Beauty.

"Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear--but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

1 Peter 3:3-4

Beautiful women of God, please take this verse to heart. We spend so much time each and every day planning what we're going to wear, how we're going to do our hair, our make-up, ect. But why? To please the world?

God is so much better than the world! He created us to be perfect and beautiful in His sight! There's nothing we can do to make ourselves more beautiful to Him! He's the Only One who's opinion of us matters! I can honestly say that I definitely struggle with self-image more than I really should. I'm always thinking: "If only I was thinner, a certain dress size, had longer hair..." The list could go on and on. But why do I want these things? To please myself? To please society? I should only be focusing on what God wants to see. He doesn't want to see me spending all of my time dieting or buying the latest fashions or spending an hour doing my hair and make-up. He wants my heart to be fully devoted to Him. Our Father wants our spirits to be humble, gentle, and quiet! This is want truly pleases Him. Shouldn't that be our focus in the morning?

I challenge you to remember this when you wake up in the morning! Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you're beautiful--because you are! God made you completely beautiful to Him; He delights in you! What I find helpful is to write on my mirror (in dry erase marker) this verse:

"The King is enthralled by your beauty." Psalm 45:11

Every time I look in the mirror and start to think of all the things I want to change, I see that verse and find comfort knowing that the God of the universe thinks my beauty is enthralling. PTL.

Have a great day, beautiful women of God!

happy 5 1/2 to me!

Today is my 5 1/2 year anniversary with my wonderful boyfriend, Craig. It has really been an amazing 5 1/2 years I might add too! God has been too good to me for blessing my life with Craig! I am really excited to see what God has in store for us.

Happy Anniversary! (:

O my Strength!

"But you, O Lord, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision. O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies."

Psalm 59:8-10

Things have been extremely rough for the past month, which officially makes this the worst semester yet. There have been so many things in which I have just been struggling with! Academics, Craig not being up here, things with my mom and sister, and all of my internal battles. I've been feeling so depressed and weak, and alone. But why?

Because in all of the mess that the world has thrown at me, I have fallen victim to it. I have failed to cling to the One who paid it all for me! The One who gives me strength for anything that comes my way. After an entire summer filled with serving God and growing immensely in my faith, I though that "I" would be strong enough to manage all of these things. But there's a problem..."I". "I" can't do anything apart from God. And that's what I've been trying to do. God has finally opened my eyes to this.

Last night before Bible Study, I was reading in Psalm. I randomly opened up to this verse and I was filled with total comfort. God is my strength and my fortress! He is ALL that I, or anyone, needs! The world has nothing for me and I need to stop trying to get my fulfillment in the world! All of the battles in which I am going through, God is getting me through in order to make me stronger! To help me grow! And one day, "God will let me look in triumph on my enemies." I cannot wait for that day!

Until then, I need to constantly cling to Him and rely on Him to get me through the day and NOT myself or other worldly things. I'm ready for whatever else God is going to bring me through. I know He will take great care of me and make me stronger!

I hope that you can reflect on this verse and think of what it means to you. What are some enemies you're dealing with? Remember that God is fighting with you and He will never let you down. He will never let go. Cling to our Father above all else!

what a week!

Okay, so Thanksgiving has come to an end, and so has the awesome Thanksgiving break. It most certainly wasn't long enough. School is now back in full swing and I have two incredibly hard exams this week which I did not studying for over break. But, I'm not one to complain.

These next few weeks are definitely going to be a test to see just how much I need to rely on God for my strength and NOT my own! He has blessed me with an amazing week of being out in the woods, spending time with my wonderful boyfriend, awesome family time, and the best part yet, He provided me with my very first deer!

After putting in countless hours since opening day and not seeing ANY deer all week, I was really beginning to wonder if this was going to be the year that I got a my very first deer. But on Saturday evening, a little after 4:00pm, God provided me with a 1 year old nubbin buck with which came within 25 yards of me before I shot. It was quick and painless. And I did it all on my own (apart from God). I was in the tree stand alone, shot when I wanted to. Of course, my boyfriend was hunting not too far away from me so he helped me drag the deer to his truck. Now, the deer is all self-processed (yes, I butchered it myself with a little help from Craig's dad) and in my freezer. It's enough meat to feed my grandparents and I for quite some time!

