious, restless, and miserable. Even during the Welcome Week, when everyone else was having a blast. I was worried about my financial situation, my job situation, being away from my family, and all that jazz. So one of my "first time" experiences so far has been to actually be at peace with where God has me. It's an amazingly incredible feeling. I feel free to enjoy my classes and my surroundings and the people God has placed in my life right now. I'm not anxious about anything. I'm a little nervous about doing all this new stuff without anyone I really know near me or with me. But I am confident that as I follow after God on this adventure that He will provide the way. He's going to provide good friends, a great church, amazing professors to learn from, amazing experiences to grow in my relationship with Him, and all the things I'm going to need to survive. God is good, gracious, and merciful.
Yesterday was another "first" for me. It was my first day of work. I'll be working for a family that lives in town, and, basically, I'll be nannying for them. I'm really excited about this opportunity to share the love of my Savior with this precious family. I'm picking up the two oldest from school and then taking them home where they'll start their homework and do some work around the house and then play. I'll be supervising them and then making dinner for the family. I loved every second of what I did yesterday. The kids were great! And it was a fun time to be around kids again. Also, having this job will give me an opportunity to be an influence in the kids lives for Christ. I am not sure how much, or if, they go to church or anything like that, but by getting to be in their home, I know that I can at least show them how much I love and care for them and earn the right to tell them about who Christ is at some point down the road.
Today was yet another "first." I had my first couple of classes today, and they were pretty fantastic. I loved getting to listen to the professors talk about the subjects that they were so passionate about. I know that each of them have a wealth of knowledge, and that I will learn SO MUCH this semester if I just take the time to do all the work. (And there's going to be A LOT of work involved.) But God has blessed me with this opportunity, and I am going to take full advantage of it. Today was also the first chapel service of the semester. It was great too. We sang some hymns, and, oh my gracious, to hear all those voices praising the Lord was incredible! It reminded me a lot of Passion. Dr. Akin gave a great sermon/challenge to all the students. And God challenged me through his words. One thing that Dr. Akin said that struck me the most was this (and this is paraphrased): There are so many Christians and churches here in the US compared to the rest of the world. There are so many here, but so few there; why would God be calling SO MANY to stay when the world is in dire need of hands and feet to carry the Gospel to all nations, tribes, and tongues. What are my reasons of staying?
So, needless to say, I have been greatly challenged by those words, and I will be praying and asking for God to show me what I need to be doing. How does my life need to change in light of these words? And what is He wanting from me?
Anyway, everything is going great! I'm learning a lot! Doing a lot! And having a whole lot of fun!
God is good. ALL THE TIME!
Blessings.
Yesterday was another "first" for me. It was my first day of work. I'll be working for a family that lives in town, and, basically, I'll be nannying for them. I'm really excited about this opportunity to share the love of my Savior with this precious family. I'm picking up the two oldest from school and then taking them home where they'll start their homework and do some work around the house and then play. I'll be supervising them and then making dinner for the family. I loved every second of what I did yesterday. The kids were great! And it was a fun time to be around kids again. Also, having this job will give me an opportunity to be an influence in the kids lives for Christ. I am not sure how much, or if, they go to church or anything like that, but by getting to be in their home, I know that I can at least show them how much I love and care for them and earn the right to tell them about who Christ is at some point down the road.
Today was yet another "first." I had my first couple of classes today, and they were pretty fantastic. I loved getting to listen to the professors talk about the subjects that they were so passionate about. I know that each of them have a wealth of knowledge, and that I will learn SO MUCH this semester if I just take the time to do all the work. (And there's going to be A LOT of work involved.) But God has blessed me with this opportunity, and I am going to take full advantage of it. Today was also the first chapel service of the semester. It was great too. We sang some hymns, and, oh my gracious, to hear all those voices praising the Lord was incredible! It reminded me a lot of Passion. Dr. Akin gave a great sermon/challenge to all the students. And God challenged me through his words. One thing that Dr. Akin said that struck me the most was this (and this is paraphrased): There are so many Christians and churches here in the US compared to the rest of the world. There are so many here, but so few there; why would God be calling SO MANY to stay when the world is in dire need of hands and feet to carry the Gospel to all nations, tribes, and tongues. What are my reasons of staying?
So, needless to say, I have been greatly challenged by those words, and I will be praying and asking for God to show me what I need to be doing. How does my life need to change in light of these words? And what is He wanting from me?
Anyway, everything is going great! I'm learning a lot! Doing a lot! And having a whole lot of fun!
God is good. ALL THE TIME!
Blessings.
Friday, August 12, 2011
My Mind is Claimed by Exhaustion
Well, as tired as I am...I still felt the need to write and get it all out. I would do it on paper, but these days my typing is so much faster than my writing. haha. I guess that's usually the way it goes though.
Anyway, today has been crazy.
I didn't sleep well last night, simply because I was excited/nervous about what was going to happen today. About who I was going to meet. About moving to a completely new area without knowing anyone, or even how to get around. About living with a complete stranger. About FINALLY starting this new adventure with God.
BUT God has brought me through this day.
Thank goodness! It is only because of Him that I am able to be writing this.
Anyway, I had to say goodbye to MG and her mom this morning, which was SO hard! I guess I didn't realize how close I had gotten to MG until I had to say goodbye. I held it together pretty well...until I got out of sight from their house. And then I started bawling. It was not a pretty sight, that's for sure.
The drive wasn't terrible at all. It actually went by a whole lot faster than I was expecting. And I discovered that I get REALLY good gas mileage on that drive. (I only used a little over half a tank.) Which means that I can be making a few more road trips down to Columbia when I am in desperate need of some family time. Yay!
I got here (here being SEBTS) and I had ABSOLUTELY no idea where to go. I was completely turned around. And I just didn't remember where I was supposed to go. I started panicing, but then I remembered that I had a map of campus that God had so lovingly reminded me I needed to get last night right in my purse. So I parked, pulled out the map, and then I knew just where I needed to be. So I went there, did all the logistical stuff I needed to do, and then I headed off to my dorm.
