I'm not sure why, but something small happened to me yesterday, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head.
I was on my way home from church, and while at a red light, I was trying to get something else done (multi-tasking is an art all Easter Pageant members try to accomplish). I totally wasn't paying attention, and the light turned green without my knowledge. Finally about 10-15 seconds later I realize it, but by then the light was turning yellow. I sped up and made the turn, but the guy behind me was stuck at the new red light. I was mortified, because I thought he would be very angry, AND I had obviously just left church (with my "car fishie" and 93.9 blasting out the window). But as I looked in my review mirror he waved. He waved.
It's probably my aggresive driving that made this so surprising to me. I would have beeped. I would have slammed my hand against my steering wheel and probably been mad for the next 5 minutes. But he didn't do any of those things.
I know that's not something huge, but it taught me something. There's hardly anything that any driver could do that should get me mad the way I get sometimes. I don't know if that man had just left church right behind me, or if he was just another driver going about his Sunday business, but that little wave of "it's alright, we all do that sometimes" showed me Jesus more clearly than I've seen him in a while :).
3.21.2011
2.08.2011
Enthralled by His Beauty
Lots and lots of deep thoughts have entered my mind lately. Some come at random times, others when I expect them, but they're there.
Thought #1
I've decided to become a Children's Minister.. I've already told you that. But as I was lying in the tanning bed (ultimate place for intimate thoughts, I know), I began to think, "Is it biblical for people to get paid for ministry?" It really began to trouble me over the next 13 minutes! Why I am going to train through 4 years of schooling in order to teach children about Jesus, receiving a salary? He CALLED us to preach to our surrounding nations (Acts 1:8), and callings like this aren't suggestions, they're commands. So shouldn't I be doing it anyway in ADDITION TO my career? I kept thinking and thinking, and soon I came to the realization that if there weren't ministers who were paid, then the inspired Word of God wouldn't be shared nearly as far as it has been. That's definitely sad, that money is what motivates our sharing of faith, but then I talked with my friend Emily when she (so graciously) came to help paint my room. She told me she had had a similar struggle at one point, because she's also going into some type of ministry. "BUT", she said, "I think the reality is you have to figure out what your motive for ministry is. Is it to make a living off the money you make, or is it to further the Kingdom through impacting children for Christ?" That sunk in. And it made sense. So, I'm not sure if I've fully grasped what ministry is, but I'm definitely thinking hard and trying to create a prayer life so completely focused on Christ. Which brings me to
Thought #2
Prayer. Goodness, that's my biggest struggle as a Christian: lifting things before God before trying to receive advice from my best friends or mentors. It's difficult for me to seriously offer all I am, who I desire to be, and who I need God to be FOR me. I think it shouldn't be, that it should be a natural process, but with all I have going on in life, whenever I have time to myself, I want to spend it sleeping, listening to the radio, or on some other mindless matter. I need to be still (Psalm 46:10). I need to treat Him like He's my best friend, before turning to Shelbi or Tammy. I need to acknowledge His power and might instead of leaving him on the wayside. It's so hard for me, and every time I sit down and decide to chat it up with Him, I end up getting scared or convincing myself that maybe I'll do it later. Stupid, stupid me.
Thought #3
Being enthralled by my Creator. This past weekend I was on a retreat with my Senior class, but it ended up being more like a mini senior-trip. Which I loved, but also came with drama and cliques. ANYWAYS. Deep conversation still happened, and I had the honor of listening in on one between two of my friends, Amy and Stephen. Both of them were talking about how amazed they were by God and His grace for them. Each of them traded back and forth stories and instances when they couldn't believe all God had done, and in all the ways He had redeemed them. As I sat in the van overhearing them, I realized they were almost arguing over who was worse and who God redeemed from the deepest. It was beautiful! Yet, I was so disappointed in myself for the way I lived.