Even though I wish that break was still going, God wants me to be here at school and so I need to continue on with this journey of my life. He WILL give me the strength I need, even when I feel like there is NO WAY I can possibly continue. God is so amazing and this week was exactly the refresher that I needed.

comfort of the day.

before i rush off to class for the day, i wanted to post a really awesome verse that i read at Bible Study on Monday night. i've just been thinking about it and it is so super awesome! it's from the book of John, which is an excellent book by the way!

John 10:11-18
"'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-- only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.'"

i am so thankful that i have a Good Shepherd who will NOT leave me when things get rough or scary. He lays down His life for me (and us) because He wants to! He freely gives us His life. No one can take it from Him. I could talk about this verse on and on, but i really need to get to class! let me know what you think! why do YOU love this verse!

have a great and blessed day!

well hello!

ok, i am so sorry that it has been two weeks since my last post. i certainly have had time to post, but there have been a lot of things that i've needed to take some time and work them through with God, who is super faithful and awesome by the way!

i just want to make a quick shout out and say that tonight was awesome! i led Bible Study ALONE tonight! my goodness, i was so super nervous but God knows how to use me and i am just in a really good mood right now. all of the girls are just so awesome and amazing and i feel so blessed to have been put in this hall (Burroughs, might i add) to serve Him! there is this one girl who is just so full of love for the Lord and i love it! it makes me so happy and i really cannot wait to see what awesome things God has in store for this Bible Study!

fall getaway is next week! i am so excited for it! there are going to be so many awesome Christians worshipping the Lord and having super awesome fellowship! God is just sooo good! the blog post for fall getaway will DEFINITELY be a long one! but, all for a good reason, i will have LOTS to say!

yesterday i graduated from my hunter safety course so now i can go hunting with my boyfriend and then actually get to eat some meat, which actually isn't something that i am super excited about, being a vegetarian is actually really nice! i feel so healthy and good inside! i really love it! but i will be able to eat the meat that i hunt because it will not be sent to a mass factory and hunting for your food is sustainable! yesterday evening, my grandma cooked up some trout and bluegill that my grandpa's brother caught, so it was nice to eat a little bit of fresh fish. but once again, being a vegetarian is fun!

ok, so this week is stressful. but, God is so good that He is going to get me through it! i came to that realization today (which is also why i am in a super good mood). everything that i am worried about now doesn't matter in eternity, it has no measure in eternity. so i am going to just take each day, one at a time, the way God would want it.

one of the women in my Bible Study wrote down on the prayer request sheet that the stress and busyness of school work would not take away from her time with the Lord. how important is that for us ALL to remember and pray about! college is just a step in our journey (the Lord willing) and God is giving us the opportunity to even go to college, so it is SO important to give thanks to Him and be spending time with Him! this is so important to remember, myself included.

so, with all of this said, have a great night!

mondays are not so bad after all

Well, despite today being extremely busy, it was a great day! You know those days where you wake up and just know that it is going to be a good day? I woke up with my alarm (no snooze necessary) and the sun was shining so beautifully through my dorm window!

Even though my Mondays are my 2nd longest day, it was still so glorious! God is just so good! Classes went by fast and I had a really good 4-mile run! The best part of the day was Bible Study for sure! My resident hall has been so blessed with a lot of girls who are so passionate about our Lord and they are so awesome! A few of the girls where so vulnerable tonight and it was so inspiring to see how God works through each of these women.

I have been feeling called to be a possible disciple to one of the women in my Bible Study so I'm sure next week I will be meeting up with her to find out if things will all work out!

I am in such a good mood! I love when the Lord gives me moods like this, it really makes me realize that there is so much to look forward to (ie FINALLY getting to meet Jesus) than all of the stresses of school. Having moods like this really gives me energy throughout the entire week and I really can't wait to see how God is going to work through me and others around me this week!

Things to pray about:
-That the women in my Bible Study will continue to be vulnerable and open with each other so we can bond and have fellowship as sisters in Christ
-My grandpa's health is failing and he could really use some prayers, mostly for God's will to be done and if God is calling him home, that my heart be prepared for the sadness
-School, that I don't get swept away with all of the work but can keep my eyes focused on Him!