Where, when i pulled up, lots of people from a local church unloaded my car and took all my things up to my room. Yay! And there I found my roommate!
She's awesome! She really is. I'll do an intro later. But for now, her name is Rachel. And she's a sweetheart!
I also got to know her mom a little. (Also awesome!)
But I got all my unpacking done. And it's starting to look a lot more like home. It's weird that just adding some familiar things it changes everything. But I'm starting to like the place more and more as I spend more time here. I just need a couple of things to brighten up the walls, and that will be perfect.
After I unpacked, I didn't just want to sit here. So I decided to take a drive around town. Well, I almost got lost a couple of times. I just drove out in each direction to see where that would take me. But I didn't go too too far. And then I ended up coming back to the dorm and realizing that I needed a few essentials to get me through the next couple of days (and to claim my space in the freezer and the fridge). So I went to Walmart, which was fun, as always. It looked just like any other Walmart, which is always a good thing. You know, having a little bit of familiarness...it helps in a new place. I got what I needed and came back and finished getting things set up.
Then I got to play Capture the Flag in the Quad for a while. It was fun to meet and greet new people. And just have fun. Then Rachel, her mom, and I went for ice cream at a little ice cream shop that has homemade ice cream of like every flavor. And it was incredible.
So now I'm sitting here in my room. Alone. But totally okay with it.
I don't feel anxious about not knowing anyone. Or not having any close friends.
God has totally shown me that He's provided all along the way thus far, and He's not going to stop now. I can trust Him, and I do. I know that He's going to take care of me. And I have complete confidence that it's all going to work out in His timing and His will.
It is def. time for bed....I'm such a loser. I go to bed early. Ha. Oh well. I like sleep.
Anyway, today has been crazy.
I didn't sleep well last night, simply because I was excited/nervous about what was going to happen today. About who I was going to meet. About moving to a completely new area without knowing anyone, or even how to get around. About living with a complete stranger. About FINALLY starting this new adventure with God.
BUT God has brought me through this day.
Thank goodness! It is only because of Him that I am able to be writing this.
Anyway, I had to say goodbye to MG and her mom this morning, which was SO hard! I guess I didn't realize how close I had gotten to MG until I had to say goodbye. I held it together pretty well...until I got out of sight from their house. And then I started bawling. It was not a pretty sight, that's for sure.
The drive wasn't terrible at all. It actually went by a whole lot faster than I was expecting. And I discovered that I get REALLY good gas mileage on that drive. (I only used a little over half a tank.) Which means that I can be making a few more road trips down to Columbia when I am in desperate need of some family time. Yay!
I got here (here being SEBTS) and I had ABSOLUTELY no idea where to go. I was completely turned around. And I just didn't remember where I was supposed to go. I started panicing, but then I remembered that I had a map of campus that God had so lovingly reminded me I needed to get last night right in my purse. So I parked, pulled out the map, and then I knew just where I needed to be. So I went there, did all the logistical stuff I needed to do, and then I headed off to my dorm.
Where, when i pulled up, lots of people from a local church unloaded my car and took all my things up to my room. Yay! And there I found my roommate!
She's awesome! She really is. I'll do an intro later. But for now, her name is Rachel. And she's a sweetheart!
I also got to know her mom a little. (Also awesome!)
But I got all my unpacking done. And it's starting to look a lot more like home. It's weird that just adding some familiar things it changes everything. But I'm starting to like the place more and more as I spend more time here. I just need a couple of things to brighten up the walls, and that will be perfect.
After I unpacked, I didn't just want to sit here. So I decided to take a drive around town. Well, I almost got lost a couple of times. I just drove out in each direction to see where that would take me. But I didn't go too too far. And then I ended up coming back to the dorm and realizing that I needed a few essentials to get me through the next couple of days (and to claim my space in the freezer and the fridge). So I went to Walmart, which was fun, as always. It looked just like any other Walmart, which is always a good thing. You know, having a little bit of familiarness...it helps in a new place. I got what I needed and came back and finished getting things set up.
Then I got to play Capture the Flag in the Quad for a while. It was fun to meet and greet new people. And just have fun. Then Rachel, her mom, and I went for ice cream at a little ice cream shop that has homemade ice cream of like every flavor. And it was incredible.
So now I'm sitting here in my room. Alone. But totally okay with it.
I don't feel anxious about not knowing anyone. Or not having any close friends.
God has totally shown me that He's provided all along the way thus far, and He's not going to stop now. I can trust Him, and I do. I know that He's going to take care of me. And I have complete confidence that it's all going to work out in His timing and His will.
It is def. time for bed....I'm such a loser. I go to bed early. Ha. Oh well. I like sleep.
Monday, August 8, 2011
The End. But A New Beginning.
Well, the summer has most definitely come to an end. Most definitely.
It was amazing. But, honestly, I'm so happy. It was a long summer filled with so much. And I'm still processing everything that went down.
The last week of service was extremely long. We were so busy the entire time. And it seemed that were was so much happening all the time, which there certainly was. It was completely insane, and I was completely and utterly exhausted by the end of the week.
So it was long, exhausting, and emotionally draining. We had to say goodbye to everyone. And I mean everyone. Our kids, the lifeguards, our host family, our church family, our teammates, and each other. Talk about difficult. I was not ready in the least for those goodbyes, but somehow, tears never really came. Maybe they'll come later as I have more time to process everything. I know that I am going to miss everyone so much though! It has been hard the past couple of days being away from my teammates. But at least I have Mary Grace with me still! (It's going to be a hard, sad day when I have to say goodbye to her!)