I've always heard of Christ's love for me. Yes, God sacrificed His Son for me, and without that I'd have no hope and a future burning in Hell. But faith and believing has always come easily for me. Jesus loved me enough to die, and loves me enough to keep ensuring His grace on a minute-to-minute basis. I believe it, and believing it is so easy for me. But should it be? Should I simply accept the gift given? Amy and Stephen are so enthralled by his sacrifice and love. I'm certainly grateful, but I don't ever communicate my emotions toward that in a drastic manner, whether it be in fervent prayer or conversation with other believers (or especially NON-believers). Is it wrong to accept it so easily? Should I have such deep emotions towards it? What's your opinion?
More thoughts to come. Hopefully. :)
Thought #1
I've decided to become a Children's Minister.. I've already told you that. But as I was lying in the tanning bed (ultimate place for intimate thoughts, I know), I began to think, "Is it biblical for people to get paid for ministry?" It really began to trouble me over the next 13 minutes! Why I am going to train through 4 years of schooling in order to teach children about Jesus, receiving a salary? He CALLED us to preach to our surrounding nations (Acts 1:8), and callings like this aren't suggestions, they're commands. So shouldn't I be doing it anyway in ADDITION TO my career? I kept thinking and thinking, and soon I came to the realization that if there weren't ministers who were paid, then the inspired Word of God wouldn't be shared nearly as far as it has been. That's definitely sad, that money is what motivates our sharing of faith, but then I talked with my friend Emily when she (so graciously) came to help paint my room. She told me she had had a similar struggle at one point, because she's also going into some type of ministry. "BUT", she said, "I think the reality is you have to figure out what your motive for ministry is. Is it to make a living off the money you make, or is it to further the Kingdom through impacting children for Christ?" That sunk in. And it made sense. So, I'm not sure if I've fully grasped what ministry is, but I'm definitely thinking hard and trying to create a prayer life so completely focused on Christ. Which brings me to
Thought #2
Prayer. Goodness, that's my biggest struggle as a Christian: lifting things before God before trying to receive advice from my best friends or mentors. It's difficult for me to seriously offer all I am, who I desire to be, and who I need God to be FOR me. I think it shouldn't be, that it should be a natural process, but with all I have going on in life, whenever I have time to myself, I want to spend it sleeping, listening to the radio, or on some other mindless matter. I need to be still (Psalm 46:10). I need to treat Him like He's my best friend, before turning to Shelbi or Tammy. I need to acknowledge His power and might instead of leaving him on the wayside. It's so hard for me, and every time I sit down and decide to chat it up with Him, I end up getting scared or convincing myself that maybe I'll do it later. Stupid, stupid me.
Thought #3
Being enthralled by my Creator. This past weekend I was on a retreat with my Senior class, but it ended up being more like a mini senior-trip. Which I loved, but also came with drama and cliques. ANYWAYS. Deep conversation still happened, and I had the honor of listening in on one between two of my friends, Amy and Stephen. Both of them were talking about how amazed they were by God and His grace for them. Each of them traded back and forth stories and instances when they couldn't believe all God had done, and in all the ways He had redeemed them. As I sat in the van overhearing them, I realized they were almost arguing over who was worse and who God redeemed from the deepest. It was beautiful! Yet, I was so disappointed in myself for the way I lived.
I've always heard of Christ's love for me. Yes, God sacrificed His Son for me, and without that I'd have no hope and a future burning in Hell. But faith and believing has always come easily for me. Jesus loved me enough to die, and loves me enough to keep ensuring His grace on a minute-to-minute basis. I believe it, and believing it is so easy for me. But should it be? Should I simply accept the gift given? Amy and Stephen are so enthralled by his sacrifice and love. I'm certainly grateful, but I don't ever communicate my emotions toward that in a drastic manner, whether it be in fervent prayer or conversation with other believers (or especially NON-believers). Is it wrong to accept it so easily? Should I have such deep emotions towards it? What's your opinion?
More thoughts to come. Hopefully. :)
1.13.2011
Lately...
I hate that I don't remember to blog, and when I do I only have time to give a summary of my life... but here I go again.