Thanks everyone and God bless!
(:

Sustainable Agriculture

Lets talk about being sustainable. What does it mean? What can I do? As my journey begins, I need to find out the answers to these questions myself. It's one thing to say that I am a sustainable eater, but I need to be ready to answer any questions that are thrown at me as to why (and also when they ask what it is) I have become a "sustainable eater".

One of the main things that I want to make sure about my food is that it was sustainably grown--that it caused no harm to the environment. Sustainable agriculture has become a huge topic especially in today's society. What makes agriculture sustainable?

• Conservation and Preservation--basically, what ever was taken out of the earth is put back in so that land resources, such as water and soil, will be there for future generations. Also, what ever waste the farmer generated stays within the farmer's ecosystem (his or her property) and does not cause spillage and/or waste build up
• Biodiversity--this is HUGE! Sustainable agriculture really focuses on raising a variety of different plants and animals. This prevents from disease and pest outbreaks since the farmers are not raising a mono-crop. Pesticides and other chemicals are used minimally and only when needed. Most sustainable farms do not use any pesticides or chemicals
• Animal Welfare--animals are treated humanely and are well cared for. They are allowed to carry out their natural behaviors, such as grazing, rooting, and pecking and are also fed a natural diet based on their nutritional needs
• Economically viable--farmers are paid fairly and they do not depend on subsides from the government. They also support local and rural communities
• Socially just--workers are treated fairly and work in a safe and friendly environment. Wages and benefits are competitive

These are just some of the basics to what sustainable agriculture is. There are many products out there that are labeled sustainable, but there are no set regulations for this. For example, chicken may be labeled "cage free" and they are raised cage free, but could still be overcrowded in an indoor barn which is still inhuman.

Sustainable living isn't a law but a way of life.

I hope that this information was helpful and interesting. Maybe you could challenge yourself to see what types of sustainable labels there are and check some of the products out! All of the information that I presented today was taken from the website Sustainable Table--check it out! http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php

some artwork.

I've decided to post some of my artwork on for your enjoyment! Sorry about the quality of the pictures, they were taken with my computers webcame! Drawing is a hobby of mine and I especially love to draw wildlife (birds seem to be the focus here though). Thanks for viewing! (:

a new face.

So, it's been over a month since I have been back from summer project. The transition was the strangest thing ever, but now, I seem to be back in the routine of things. College is off to full start and my homework load is incredible! I REALLY need to make sure that I can keep my relationship with Jesus as strong as it was during project.

What's with the title, you wonder? Well, I have decided to use this blog not only for sharing Bible Studies, thoughts, and awesome things about God, but to share my new journey--becoming a sustainable eater.

At this point, I have just been eating as though I am a vegetarian, which has been great and I feel really healthy and awesome! Currently, I am still researching exactly how to become a sustainable eater, but all I know is that I want to be as "green" as I can in order to make this awesome environment that God created healthier and in better shape!

Caring for the environment and God's creation is a HUGE passion of mine (which is why I am now a natural resource major--emphasis wildlife biology-- instead of pre-veterinarian). God's awesome hands made EVERYTHING in this earth and I am not going to let His creation fall apart. I am very, very excited about where God is leading me and I want to share with you what He is leading me to do and all of the things He is teaching. So, pretty much, this "new face" of my blog is still the same as the old one, but now it is focused on what God is teaching me about the environment and how He wants me to help!

I sincerely hope to be a lot more active on my blog from here on out, but with college work loads hitting me hard every week, I will try my best! Until next time,

God Bless!

Finally

Ok, so now that I have actually sat down and set a time to update everyone, I am finally going to share what God has been doing in my life for the past month. I'll just start with the big things that have really been awesome.





June 27--my birthday:





What a blessed day this was! Having a summer birthday was usually a disappointment because I never got to have a party in school and a lot of people were on vacation so I couldn't really have an awesome party. But now, I am so thankful for a summer birthday because God really blessed me and gave me such a wonderful celebration. This year, it was on a Sunday and as I was leaving to go to Sunday school, a bunch of people sang "happy birthday" to me as I left my apartment. When I got to church my bible study girls had bought me balloons and a cookie sandwich along with a tiara that I was to wear all day! I went out to lunch with 3 of my close friends at IHOP and had a wonderful time there. The rest of the day I relaxed at the beach and then in the evening, I was treated to an awesome Italian restaurant by my discipler, Lo. My impact group went to dinner also and they all went around and said something that they enjoyed about me--I've never heard so many wonderful compliments and felt so loved and honored in my life! God really blessed my birthday and it was the best birthday that I have ever had!