This week has been good so far. I've just been hanging out with MG and her family, and it's been fantastic. It's been relaxing, and enjoyable. And we haven't been in a rush to do anything at all. AMAZING! But it's also been great to just be around a family environment. I've greatly missed it! And it has shown me how much I have missed my family back home! But the Ballew's have been an amazing family to spend time with! And I am so glad that God has given me this opportunity!
I'm greatly looking forward to Friday though! Oh my goodness! I move into my dorm room on Friday! And I meet my roommate that day! And I get to start meeting new people! And I get to start New Student Orientation! I am so ready!!!!!! I'm so excited to see who God is going to bring into my life and who I am going to meet! Ah! And, I get to see my family soon! :) My parents and sister are driving out soon! And I can't wait to see them! I have missed them greatly!
I just know that God has amazing plans in store. I can feel it! And I know that as I seek after Him, He's going to guide me and help me through! :)
It was amazing. But, honestly, I'm so happy. It was a long summer filled with so much. And I'm still processing everything that went down.
The last week of service was extremely long. We were so busy the entire time. And it seemed that were was so much happening all the time, which there certainly was. It was completely insane, and I was completely and utterly exhausted by the end of the week.
So it was long, exhausting, and emotionally draining. We had to say goodbye to everyone. And I mean everyone. Our kids, the lifeguards, our host family, our church family, our teammates, and each other. Talk about difficult. I was not ready in the least for those goodbyes, but somehow, tears never really came. Maybe they'll come later as I have more time to process everything. I know that I am going to miss everyone so much though! It has been hard the past couple of days being away from my teammates. But at least I have Mary Grace with me still! (It's going to be a hard, sad day when I have to say goodbye to her!)
This week has been good so far. I've just been hanging out with MG and her family, and it's been fantastic. It's been relaxing, and enjoyable. And we haven't been in a rush to do anything at all. AMAZING! But it's also been great to just be around a family environment. I've greatly missed it! And it has shown me how much I have missed my family back home! But the Ballew's have been an amazing family to spend time with! And I am so glad that God has given me this opportunity!
I'm greatly looking forward to Friday though! Oh my goodness! I move into my dorm room on Friday! And I meet my roommate that day! And I get to start meeting new people! And I get to start New Student Orientation! I am so ready!!!!!! I'm so excited to see who God is going to bring into my life and who I am going to meet! Ah! And, I get to see my family soon! :) My parents and sister are driving out soon! And I can't wait to see them! I have missed them greatly!
I just know that God has amazing plans in store. I can feel it! And I know that as I seek after Him, He's going to guide me and help me through! :)
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The Last Week
This past week was great! We just did our normal ministry stuff that we've been doing all summer, so nothing too exciting, but it was still great! We talked to the lifeguards a whole lot longer than what we've ever done before. It was so crazy to talk to each one for a good fifteen to thirty minutes before we moved on to the next one.. We haven't done that before, and it's so cool to see that our friendships have grown to where we can talk for that amount of time.
I can't even believe that my last week begins today! I feel like there's no way that it's already time for the last week, but, alas, it is upon us. And a busy week it will be!
Today marks the beginning of the week. And we will be performing at a Block Party at First Baptist Hardeeville in the afternoon. And then tonight we will be going out to dinner with our host mom, because this is the last time we'll see her before she takes off for a mission trip to DC.
Tomorrow we are performing at The Baptist Church of Beaufort during their contemporary service. And then they are taking us out to eat. And then at night, we'll be going to Port Royal Baptist Church to perform yet again. (I am really excited about that, because I love that church and the people in it, and I think it's going to be great!)
Monday we will be passing out popsicles to the lifeguards at Folly Field beach, and then we're going out to lunch to celebrate Mary Grace's birthday! We have some time off in the afternoon. And then in the evening, we have our LAST LIFEGUARD DINNER! Crazy! It's going to be so hard to say goodbye to a lot of the people that we won't get to see for possibly ever again! But hopefully we've made a difference in their lives.
Tuesday we'll be passing out popsicles to the lifeguards at Coligny Beach. And then chilling for a couple of hours. And then we'll be going to Sandlewood Terrace for our last Backyard Bible Club with those kids. It's going to be hard to say goodbye. And then in the evening, we're going to Port Royal Baptist Church for our Final Dinner with the LCM Staff. Crazy! More goodbyes.
Wednesday is my "day off." I'm going to Parkview Apartment complex in the morning to suprise the CMT and the kids with popsicles. And then I'll be going to Mossy Oaks to say goodbye to my ladies again. And then, hopefully, Mandy, Krystal and I will be going to Hunting Island to spend some time together at the beach.
Thursday we'll be passing out popsicles for the final time at Folly Field. And then we'll be going to Hilton Garden apartments for our last Backyard Bible Club there. And then we're going to Parkview Apartment Complex to do a Block Party, and we'll be performing there as well. It's great! I'm so excited!
Friday we'll be passing out popsicles for the last time this summer at Coligny Beach. And then we'll be going back to Sandlewood Terrace for a Block Party where we'll be performing. And then we're done with ministry stuff for the summer!! Crazy! But that evening we'll probably just be going out to dinner with everyone, maybe, or just my team. And just spending some time together.
God has been so good this summer. He can and will do some amazing things over this last week. And I can't wait to see what He'll be doing!
I can't even believe that my last week begins today! I feel like there's no way that it's already time for the last week, but, alas, it is upon us. And a busy week it will be!
Today marks the beginning of the week. And we will be performing at a Block Party at First Baptist Hardeeville in the afternoon. And then tonight we will be going out to dinner with our host mom, because this is the last time we'll see her before she takes off for a mission trip to DC.
Tomorrow we are performing at The Baptist Church of Beaufort during their contemporary service. And then they are taking us out to eat. And then at night, we'll be going to Port Royal Baptist Church to perform yet again. (I am really excited about that, because I love that church and the people in it, and I think it's going to be great!)