- On Sundays I lead worship with 3rd-5th graders, and I enjoy it more than I ever thought I would. After that, I usually go hear Dave or Kyle preach, and sometimes I have KidWay!
- Monday nights I meet with my mentor, Tammy Pierce, for Bible Study. We START at 9 PM, but we're both young, so it's no big deal :) Right now we're about to finish up our study on Ruth, going through the book by Kelly Minter... It's amazing to see the obedience Ruth has for Naomi and God! And I LOVE talking faith and life with Tammy. We've grown close, and I'm thankful for her all the time!
- I continue to babysit like nobody's business! In December I babysat 19.. that's right... 19 times! I've been blessed abundantly by the Almighty, and I am encouraged and in love with each of the families that call me "Miss Danielle: Babysitter".
- I'm still a part of my CGroup, but the date we meet has been changed to Tuesdays, and I babysit Tuesdays, so I won't be able to meet with them until April 12th. Which is a huge bummer, but I have the...
- EASTER PAGEANT! We've started choir practices, and in a few short weeks we begin nightly practices. Um, I can't wait. AT ALL! :)
- School. Blah. I want to go to college. Tired of the same subjects and the same high schoolers... I love my school, don't get me wrong, but it's time for a change.
- Milligan! I go in about 7 months, and I'll be majoring in Bible with a focus on Children's Ministry and minoring in photography! The biggest reasons I don't want to pack up my bags and leave immediately are because of 1) Southeast 2) My kids (elementary worship and babysitting).
- I'm mentoring! God called me through many ways to one-on-one pour into someone younger than me. Tammy's daughter, Maya, and I are going through a study on Samuel's mom, Hannah. I absolutely adore spending an hour or 2 with Maya every week, pouring into and encouraging her while she does the very same to me.
- Reading, reading, reading. I love it! I'm currently in the middle of George W. Bush's biography (Decision Points), and I just finished Radical by David Platt. I felt convicted majorly, and I accepted the "Radical Movement Challenge" this 2011.
Well, the bell just rang.. Gotta go get a 30 minute nap in on the bus! Love ya'll :)
-D
- On Sundays I lead worship with 3rd-5th graders, and I enjoy it more than I ever thought I would. After that, I usually go hear Dave or Kyle preach, and sometimes I have KidWay!
- Monday nights I meet with my mentor, Tammy Pierce, for Bible Study. We START at 9 PM, but we're both young, so it's no big deal :) Right now we're about to finish up our study on Ruth, going through the book by Kelly Minter... It's amazing to see the obedience Ruth has for Naomi and God! And I LOVE talking faith and life with Tammy. We've grown close, and I'm thankful for her all the time!
- I continue to babysit like nobody's business! In December I babysat 19.. that's right... 19 times! I've been blessed abundantly by the Almighty, and I am encouraged and in love with each of the families that call me "Miss Danielle: Babysitter".
- I'm still a part of my CGroup, but the date we meet has been changed to Tuesdays, and I babysit Tuesdays, so I won't be able to meet with them until April 12th. Which is a huge bummer, but I have the...
- EASTER PAGEANT! We've started choir practices, and in a few short weeks we begin nightly practices. Um, I can't wait. AT ALL! :)
- School. Blah. I want to go to college. Tired of the same subjects and the same high schoolers... I love my school, don't get me wrong, but it's time for a change.
- Milligan! I go in about 7 months, and I'll be majoring in Bible with a focus on Children's Ministry and minoring in photography! The biggest reasons I don't want to pack up my bags and leave immediately are because of 1) Southeast 2) My kids (elementary worship and babysitting).
- I'm mentoring! God called me through many ways to one-on-one pour into someone younger than me. Tammy's daughter, Maya, and I are going through a study on Samuel's mom, Hannah. I absolutely adore spending an hour or 2 with Maya every week, pouring into and encouraging her while she does the very same to me.
- Reading, reading, reading. I love it! I'm currently in the middle of George W. Bush's biography (Decision Points), and I just finished Radical by David Platt. I felt convicted majorly, and I accepted the "Radical Movement Challenge" this 2011.