That week:





was the last week that staff was here. It was definitely really sad to see Lo (my discipler) leave because her and I were able to get so close and become really good friends! I had shared parts of my life with her that were hidden from a lot of people and she really taught me how to be a women of grace and of God. Students stepped up and became leaders and now project is running so well! The leadership from fellow students and myself has really allowed me to grow and there are so many things that I am super excited to bring back to campus with me in the fall! God has really given all of the students amazing talents and strengths and project has really took off.





The 4th of July:





We had our first Sunday afternoon outreach and it was super successful! I had many awesome conversations and shared the Gospel with a couple of people! Overall, the students had a really successful day of outreach because the beach was packed with so many people who really needed to hear God's truth and hear what He has done for us. That night was really fun! We went down to the beach to watch fireworks! There were so many fireworks everywhere on the beach and you could see fireworks going off for miles down the shore! It was definitely a sight to see and the fellowship was really awesome! I definitely missed having a campfire, but overall, this was an awesome 4th!

Current:

God has been doing so many wonderful things in my heart. He is really breaking my heart for lost people who don't know the Gospel and really need His truth. Yesterday, I talked to 9 people about Jesus! For me, that's a good start! I definitely want to continue to reach as many people as possible, besides on outreach days, before the end of project. I also want to really start an outreach team back on campus and reach many of the lost college student. I am so excited to see the plans that God has for me back on campus and I am really praying for a revival on campus. I am hoping that I can get others to follow and have a heart for revival as well!

God has also been really teaching me about how much I need to rely on His word. I have been spending a lot of time reading His word and taking it to heart. I am really hoping that I can continue to put my heart in His word even after project when I will be away from the "Christian atmosphere". God has really been using His word to teach my a lot of things and I am so thankful for His word and the wisdom that He has allowed me to have through His word.

Prayer continues to be something which I need to work on a lot more! But God is really breaking my heart of prayer and really teaching me the importance of it. Prayer really allows for a lot of things to be done and it is an awesome way to be with God. I hope that God will continue to break my heart for prayer and the importance of it!

Well, I'm once again sorry that this took so long and I promise that I will update this a lot more regularly! Thank you for reading and continued prayers that God would really change my heart and my life to Him! God bless!

Sorry!

Ok, so it's been over a month since I last went on my blog and updated you all on everything that has been happening to me. This entry is more of an apology than an update. I am planning on writing a full entry including everything that has happened over the course of the past month. It's going to be quite an entry and I have to go somewhere shortly, therefore I am not able to update you at this time. Thank you all for being patient with me and I am super super sorry that I haven't updated you in so long! But trust me, it's coming tomorrow!

I am really excited though, for this coming week because my boyfriend and his family is coming down! And, that there are only four more weeks left and then school starts soon! Also, I'm really looking forward to outreach/sharing today and I know that today will be a great day! God has been doing so many awesome and unbelievable things in my heart and I can't wait to bring all of these things back with me to my family, friends, and my campus back at Stevens Point. So, until tomorrow, adios!

update!

So, it's been a while since I last made a post. But all for a good reason--I've been working full time and then spending my evenings doing a variety of events, sharing my faith, and building sweet relationships with some super awesome girls! Work has been crazy busy and super tiring! For the past three days I have been working on register, which is fine and all, but I've been really wanting to do other things and work to get a feel for what goes on at McDonald's. Today, I was finally able to be a runner. A runner is someone who brings food from the "Hot Loading Zone" (haha, i know, right?) to the people who ordered it. It's really tiring, but my feet hurt less because I am not standing in one spot the entire day and I get to burn a few extra calories! (:

This week's theme is "Killing the Giants". These "Giants" are things that get in the way of sharing; things that we may be scared of, worried about, don't think we can do, ect. One of my giants is sharing to people during house parties. Since North Myrtle Beach is a huge party area, we are surrounded by people, mostly high school graduates, who party like this is their last day to live. I've been super scared of this because I have never been to a party with alcohol and I have never witnessed face-to-face young adults binge drink and choose to make poor decisions. It is really heart breaking to see all of these lost students who put their fulfillment in alcohol and other associated behavior. I haven't actually "killed" this giant yet, and I am definitely praying that God will give me strength to, but I do have all summer. Also, I've been praying for these students who are just so far away from the awesome Truth of God!