Monday we will be passing out popsicles to the lifeguards at Folly Field beach, and then we're going out to lunch to celebrate Mary Grace's birthday! We have some time off in the afternoon. And then in the evening, we have our LAST LIFEGUARD DINNER! Crazy! It's going to be so hard to say goodbye to a lot of the people that we won't get to see for possibly ever again! But hopefully we've made a difference in their lives.
Tuesday we'll be passing out popsicles to the lifeguards at Coligny Beach. And then chilling for a couple of hours. And then we'll be going to Sandlewood Terrace for our last Backyard Bible Club with those kids. It's going to be hard to say goodbye. And then in the evening, we're going to Port Royal Baptist Church for our Final Dinner with the LCM Staff. Crazy! More goodbyes.
Wednesday is my "day off." I'm going to Parkview Apartment complex in the morning to suprise the CMT and the kids with popsicles. And then I'll be going to Mossy Oaks to say goodbye to my ladies again. And then, hopefully, Mandy, Krystal and I will be going to Hunting Island to spend some time together at the beach.
Thursday we'll be passing out popsicles for the final time at Folly Field. And then we'll be going to Hilton Garden apartments for our last Backyard Bible Club there. And then we're going to Parkview Apartment Complex to do a Block Party, and we'll be performing there as well. It's great! I'm so excited!
Friday we'll be passing out popsicles for the last time this summer at Coligny Beach. And then we'll be going back to Sandlewood Terrace for a Block Party where we'll be performing. And then we're done with ministry stuff for the summer!! Crazy! But that evening we'll probably just be going out to dinner with everyone, maybe, or just my team. And just spending some time together.
God has been so good this summer. He can and will do some amazing things over this last week. And I can't wait to see what He'll be doing!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
And the Whirlwind Continues On.
Well, this past week has been crazy! And I feel like this is the first opportunity I have had to just chill for a little while. For real. I have been so busy. But at the same time, I have seen God move in amazing and incredible ways. And not just in my life, but in lives around me.
Last week, the mission team from TN was here. And they were a blessing to me in so many different ways. I got to watch them as they loved on the old ladies that are so dear to my heart all week long. These ladies were so blessed, and their smiles were never-ending. And I could tell that for the first time in a while they felt loved by more than just a couple people and important. Because of this group's committment to these ladies, I was not only encouraged, but I was loved on as well. I could most definitely feel their love pour out into my life, which was much needed. I needed to be reminded that I was loved. And I needed to be around them. So I was with them as much I could be, without interferring with my duties here as a missionary. So every night I was with them for worship and hanging out with them afterward. At the end of the week when it was time to say goodbye, I didn't want to. They became my family, and I didn't want to have to say another goodbye. But it was time. God definitely sent them here at the perfect time. He knew that my week was going to be a rough one and that I would need the love an encouragement from my family.
After they left, I felt a renewed strength to minister to the people around me for the remaining three weeks I had left. I knew that God had me here for a purpose, and I am going to do everything I can to reach the people here in the LowCountry.
We still haven't been able to perform, which is frustrating. But, yet again, God knows what He's doing. He has a plan that is bigger and greater than anything I could have ever even imagined. And it's so exciting thinking that He is going to do something amazing over these last two weekends. We'll be performing for a couple of block parties over the next couple of weeks, as well as at a Fine Arts concert thing at a church, and possibly a couple of Boys and Girls Clubs. And we still have the possibility of 3 days of performing at Coligny Plaza. But we're all trusting that God would have His will be done, and that we wouldn't worry about anything else.
Working with the kids yesterday at Sandlewood Terrace was amazing. And let me just tell you why. We showed up at our normal time, but not near as many kids showed up this week. We had our regulars, but a lot of the new kids we had last week never came. So we ended up telling the story first, because they were all so quiet. And it went well. And then we sang some songs, which is always a lot of fun. They went outside and played for a few, but it was extremely hot yesterday, so they ended up coming back in after about 10 minutes, and we had snack. Well after snack, one of the little boys, Cody, he's 7, hurt his finger really badly, and started bawling. So I scooped him up, and Erica went and got some ice. Well, he sat in my lap for a while keeping the ice on his finger, and after his finger stopped hurting, he ended up just falling asleep on my lap. (Let me give you some background on this boy: He comes from a broken home. He lives with his mom, but has to visit his dad every once in a while. His mom works all the time, so she's not home much. And he has two older brothers, who are not the nicest to him. So he doesn't get too much attention from many people. He had just gotten back from visiting his dad, and he said he didn't get much sleep there.) So he passed out on my lap, and slept for an hour. I was in heaven. And that hour allowed me time to pray for him and lift him up before the Father.
Lifeguard ministry has been going well over the past couple of weeks. We are building relationships with a lot of the guards. And it's been awesome. I have so many stories of guards that I could tell. They all have very different backgrounds, and they are just great people to know and to talk to. Last night was our second to last lifeguard dinner, and it was great. We had around 30 guards show up, which is incredible! But more than that, we got to talk with a lot of them afterwards. Usually, they show up, eat, and then stay long enough to listen to one of us share our testimonies, and then leave. But this week, we had at least 10 stay about an hour after to talk with all of us. It was amazing, truly. One of the guys I had a chance to talk to was Jordan. He grew up as an MK in Venezuela, so he was asking lots and lots of questions about what all we were doing. And I also got to talk to a guy named Shawn. So it was great to have them all stay for a while after and talk to them. We are going to be starting a worship service for them for the last two weeks we'll be here, because a lot of them are looking for a church or somewhere to go worship. So we're going to offer that for them. And I am so excited about it! It'll be great!
Last Wednesday I got to go to Ridgeland Baptist Church and got the chance to share my testimony with the youth group there. It was great, and all the youth were awesome. I'm supposed to go back next Wednesday, so I'm kinda excited to see what God is going to do then.