Well, the bell just rang.. Gotta go get a 30 minute nap in on the bus! Love ya'll :)
-D
11.23.2010
Updates!
I'm SORRY! I never remember to post on here, but I promise I'm trying!! BUT I do have short updates for you before school lets out in 3 1/2 minutes...
1) I decided I will be attending Milligan College right outside Johnson City, Tennesse next August. I will major in Children's Ministry and possibly minor in something else such as Spanish or Photography. But maybe not.
2) I got a part in the Southeast Christian Easter Pageant!! This means that I will be devoting almost every day in February and March to at least 4 hours of daily rehearsals. I'm SO stoked.
3) God is good. But that never changes, does it?
Well, the bell's about to ring! Hopefully I'll have more time and more to talk about in the up and coming days of life!
1) I decided I will be attending Milligan College right outside Johnson City, Tennesse next August. I will major in Children's Ministry and possibly minor in something else such as Spanish or Photography. But maybe not.
2) I got a part in the Southeast Christian Easter Pageant!! This means that I will be devoting almost every day in February and March to at least 4 hours of daily rehearsals. I'm SO stoked.
3) God is good. But that never changes, does it?
Well, the bell's about to ring! Hopefully I'll have more time and more to talk about in the up and coming days of life!
9.18.2010
It's Been Awhile
So... Apparently I haven't been on here in 2 months, but I've just been super busy (I think).
GSP. Was AWESOME. If I had a choice, I wouldn't have changed a single thing that happened there (except maybe falling for the boy thing). To this day I still talk with about 5 people from there, and one I believe is in the process of becoming a very close friend and confidant. Amanda is a Godly woman, who relates to me in so many ways, and we are always there for each other!
So... NonChristians. I LOVE THEM! Hahaha this summer I had so much fun getting out of my little Christian bubble, experiencing so many new things! No, I didn't have some conversation with an atheist, and with my knowledge helped them find Christ; actually, I didn't have a truly religious conversation with any unbeliever there. I spoke through my actions, my stances, my differences. I didn't have to pray in public or carry my Bible around to let others know I was a Christian.
You see, I went to GSP with not a single soul knowing I was a believer, and that was so freeing!! Without always realizing it, Christians usually do good works so that others will notice and think of us as "better or Super-Christians". I'm guilty of that probably more than anyone else out there. No lie. But when no one expects you to be a virgin, to not curse, or to believe in Creation, but you are, you don't, and you do, it comes as a shock. I didn't have to be super spiritual; I just had to live out my faith and how I had been raised. By the end of the 5 weeks, multiple people told me how I had encouraged them or challenged them in their faith, and I hadn't even had a true conversation with them about Christ. Our God is an awesome God!!!
This leads to college. Since Bible and Beach God has put it on my heart to attend a secular college, living my faith out so others could see Him on a daily basis. GSP made this calling even more profound. As of late, I have applied to Asbury, Transylvania, and Milligan, with Transy as my secular-private school. I'm visiting on the 30th, with Amanda, and I hope I love it!
College. Whoever gives me the best scholarships is where I will most likely go... God will provide and will communicate clearly His path for me! So, I guess I'll know by February, or at least have a better idea. :)
GSP. Was AWESOME. If I had a choice, I wouldn't have changed a single thing that happened there (except maybe falling for the boy thing). To this day I still talk with about 5 people from there, and one I believe is in the process of becoming a very close friend and confidant. Amanda is a Godly woman, who relates to me in so many ways, and we are always there for each other!
So... NonChristians. I LOVE THEM! Hahaha this summer I had so much fun getting out of my little Christian bubble, experiencing so many new things! No, I didn't have some conversation with an atheist, and with my knowledge helped them find Christ; actually, I didn't have a truly religious conversation with any unbeliever there. I spoke through my actions, my stances, my differences. I didn't have to pray in public or carry my Bible around to let others know I was a Christian.