Tonight, is "date night with Jesus" and after working all day today, I could really use some alone time with Jesus and really reflect on all of the awesome things He has been doing in my life! There has been so much that has been going on and I really need to take time and sort it out with the help of God and really rely on Him!

So, with that said, I hope y'all (yeah, that's right, a southern accent) have a great evening and have enjoyed reading my update!

Identity in Christ

So, during one of the orientation mornings, we were taught about our identity in Christ. The person speaking used the "4 C's of the adoption process" to describe God's adoption process with us. Enjoy!

The primary verse that we focused on was Galatians 4:4-7

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba,' Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."

What we learn from these three verses is that:

• we have full right as sons (and daughters)
• we are heirs
• we are no longer slaves

This verse clearly explains our identity in Christ--it is that we are His sons who are no longer slaves and are heirs to His throne. This is really awesome! But, despite how awesome this is, we don't always live up to our identities. Here's why:

• we've been wounded and hurt in the past
• we search for worth in wordly things (ie. money, clothing, the latest stuff)
• or maybe we feel like we can't be forgiven

Here's where the "4 C's" come into play.

1. Choice (Ephesians 1:4)

• God chose us
• He made an adoption plan for us before time

2. Cost (Ephesians 1:7-8)

• the ultimate cost was paid to adopt us--Jesus at the cross

3. Condition (Ephesians 2:1-4)

• God know our true condition
• we were once dead
• BUT because of God's great love for us, we've been made alive through Christ

4. Completion (Ephesians 1:13-14)

• by accepting the Gospel we have competed the adoption process
• we are now guaranteed to be children of God

I love how simple it is to be children of God. There is no messy, lengthy paper work that needs to be filled out, no background checks, no hidden fees. Just by accepting the Gospel, we can be children of God. It's that easy.

What the Gospel allows us to do!

Ok, sorry it's been so long, but Summer Project is just super busy and I hardly have any free time. We have been really immersed in the Bible and I have spent so much time with God in His Word and through prayer. I am learning so many new and exciting things but I am also re-learning a lot of things that are really helping me with my walk this summer!

So, for a Summer Project update:

The project itself has officially started; we are past the training week and into the normal schedule. I have gone sharing on the beach twice so far and the very first night, with the help and guidance of God, me and two other girls shared the gospel with two young girls and they accepted Christ! It was so awesome and we should celebrate the new sisters we have in Christ! Yesterday, me and my discipler went sharing and we were able to talk about the Gospel with one girl who said she already believed in Christ but isn't living for Him. We are going sharing as a group again tomorrow night, so prayers for that!

I also got a job! I am working at McDonald's (don't laugh) this summer full time! The mission of this project is to bring Christ to the work place and I am super excited to show Christ's love to all of my co-workers and customers! I start tomorrow at 9:00am, at least my training part. I will not find out my schedule until after tomorrow, I'm sure. But what's really awesome is that if we want to have 40 or more hours a week, we can get it! I will probably try to work 40 hours, but maybe a few more hours if they really need the help. I am just super thankful to have gotten this job and the very first day of job searching! There are so many people who have started work today and who have jobs, but there are still a few people who are really searching, so I've been praying for them and I hope that they will have jobs by Wednesday!

I've been making so many friends and I am really starting to get close to my apartment roommates and my Bible study ladies! Also, there is another girl, named Rachel, who I have been really getting to know and I am just so blessed that God has allowed me to connect with all of these wonderful Christian ladies!

So, last Friday night, we had women's time and we really learned some awesome things! We learned three main points of what the Gospel allows us to do. So, I am going to post just some of the notes I took for you all to read! Enjoy!

The Gospel:

1. Proclaims us to die to self (Phil. 2:3-8)

• we are called to to others' center
• we need to be selfless
• we need to have an interest in others
• we should have the same attitude towards others as Jesus did

2. Proclaims for us to be clean (Romans 6:5-11)

• we have died with Christ
• death has happened once--no more yearly sacrifices
• sin has lost all of its power over us (AMEN!)