I can't even believe that I only have two weeks left in the LowCountry. It seems like just yesterday that I got here, but it's already almost time to leave. WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?!?! I feel like I still have so much left to do, but I know that God has been using the time that I've spent for His glory, and He's going to continue to do so. I trust in Him for all this. And I believe that He's taking care of me in amazing ways.
He's been changing me a lot over the summer. And I am most definitely not the same person I was when I drove out here. He's been working in my life in amazing ways. And I know that it's not going to stop after the summer is over. This is only the beginning.
The other day I was reading through Proverbs, and I came across Chapter 10 verse 25. I am pretty certain it is one of my new favorite verses.
"When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation."
I love, love, love that verse. I feel like my life has been a whirlwind over the past few months. So much has been changed. So much has been uprooted. And so much is still up in the air. I don't know what I'll be doing over the next semester other than attending SEBTS. I don't know much about my roommate. I don't know where I'll be working, going to church, spending breaks, what classes I'm taking, who my close friends are going to be, etc. All of these things used to be causes of worry for me. But now they are a cause of joy and celebration, because my foundation-Jesus Christ-is solid. He is going to take care of me. He is going to provide for me. He has plans that are greater than anything I could ever ask for or imagine (Eph. 3:20-21). And at the end of it all, He is all that matters.
My life may be a whirlwind right now,
But my God is my firm foundation.
And I am secure in Him.
Last week, the mission team from TN was here. And they were a blessing to me in so many different ways. I got to watch them as they loved on the old ladies that are so dear to my heart all week long. These ladies were so blessed, and their smiles were never-ending. And I could tell that for the first time in a while they felt loved by more than just a couple people and important. Because of this group's committment to these ladies, I was not only encouraged, but I was loved on as well. I could most definitely feel their love pour out into my life, which was much needed. I needed to be reminded that I was loved. And I needed to be around them. So I was with them as much I could be, without interferring with my duties here as a missionary. So every night I was with them for worship and hanging out with them afterward. At the end of the week when it was time to say goodbye, I didn't want to. They became my family, and I didn't want to have to say another goodbye. But it was time. God definitely sent them here at the perfect time. He knew that my week was going to be a rough one and that I would need the love an encouragement from my family.
After they left, I felt a renewed strength to minister to the people around me for the remaining three weeks I had left. I knew that God had me here for a purpose, and I am going to do everything I can to reach the people here in the LowCountry.
We still haven't been able to perform, which is frustrating. But, yet again, God knows what He's doing. He has a plan that is bigger and greater than anything I could have ever even imagined. And it's so exciting thinking that He is going to do something amazing over these last two weekends. We'll be performing for a couple of block parties over the next couple of weeks, as well as at a Fine Arts concert thing at a church, and possibly a couple of Boys and Girls Clubs. And we still have the possibility of 3 days of performing at Coligny Plaza. But we're all trusting that God would have His will be done, and that we wouldn't worry about anything else.
Working with the kids yesterday at Sandlewood Terrace was amazing. And let me just tell you why. We showed up at our normal time, but not near as many kids showed up this week. We had our regulars, but a lot of the new kids we had last week never came. So we ended up telling the story first, because they were all so quiet. And it went well. And then we sang some songs, which is always a lot of fun. They went outside and played for a few, but it was extremely hot yesterday, so they ended up coming back in after about 10 minutes, and we had snack. Well after snack, one of the little boys, Cody, he's 7, hurt his finger really badly, and started bawling. So I scooped him up, and Erica went and got some ice. Well, he sat in my lap for a while keeping the ice on his finger, and after his finger stopped hurting, he ended up just falling asleep on my lap. (Let me give you some background on this boy: He comes from a broken home. He lives with his mom, but has to visit his dad every once in a while. His mom works all the time, so she's not home much. And he has two older brothers, who are not the nicest to him. So he doesn't get too much attention from many people. He had just gotten back from visiting his dad, and he said he didn't get much sleep there.) So he passed out on my lap, and slept for an hour. I was in heaven. And that hour allowed me time to pray for him and lift him up before the Father.
Lifeguard ministry has been going well over the past couple of weeks. We are building relationships with a lot of the guards. And it's been awesome. I have so many stories of guards that I could tell. They all have very different backgrounds, and they are just great people to know and to talk to. Last night was our second to last lifeguard dinner, and it was great. We had around 30 guards show up, which is incredible! But more than that, we got to talk with a lot of them afterwards. Usually, they show up, eat, and then stay long enough to listen to one of us share our testimonies, and then leave. But this week, we had at least 10 stay about an hour after to talk with all of us. It was amazing, truly. One of the guys I had a chance to talk to was Jordan. He grew up as an MK in Venezuela, so he was asking lots and lots of questions about what all we were doing. And I also got to talk to a guy named Shawn. So it was great to have them all stay for a while after and talk to them. We are going to be starting a worship service for them for the last two weeks we'll be here, because a lot of them are looking for a church or somewhere to go worship. So we're going to offer that for them. And I am so excited about it! It'll be great!
Last Wednesday I got to go to Ridgeland Baptist Church and got the chance to share my testimony with the youth group there. It was great, and all the youth were awesome. I'm supposed to go back next Wednesday, so I'm kinda excited to see what God is going to do then.
I can't even believe that I only have two weeks left in the LowCountry. It seems like just yesterday that I got here, but it's already almost time to leave. WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO?!?! I feel like I still have so much left to do, but I know that God has been using the time that I've spent for His glory, and He's going to continue to do so. I trust in Him for all this. And I believe that He's taking care of me in amazing ways.
He's been changing me a lot over the summer. And I am most definitely not the same person I was when I drove out here. He's been working in my life in amazing ways. And I know that it's not going to stop after the summer is over. This is only the beginning.
The other day I was reading through Proverbs, and I came across Chapter 10 verse 25. I am pretty certain it is one of my new favorite verses.
"When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation."