You see, I went to GSP with not a single soul knowing I was a believer, and that was so freeing!! Without always realizing it, Christians usually do good works so that others will notice and think of us as "better or Super-Christians". I'm guilty of that probably more than anyone else out there. No lie. But when no one expects you to be a virgin, to not curse, or to believe in Creation, but you are, you don't, and you do, it comes as a shock. I didn't have to be super spiritual; I just had to live out my faith and how I had been raised. By the end of the 5 weeks, multiple people told me how I had encouraged them or challenged them in their faith, and I hadn't even had a true conversation with them about Christ. Our God is an awesome God!!!
This leads to college. Since Bible and Beach God has put it on my heart to attend a secular college, living my faith out so others could see Him on a daily basis. GSP made this calling even more profound. As of late, I have applied to Asbury, Transylvania, and Milligan, with Transy as my secular-private school. I'm visiting on the 30th, with Amanda, and I hope I love it!
College. Whoever gives me the best scholarships is where I will most likely go... God will provide and will communicate clearly His path for me! So, I guess I'll know by February, or at least have a better idea. :)
7.21.2010
GSP
OK so in 72 hours I will be heading back to my normal life, AKA life without GSP. So I decided to write a little bit about my experience before I get overemotional... Ha.
So here is my post from the day I learned I got accepted into the program. As you could see, I was torn between wanting to come and staying at home with my friends all summer. Looking back now, I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything.
Sure, I fell for a guy as he fell for me. Too bad he got up and walked 4 weeks into the program, while I was left fallen. Good thing I had made girl friends and they were there to pick me up :) But all those hours he and I spent in deep conversation and silly antics were there to make these 5 weeks the best they could be. He truly is a good friend, and anyone's lucky to be one of his.
Amanda and I had so many conversations about worries, boys, and our faith. She was here when I needed a hug to cry into, and a laugh. Oh my goodness, she's amazing!
My General Studies/Seminar class. I'll never ever meet a group I've connected to as quickly and deeply as these 17 scholars and 2 leaders. Emily R, Emily S, Chris, Justin, Kaylee, Amanda, Marci, Matt, Ryan, Andie, Abi, Samantha, Gabby, Tyler, Shelby, Connor, Alaina, and Trevor. Guys, you've challenged me, made me laugh, inspired me to be greater, and were there for me when I was stupid or needed a friend. Great conversations while painting the outside of an entire house, going to Serpent Mound (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA), and many other times were my absolute favorite parts of my time here.
Journalism and Mass Media was fun, spending hours upon hours on Facebook (oh yeah, and that ELEVATOR thing). Laughing with Jimmy Carter and listening to boring speakers. Loads of laughs... :)
Pizza 6 times a week, hardly any fruit, and 1434 stairs a day (I STILL NEED TO COUNT), I hope I didn't gain any weight.
And shoutout to my favorite teacher, Alaina. I would write more about her here, but I still need to write her a letter longhand... And it's time to go to one of my last classes!
So here is my post from the day I learned I got accepted into the program. As you could see, I was torn between wanting to come and staying at home with my friends all summer. Looking back now, I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything.
Sure, I fell for a guy as he fell for me. Too bad he got up and walked 4 weeks into the program, while I was left fallen. Good thing I had made girl friends and they were there to pick me up :) But all those hours he and I spent in deep conversation and silly antics were there to make these 5 weeks the best they could be. He truly is a good friend, and anyone's lucky to be one of his.
Amanda and I had so many conversations about worries, boys, and our faith. She was here when I needed a hug to cry into, and a laugh. Oh my goodness, she's amazing!
My General Studies/Seminar class. I'll never ever meet a group I've connected to as quickly and deeply as these 17 scholars and 2 leaders. Emily R, Emily S, Chris, Justin, Kaylee, Amanda, Marci, Matt, Ryan, Andie, Abi, Samantha, Gabby, Tyler, Shelby, Connor, Alaina, and Trevor. Guys, you've challenged me, made me laugh, inspired me to be greater, and were there for me when I was stupid or needed a friend. Great conversations while painting the outside of an entire house, going to Serpent Mound (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA), and many other times were my absolute favorite parts of my time here.