3. Proclaims we're valuable (Ephesians 1:3-8)

• God chose us (how awesome is that!?)
• we've been blessed spiritually
• He bought our freedom
• all of this made Him happy

I really love the last point. For me, I struggle with feeling accepted and my body image. But this verse really helps me to remember that God loves me for me and He doesn't care how I look because He CHOSE me, even when I was ugly with sin. I often compare myself with other women--I usually think, "they're so much prettier, or they're so much skinnier, etc." but God doesn't like that. He calls us to compare ourselves with Jesus. God created everyone so uniquely, that it is impossible to compare ourselves with each other, and I really need to remember that! Instead of finding our value in others, clothing, looks, etc., we need to, as women, find our value in Christ. I just LOVE this verse and I am so happy that He did chose me and I am entirely grateful!

So the journey begins!

Well, here I am. I am finally in North Myrtle Beach! After a very long 20 hour drive, I am finally checked in, unpacked, and sitting my in my super cute and cozy beach apartment that I am sharing with 5 other wonderful, beautiful girls! I am super excited to begin doing God's work starting tomorrow! I am also really thankful that I and the three girls that I rode down with made it here smoothly and safely, along with the many other students who are here!

Out of today, my favorite thing that I have done (besides finally getting here and out of the car) has been going down to the ocean (which is literally across the street from where I am) and stuck my feet in! I cannot wait to spend time on the beach and share my faith with people who really need to hear the Gospel! I just hope and pray that God will give me strength and the right words to speak!

So, since I am super tired, I am just going to do a brief outline of the study and scripture I did tonight--Enjoy!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

These verses really talk about wisdom from the Spirit, hence the italicized subtitle. I really liked the beginning few versus because it talks about how we are to speak of the wisdom of the Spirit and NOT of the wisdom of the world because we haven't been given the spirit of the world but the Spirit of God. I really liked this part and it really applies to me right now, obviously, because I am going to be sharing the Gospel to so many people and I really have to make sure that I am sharing the right Spirit. Through God's Spirit we have been given so many things and are able to know so many truths! But when we do not accept the wisdom and knowledge that God has given us, we are foolish and fall for all of the wrong things. But what is awesome is that we have the mind of Christ and the Spirit will help us to make the right decisions and make us wise in all that we do! I am so thankful for this because without the Spirit nudging me in the right directions, I would have made some pretty foolish mistakes! I think that I don't thank Him enough for the wisdom and guidance that He gives me!

I have to continue to ask for the Spirit's guidance throughout this entire summer so I can do everything that He wants me to do and I do it to honor Him!

Touched by God.

Ok. Today was my last Sunday in my home town's church for the rest of the summer and to celebrate my journey into missions this summer, they had everyone circle around me. People closest to me held my hands and placed their hands on my shoulders while everyone else surrounding them placed their hands on those people. Then, people led in prayer while others prayed silently to themselves. If there has ever been a moment when I have truly felt God standing right next to me, it was then. I am just so blessed to have such an amazing church family who supports me! It is super reassuring to know that I have an entire support team of prayer warriors who will continuously pray for me and my work in Him. God is so good!

AND! There is only one more full day before I depart on a 22 hour drive and then spend my entire summer serving Him and doing His work! What an awesome summer this is going to be!

Watch This!

Ok, I wanted to post this really awesome video that NEEDS to be watched. Everytime I see it and listen to the song, I am touched and I just want to fall to my knees. Not even kidding, everytime. So, watch this! Please!

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

So True. So Unbelievable. It's Awesome.

So, as I was reading in 1 Corinthians today, I was reading into the section of scripture entitled, "Christ the Wisdom and Power of God". Here are the versus that really stood out to me and really made me think:

1 Corinthians 1:25

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."

Wow. This just really proves how wonderful and strong God is. No matter how smart and wise we think we are, God's foolishness is still wiser than us. And no matter how strong we become, God's weakness is still stronger. I can't even wrap my finger around this! This is just too awesome! It is so nice to see this and remember that we can't do anything on our own and we really need to rely on God's strength. So many times I have tried to do things on my own and have become so frustrated and I ultimately fall short of what I was trying to do. But as soon as I give whatever it is I am trying to do on my own to God, I can get it done because He gives me strength! This is just so awesome!