I love, love, love that verse. I feel like my life has been a whirlwind over the past few months. So much has been changed. So much has been uprooted. And so much is still up in the air. I don't know what I'll be doing over the next semester other than attending SEBTS. I don't know much about my roommate. I don't know where I'll be working, going to church, spending breaks, what classes I'm taking, who my close friends are going to be, etc. All of these things used to be causes of worry for me. But now they are a cause of joy and celebration, because my foundation-Jesus Christ-is solid. He is going to take care of me. He is going to provide for me. He has plans that are greater than anything I could ever ask for or imagine (Eph. 3:20-21). And at the end of it all, He is all that matters.
My life may be a whirlwind right now,
But my God is my firm foundation.
And I am secure in Him.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Through It All
God has been here.
And it's been amazing.
Saturday
some really good friends of mine
came in town for the week
with their youth group.
And I finally got to see them!
Ah! It was the best!
We went to help with worship for them that night,
so I got to spend a lot of time with them.
And every day since then I have gotten to see them
and spend time with them.
They have cheered me up
and I've been having a blast with them.
Saturday night,
we were supposed to perform,
yet again.
But another problem arose,
and we were not able to do so.
It's been frustrating,
but God is working everything out.
He is showing us all how to be patient
and wait on Him
for what we need to do.
Sunday we all went to church
and had a pretty chill
afternoon.
Then we went to Coligny Plaza
in the evening
and made more balloon animals for the children
there.
It was a lot of fun again,
and one of the lifeguards came to help us.
Then we were able to have Rita's with her afterwards.
So it was a lot of fun.
Monday was pretty good.
We went to lifeguard ministry
on the beach,
and all the lifeguards were pretty talkative.
So it was great to chat with them for a while.
That afternoon I got to go to Mossy Oaks
and spend time with my ladies there! Ah!
It was fantastic!
The mission team that my friends are on
are doing a camp there in the afternoons with the ladies,
so I've not only do I get to spend time with my friends,
but I get to spend time with some of the people I love out here.
It's so awesome.
At night I went to worship
with the mission team who is in town.
And it was fantastic.
It was exactly what I needed.
Yesterday was crazy.
Absolutely crazy.
And not in a good way.
I woke up in a horrible mood.
And so did the rest of my team.
We were not in the mood to do anything,
but we still had to.
We did lifeguarding
and then we had lunch at the church.
By lunchtime, we were all doing better,
and starting to get over the craziness of the morning.
And then the Backyard Bible Club at
Sandlewood happened.
It was alright at the beginning of the Club.
But then new kids came,
which is what we actually like,
but these kids were off the wall that day.
Off the wall.
We were all a little overwhelmed with them.
So by the time 3:45 rolled around,
we decided to send them home.
And we came home,
and just chilled for a little while.
And I went back to worship last night!
It was another amazing night!
And Ms. Karen did my nails for me.
So it was a great night of just hanging out with
friends.
Today
is my day off.
So I've been busy
catching up on emails and other stuff.
Later on in the afternoon I'll be headed to Mossy Oaks
to see my
senior adult ladies!
I am so stoked!
And then in the evening I'll be going
to a small Baptist Church in
Ridgeland to share my
testimony.
And tonight of course is
worship!
Holla!
Through this whole week,
I have felt God with me.
I know He's here,
and I know He's working.
He's been moving in my life in amazing ways.
Challenging me
and encouraging me to keep going.
I definately wouldn't have made it this far without Him.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Unexpected
Well,
the past couple of days
have been rough.
And lots of unexpected
things have happened.
But through it all,
God has been here.
He is providing:
peace,
joy,
strength,
and
hope.
He is everything
I could ever
need
or
want.
Even through the
unexpected,
I will trust in Him.
I believe
that He will
guide me,
take care of me,
and help me through
all things.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Busy-ness of Walking With God
Oh goodness.
I got on here,
and I realized how long it has been
since I last had the time to write.
But,
today is the day.
And I have internet access to do so.
And I have a pumpkin spice latte to help me along the way.
Oh the joys of small town coffeeshops.
Anyway,
it has been a joy working in the LowCountry
the past couple of weeks.
Busy,
but a complete joy.
All last week we continued working with
the lifeguards on the beach,
and we were able to see God working,
not only in their lives, but in ours as well.
We've seen doors open among many of the lifeguards
for us to share a little bit more about our faith
and about who God is.
And they are all starting to ask questions about spiritual things.
So it's been great!
Last Wednesday
I went to a small church called May River Baptist Church
and I was given the privilege to share my testimony with them.
It was awesome.
I got to meet and talk with several people,
who were amazing.
They made me feel like I was at home,
and they were all excited to hear what God is doing
in my life and the lives around me.
Last Thursday we went to Hilton Garden Apartments.
Honestly,
I wasn't that excited to go.
I was tired that day.
I was hot.
And I just wanted to go home where it was cool
and where I could take a shower.
But God wanted us there,
and I'm glad we went.
All of the kids were awesome.
They were so sweet,
a little crazy,
but they just wanted attention.
They wanted us to love them,
even if all we did the entire time was play games with them
or push them on swings.
We got to share a Bible story with them
and give them a snack,
but we mainly just played with them.
I fell in love with one little boy,
he was three.
And all he wanted the entire time I was there
was for me to push him on a swing.
And that's exactly what I did.
And by the time it was for us to go,
while I was pushing him, he kept saying,
"I love you. I love you. I love you."
All because I was spending some time with time
by pushing him on his swing.
Needless to say,
I can't wait to go back tomorrow.
It will be the joy of my heart.
Friday we went to the beach
and passed out popsicles,
and then we stayed at the beach for a while longer.
Just to have a beach day.
We hadn't done that yet.
So we just hung out,
and had some fun.
Then I went home and I made dinner
for my team!
It was a lot of fun!
I had forgotten how great it was to cook
and make things for other people.
I also made individual
chocolate cakes
and some banana bread.