Journalism and Mass Media was fun, spending hours upon hours on Facebook (oh yeah, and that ELEVATOR thing). Laughing with Jimmy Carter and listening to boring speakers. Loads of laughs... :)
Pizza 6 times a week, hardly any fruit, and 1434 stairs a day (I STILL NEED TO COUNT), I hope I didn't gain any weight.
And shoutout to my favorite teacher, Alaina. I would write more about her here, but I still need to write her a letter longhand... And it's time to go to one of my last classes!
6.29.2010
Homework :)
So now having a blog is an assignment for my Journalism & Mass Media class. And I don't mind one bit! Our assignment this evening is to just write. Write about anything. Small to big. So here I go :)
How do you respond when you are pushed out of the normalcy of the world you live in and are forced into another you've never even touched? For me, all I've ever known is the private school world. All my friends proclaim to be Christians, most of my teachers pray prior to class starting, and I can be consoled by a spiritual mentor if I just ask. Here, it's different.
Throughout this GSP process I've already gone through slight homesickness and issues with boys, and yes, I have new friends here I can talk about it with; but no, none of them know me well enough or have the age experience to talk with me about what the best way to handle each situation is.
I walk into my General Studies class, and my teacher reminds me so much of my mentors at home. Wise. And all I want to do is sit down with her, talk to her, and let her pour her life experiences into me like so many women do at home. Although she doesn't proclaim to have faith in Christ, I'm not just asking for spiritual console. I can see it through how she carries herself, and by the way she treats others that she has so much to share, and I just want to talk life with her.
But how do I do that? Say, "Hey, Alaina, I was wondering if you could just talk with me about a situation." No. I don't currently feel comfortable asking for that because 1. I don't know her very well and B. It's not exactly a direct question.
Maybe (hopefully) time will change that. Or maybe God's just testing my faith and trust in Him. Either way, it is definitely hard right now walking through each day without someone physically here to guide me through life situations almost every teenage girl deals with.
How do you respond when you are pushed out of the normalcy of the world you live in and are forced into another you've never even touched? For me, all I've ever known is the private school world. All my friends proclaim to be Christians, most of my teachers pray prior to class starting, and I can be consoled by a spiritual mentor if I just ask. Here, it's different.
Throughout this GSP process I've already gone through slight homesickness and issues with boys, and yes, I have new friends here I can talk about it with; but no, none of them know me well enough or have the age experience to talk with me about what the best way to handle each situation is.
I walk into my General Studies class, and my teacher reminds me so much of my mentors at home. Wise. And all I want to do is sit down with her, talk to her, and let her pour her life experiences into me like so many women do at home. Although she doesn't proclaim to have faith in Christ, I'm not just asking for spiritual console. I can see it through how she carries herself, and by the way she treats others that she has so much to share, and I just want to talk life with her.
But how do I do that? Say, "Hey, Alaina, I was wondering if you could just talk with me about a situation." No. I don't currently feel comfortable asking for that because 1. I don't know her very well and B. It's not exactly a direct question.
Maybe (hopefully) time will change that. Or maybe God's just testing my faith and trust in Him. Either way, it is definitely hard right now walking through each day without someone physically here to guide me through life situations almost every teenage girl deals with.
6.24.2010
Tonight
So I'm just typing this on my iPod real quick before I turn in, so bear with me with grammatical errors.
Tonight at first FCA meeting for GSP, my friend Matthew and I had to lead the group. We were scheduled to talk about Joy, my favorite fruit of the spirit. We had it all planned out, and pretty much stuck yo' the plan, but whAt God did was incredible.
I didn't plan on talking much, but I ended up speaking for at least 5-10 minutes. NomLly when I speak I get nervous. And I mean REALLY nervous, but tonight words were just flowing. The holy spirit led me to say things with such conviction I'd never experienced, it just blew me away!!