The last two versus were just as awesome!

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'"

Once again, how eye opening and convicting! Nothing that we have accomplished and succeeded in is because of our own efforts, but it is because of what God has given us and we are to give the credit to Him and NOT boast in ourselves. He has made us wise, He has given us success, and He deserves everything!

So far, I am loving 1 Corinthians and it is really opening up my eyes and reminding me of things that I have forgotten. It is just so refreshing to know that I do not have to deal with anything on my own and know that God will always be there to back me up! So, thanks God, for making me strong and giving me all of Your strength! You're so awesome!

Bible Study--1 Corinthians: 4-9

Today, I started reading 1 Corinthians and I wanted to share with everyone what I have read and learned today. This is my first Bible study entry so I hope you all enjoy. Oh, and P.S.--there are only four more days until I depart of North Myrtle Beach! I'm so excited yet nervous at the same time. I just cannot wait to see how God is going to use me this summer!

1 Corinthians: 4-9

"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

Wow. There are so many things in this verse that stand out to me and call to me. The first thing that stood out to me was this: for in him you have been enriched in every way. God hasn't just given certain people abilities in some areas of their life and nothing to others or He hasn't only allowed us to be good at one thing, but He has enriched us in every way possible. Isn't that awesome? Everything that we can do has been given to us by God and He has made all of those things good. It is only when we start to compare ourselves to others that we feel as though we don't have any abilities or that certain people are better than us at it. Everything that we do is good in God's eyes because He gave them [the spiritual gifts] to us. God enriched everyone equally. God enriched everything we do, so why is it that we continuously only pick certain abilities to focus on? Further into the scripture, we are told, therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord. God has given us all of our abilities in order to honor Him, but when we withhold any, and all of our efforts are poured into one gift, we are denying God our full potential to honor and please Him. God wouldn't have given us everything we can do if He meant for us to only pick and choose one or just a few.

Maybe we do this because we are afraid that we will not have the strength to do everything we are able to. But here's the thing, God will keep us strong to the end. He will be there, holding us and He will never let us fall. When we rely on ourselves to accomplish all of these things, of course we will fall and struggle because we cannot do it alone. We have to call on God and He will provide for us and help us along the way. God is faithful. He has called us to do so many great things and He will always be there for us. Always.

The overall message I want to bring forth from this text is to be thankful for all of the gifts and abilities you have been given. God has blessed each and every one of us, equally too, so that we can use these gifts to honor Him and do His will. We cannot look through the eyes of the world at everyone else's gift and start comparing ourselves to them because then we will become lost and we will fall short of what God has called us to do and has given us. Instead, be thankful for these gifts and know that God gave them to you and you alone. Remember, too, to call on God because He is very faithful to use, even though we are not so faithful to Him.

Dear God,

We cannot thank You enough for everything that You have given us. We may not realize at this point that you have blessed us in so many ways and that each of us has been enriched with all kinds of unique abilities to honor You. Help us open our eyes to see what You have given us and allow us to humble ourselves to You with these gifts. Also, Lord, please help us to remember that You are faithful and that You will never let us fall. It is so easy to try and do things on our own, but then we fall so fast and struggle so much. Let us first call on You so we can do everything You called us to do. Thank You, Father, for never giving up on us. Thank You, for everything You do. In Your Son's precious and holy name, amen.

All Things Are Possible....!

Yes indeed they are! God is just soooo amazing and I can't even describe how much I am loving Him right now! When you ask God for strength and guidance, He will always provide and today, He certainly has. The sun is shinning, my eight-page paper is finished, and I am smiling! I just want to tell the world that I am in LOVE with Jesus and God and I am super excited to be living for Him and doing His will this summer on summer project! In nine days I will be in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina sharing God's awesome and true Word! I want this summer to be all for God and I want Him to use me in anyway possible! I am so ready to be broken and then made completely whole because of His deep love for me!

So, my intentions of this blog are as follows:

• share my thoughts on life, God, and Jesus
• for the summer, share what God is doing in my life and how I am fulfilling His will
• post Bible Studies and Journal entries to help guide my friends and family and possibly even inspire them to keep their faith strong

I want this blog to be as God honoring as possible and I hope that you enjoy! God Bless and know...

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26