It made me happy.
Saturday we were all eagerly awaiting the arrival of
MG's family!
They finally came around noon,
and we were all so very excited to meet them!
After MG left to hang out with her fam
for the afternoon,
we all got ready for our performance!
We got to Coligny Plaza when we were supposed to,
and then we got the bad news from Larry...
the sound system was still broken.
So, we ended up just prayer walking.
Flexibility is key.
Sunday we went to church,
and then had lunch with MG and her family.
Then we hung out at the house for a while.
We went back to Coligny that night,
and we just made lots of balloon animals for the kids.
We were all a little freaked out at the beginning,
because we really had no experience.
But after we got started,
it all came naturally.
We had a lot of fun.
And one of the lifeguards,
Michelle,
came and helped us,
which was awesome!
Anyway,
after that, we went to dinner with a few of the lifeguards at
Wise Guys.
It was pretty good,
however,
my feet were eaten by mosquitoes.
That part was not so much fun.
The 4th was pretty great!
We had a lot of fun hanging with all the other teams!
And then Parris Island was great!
The fireworks were awesome!
And I was so glad we went!
The driving off the island wasn't so much fun,
but that's what happens when
a lot of people all try to leave at once.
Anyway,
I don't think much else is going on.
We have our normal schedule this week.
And we WILL perform this weekend!
(At least, that's the plan as of now.
Remember, flexibility is key!)
Prayer Requests:
-the lifeguards- we know a few of them are indeed Christians, and we're trying to figure out how to encourage them. And we're still needing doors to open up in conversations for us to share our faith and about God.
-my team- we're experiencing a great deal of spiritual warfare at the moment. a GREAT DEAL. And I know that we're doing what God is wanting us to do, but it's also hard to keep standing up under all this. So be praying that we will all stand firm, knowing that God will take care of us all and that He will do the fighting for us.
I do believe that is all for right now.
It has been a joy being here!
And I am seeing God at work every single day.
And it's incredible.
But I know that I would not be able to do anything apart from Him!
He is Lord Almighty,
and He is worth everything I could possibly give Him.
All the glory for what has happened in my life
and the lives around me belongs solely to Him!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Long Time In Coming
Time totally got away from me this past week!
I didn't even realize how much time had passed since I last posted.
Craziness!
But now I have a lot to share!
Last Sunday,
Father's Day,
we took a trip out to Beaufort
so that we could eat at Bethany's restaurant again.
But this time we had brunch.
And it was delicious.
I tried my first Eggs Benedict,
and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
And there were several other kinds of delectable foods.
It made me happy.
I also had time to call my dad and talk with him for a while,
so that made my day.
We also worked practiced a lot that day.
I think we pretty much nailed down everything.
Monday morning we went to
Folly Field Beach
and passed out popsicles to the lifeguards.
It was so hot that day!
So very hot!
So we did what we needed to do,
and then we took off.
There wasn't much time to chit-chat with it being so hot.
After the beach we went to
North Island Baptist Church
to practice our vocals.
But after that we came home and chilled out for a while.
Tuesday morning we went to
Coligny Beach
and passed out popsicles to the guards.
And it was very hot that day as well!!
It was amazing how hot it was,
but at least we were passing out something cool.
After the beach we went to the church to eat some lunch
and cool down before we went to Sandlewood Terrace for our
Backyard Bible Club.
It went really well that day,
and all the kids really enjoyed
MG's telling of Daniel and the Lion's Den.
The kids were really loud and kinda crazy,
but it was still good to hang out with them.
After the Bible Club
we went back to the church
and we got ready for the Lifeguard Dinner.
(Our first of the summer!)
We were all so excited,
and I know that I was kinda nervous.
But I knew that God was going to do great things.
So we got everything ready
and we waited for them to come.
And they did!!
We had about 20 guards show up for the first dinner!
It was awesome!
So after they ate,
I was able to share my testimony with them,
which was incredible.
God totally did the speaking,
and He was able to weave a story from the Bible in it.
I don't think I've ever felt anything like it.
Anyway, after I shared my testimony with them,
we got to just sit around and talk with all of them,
which was great.
We got to know some of the guards a little more,
and really start building relationships with them.
So after we cleaned up the church,
we headed home.
It was a 12-hour day.
And it was exhausting,
but it was totally worth it.
God worked in awesome and amazing ways,
and He used me to work in other's lives.
Wednesday was our day off,
so we all slept in a little.
(Especially after the long day on Tuesday.)
But I got up and got ready to go to a ministry that has touched my heart.
Around 2, I went to a ministry at Mossy Oaks.
And there, I get to hang out with some elderly ladies
and talk about the Bible, and sing, and just give them some company.
It was incredible.
And it was just what I needed to be refreshed and renewed for the week.
Mrs. Harriet, Mrs. Shirley, Mrs. Ruby, Mrs. Margaret, and Mrs. Elisabeth
were all there to talk with us.
Ah, I can't wait till Wednesday.
After Mossy Oaks,
I went to First Baptist Hardeeville to help another team
with VBS.
It was a lot of fun to see the kids learning about Jesus.
This night,
I served Jesus in a most unexpected way,
but I know God had a reason.
There was a little boy in the class I was helping in,
and during the story time,
he ran out of the room and would not go back in.
And he kept running around the church,
so I chased him around for a good 10-15 minutes.
But having this little boy out of the room,
Mandy was able to tell the story to the other kids
without any problems.
So it was good.
(I also got to make a VBS t-shirt!)
Thursday it was back to the beach for us!
We went back to
Folly Field,
but this time it wasn't near as hot!
We were able to walk and talk for a while!
And it was awesome!
But after a while,
it did start to get hot.
We were supposed to start our
Backyard Bible Club at
Hilton Head Garden Apartments,
but
the heat index was going to get to
115 degrees.
So we called it off.
Sadly.
We were all really looking forward to
meeting all the new kids
and having fun with them
and sharing stories with them.