Afterwards we were gonna end with a song, so we asked for suggestions and got "mighty to save". Great song! Well, Shaela started us off becUse we didn't have any music.. So all occapella or w/e and singing is not my deal, especially in front of 100 people. But we sang, and she encouraged us to keep praising our Lord. It was beautiful!!
Well, the times came during the next 3 songs when no one really knew how to start it off. Except me. So, with my horrible singing voice, I belted it out.
Except it wasn't half bad.
Anyone who knows me knows I can't sing well, and in no way am I saying it was good, but it didn't hurt everyone's ears.
The spirit showed Hiself tonight, and I got goose bumps. People were telling hearwrenching stories, crying, and making challenges and suggestions for the next 4 weeks. Gods doing something big y'all.
Tonight at first FCA meeting for GSP, my friend Matthew and I had to lead the group. We were scheduled to talk about Joy, my favorite fruit of the spirit. We had it all planned out, and pretty much stuck yo' the plan, but whAt God did was incredible.
I didn't plan on talking much, but I ended up speaking for at least 5-10 minutes. NomLly when I speak I get nervous. And I mean REALLY nervous, but tonight words were just flowing. The holy spirit led me to say things with such conviction I'd never experienced, it just blew me away!!
Afterwards we were gonna end with a song, so we asked for suggestions and got "mighty to save". Great song! Well, Shaela started us off becUse we didn't have any music.. So all occapella or w/e and singing is not my deal, especially in front of 100 people. But we sang, and she encouraged us to keep praising our Lord. It was beautiful!!
Well, the times came during the next 3 songs when no one really knew how to start it off. Except me. So, with my horrible singing voice, I belted it out.
Except it wasn't half bad.
Anyone who knows me knows I can't sing well, and in no way am I saying it was good, but it didn't hurt everyone's ears.
The spirit showed Hiself tonight, and I got goose bumps. People were telling hearwrenching stories, crying, and making challenges and suggestions for the next 4 weeks. Gods doing something big y'all.
6.23.2010
GSP [[3 days in]]
So, I'm here! A week ago, I was bummed about spending 5 weeks away, but when all my best friends went to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip I was DYING to go on, and I was stuck in Louisville, I thought to myself, "Well, I might as well go to GSP now..."
When I first arrived on campus, I was nervous as heck. Since I only knew one person, my reputation I'd spent 17 years building had no effect. I was starting over, and I wasn't sure if I'd make friends easily. Since middle school, it's always been a struggle for me.
But.. I DID! I met great friends, Christian and non. My two closest friends right now are Elizabeth and Amanda. They're wonderful Christian women, and I'm glad to be walking this journey alongside them.
I joined many clubs... Swing Dancing, Spanish, Step Team, FCA/Bible Study. Not sure how many I'm gonna stick with, but new things are wonderful!
My focus area is Journalism and Mass Media, and I like it so far. All we've done up until now is name games, watch the US vs. Algeria, and watch "All the President's Men". I like it!
My seminar just has done ice-breaker games, but we'll be debating about things such as homosexual marriage, abortion, and other BIG topics. It's my chance to defend and argue my faith, and I'm praying for the right words to say and the right way to approach topics... God is my guide.
General studies, we're learning about civilizations. For the first week we'll focus on the first civilizations, and after that we'll build our own! Own laws, own capital, own flat.. I'm kind of excited :) I hope I grow to like it more and more!
So that's all for now.. Gotta get back to the amigos ♥
P.S. No boys!
When I first arrived on campus, I was nervous as heck. Since I only knew one person, my reputation I'd spent 17 years building had no effect. I was starting over, and I wasn't sure if I'd make friends easily. Since middle school, it's always been a struggle for me.
But.. I DID! I met great friends, Christian and non. My two closest friends right now are Elizabeth and Amanda. They're wonderful Christian women, and I'm glad to be walking this journey alongside them.
I joined many clubs... Swing Dancing, Spanish, Step Team, FCA/Bible Study. Not sure how many I'm gonna stick with, but new things are wonderful!