But I know that God is doing something.
And He's going to get us where we need to go.
We got home,
and we practiced some.
And then after practice,
I went back to VBS at Hardeeville.
It was a good night there,
and I loved working with the kids.
Friday we went back to
Coligny Beach!
Coligny Beach!
It was a beautiful drizzly day!
Which made walking a whole lot better!
MG and I ended up walking around 4 miles of beach,
which didn't really seem like so much at the time,
but it took us a while.
After the beach,
we came back home and
practiced a while.
And then four of us,
MG, Grace, Courtney, and I,
went to Beaufort to help out with
a homeless ministry.
They serve dinner to homeless people every Friday night
at a park.
So we went and helped them serve the food.
And then we performed our Disney stuff for them.
It turned out well,
and it was nice to have a trial run on it.
We got home,
and we were so tired,
so we all just went to bed.
Saturday we were all so excited!
Because we were supposed to have our first performance!
We practiced and practiced.
And then I got a call from Larry,
our supervisor.
He said that the sound system that we're supposed to use
ended up not working,
and he would have to wait til Monday to get someone to look at it.
Which meant that we wouldn't be performing this weekend.
BUT
he said that if we were willing that we could
still do one performance.
At a block party.
That was happening at that moment.
So we said that we would do it.
And we gathered all our things quickly
and drove to Port Royal Baptist Church.
And then we got set up.
And then we performed!
It was pretty good too!
So God did some great things!
Even though we weren't able to perform
where we thought we were going to,
we still got to do it!
After the performance,
we hung out with all our friends on
the Beaufort side,
which was a real treat,
since we hadn't really seen them since
orientation.
Today has just been a pretty chill day.
We went to church
and taught the youth Sunday School class.
And then we got to go to lunch at Giuseppi's.
It was pretty tasty.
I also got to meet up with one of my friends!
It was great to see her!
And after lunch,
we just came home,
and have been chilling.
So it's been pretty nice.
Hopefully next weekend we will be doing our performace
at Coligny Plaza!
I really hope so!
But it's up to God!
It's been incredible to be a part of the journey I am on.
God is up to some great things!
And it's been great to see how He's changing me day-by-day.
And it's been awesome knowing that He is doing things
not only in my life but in the lives around me.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sometimes God Sends Blessings in Unexpected Ways
So the past few days have been absolute chaos,
or so it seems.
We've been on the go almost constantly,
but God is working,
and we are able to see the things that He's up to.
It's pretty great.
Thursday we all worked with
Week of Champions.
And it was a lot of fun.
I was with boy's basketball again,
Mary Grace was with girl's basketball again,
Grace was with baseball again,
and Courtney and Erica were with tennis.
We were all able to meet some really cool people,
and help pass out the gatorade.
After we were done with Week of Champions,
we went to North Island Baptist Church to meet with the pastor.
Most of us are helping with the youth at the church over the summer,
so he wanted to talk to us and see what we were thinking
about trying to do this summer.
Originally, we were planning on doing a Bible Club in the afternoon,
but the apartment complex manager never responded.
So we ended just coming home and practicing
more on our performance.
It ended up being a good day of practice.
Friday morning we went to Coligny Beach
for lifeguard ministry.
Erica, Courtney, and I went out together
to pass out popsicles.
And we had a lot of fun.
We saw a lot of wildlife,
including a shark.
(A guy was fishing, and he ended up catching a shark...
it was about three feet long....and he brought it to shore.
It was so crazy.)
We got to meet a lot of lifeguards,
and we met a lot of their supervisors that day as well!
On our walk we met:
Andrea,
Jimmy,
David,
Kristen (who we had met on Tuesday! It was great to see her again though!),
Steven (he sounded just like Crush on Finding Nemo! It was crazy!),
Kaylee,
Sarah Ann,
Samantha,
Ellen,
Hannah,
Steven (their supervisor),
Brad,
Matt (another supervisor. He knew us as "the Baptist Burger people"),
Whitney,
and Austin.
So it was great to meet a lot of these guys!
They were all really nice!
And I can't wait to get to know them a lot more
over the next month and a half.
After the beach,
we went to North Island to practice.
And practice.
And practice.
We were able to work on parts...
but we still have some work that needs to be done.
When we got home,
we all got dressed up,
and then we drove to Beaufort.
We finally found our host family's restaurant,
and it was almost like walking into a fairy tale.
It was so beautiful!
Everything was perfect,
and we had some of the best food ever.
We started out with:
the Southern Sushi
and the Angel Wings.
Then we each ordered something different:
I had: Sweet Tea Salmon with Asparagus and Heavenly Mashed Potatoes.
Erica had: Steak Frites with Sweet Potato Fries.
Mary Grace had: Shrimp and Sweet Potato Grits.
Grace had: Vertical Crab Cakes with Corn.
and
Courtney had: Pecan (?) Crusted Cod with Mango sauce and Asparagus.
It was all FANTASTIC!
For dessert we all shared:
2 Chocolate Skillets
and
1 Sampler (it had White Chocolate Banana Pudding, Pecan Creme Brulee, and Celebration Cake)
Oh. my. lanta.
It was great.
After dinner we went down to the Waterfront for a while.
It was good to just hang out and talk.
It was a great night with us girls.
I know we're around each other all the time,
but there's something good about getting out of the house
and having a night out on the town.
Anyway, today we were working on our performance.
It was intense.
We have done so much!!
We nailed down our dance, our Disney, our theme interpretation, and all of the things in between each thing.
It was 4 hours of working hard, memorizing, and learning.
And I'm so glad that we're done with that now.
Now when we practice,
it'll just be perfecting what we already know!
Yay!
Tomorrow is church!
And I'm so excited!
Why?
Because I get to worship Jesus with everyone else!
Anyway, that's about all for now! :)
I'll include some pics for you of the beach. :)
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