My focus area is Journalism and Mass Media, and I like it so far. All we've done up until now is name games, watch the US vs. Algeria, and watch "All the President's Men". I like it!
My seminar just has done ice-breaker games, but we'll be debating about things such as homosexual marriage, abortion, and other BIG topics. It's my chance to defend and argue my faith, and I'm praying for the right words to say and the right way to approach topics... God is my guide.
General studies, we're learning about civilizations. For the first week we'll focus on the first civilizations, and after that we'll build our own! Own laws, own capital, own flat.. I'm kind of excited :) I hope I grow to like it more and more!
So that's all for now.. Gotta get back to the amigos ♥
P.S. No boys!
5.21.2010
Lately..
OK, don't shoot me (all 2 of you that read this); I know it's been a while and SO much has happened, as it has been doing the past 3 years of my life. I've recently realized that life changes far more often than it did earlier on in life. New jobs, new friends, new relationships, new faith.
I haven't talked about it on here yet, but since I returned from Bible and Beach, I've started a new challenge. The speaker there challenged all the girls to spend as much time in the Word, "training" in our walk as we do in front of the mirror "training" our looks for the day. It was just the encouragement I needed to get into the Word more often, for I'd been lacking the discipline.
So, here I am, 1 1/2 months into the task, and I'm still going strong (by the grace of God). I decided to go through the New Testament chronologically, so I've thoroughly read, taken notes on, and asked questions about I and II Thessalonians, Galatians, and I'm about to finish up Romans. It's taken me a month just to get through that last one... so many questions! so much unknown! It's amazing to see how I thought I "knew" the Bible, until I began actually paying attention to what each verse said. God is doing a great thing through this.
School is almost out. I am 3 days and 3 finals away from becoming a senior! That's such a scary thought! I remember like it was a year ago, walking into high school for the first time. Now I'm about to walk out of it. Have I left the mark I wanted to? Done what God's asked of me? I have one more year. There's no turning back.
AND, of course I must say, I now have a wonderful boyfriend. Haven't had a real-go-on-dates kind of boyfriend EVER, and no "boyfriend" since March 2008. Out of all my closest friends, only 1 has not had one yet, so it's been awhile comin'. Jon is such a blessing, and I'm excited to see what's in store for us :) A heart for the Lord, a sweet, sweet spirit, masculinity, compassion, and some good looks make me quite the lucky gal.
Well, must be going now... watching little Zoe-face! :)
I haven't talked about it on here yet, but since I returned from Bible and Beach, I've started a new challenge. The speaker there challenged all the girls to spend as much time in the Word, "training" in our walk as we do in front of the mirror "training" our looks for the day. It was just the encouragement I needed to get into the Word more often, for I'd been lacking the discipline.
So, here I am, 1 1/2 months into the task, and I'm still going strong (by the grace of God). I decided to go through the New Testament chronologically, so I've thoroughly read, taken notes on, and asked questions about I and II Thessalonians, Galatians, and I'm about to finish up Romans. It's taken me a month just to get through that last one... so many questions! so much unknown! It's amazing to see how I thought I "knew" the Bible, until I began actually paying attention to what each verse said. God is doing a great thing through this.
School is almost out. I am 3 days and 3 finals away from becoming a senior! That's such a scary thought! I remember like it was a year ago, walking into high school for the first time. Now I'm about to walk out of it. Have I left the mark I wanted to? Done what God's asked of me? I have one more year. There's no turning back.
AND, of course I must say, I now have a wonderful boyfriend. Haven't had a real-go-on-dates kind of boyfriend EVER, and no "boyfriend" since March 2008. Out of all my closest friends, only 1 has not had one yet, so it's been awhile comin'. Jon is such a blessing, and I'm excited to see what's in store for us :) A heart for the Lord, a sweet, sweet spirit, masculinity, compassion, and some good looks make me quite the lucky gal.
Well, must be going now... watching little Zoe-face! :)
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