Jesus is using me do to amazing things within my friend groups. I don't feel vain for saying that because, it's NOT me, but Jesus in me! I apologize for my sketchiness, however you just need to trust me that when I say God is moving mountains here at MC, it's happening. Slowly but surely. The wall of 'things to talk about' is coming down, and more and more topics are being addressed within my circles and extending outside my circles. I so badly wish to share with any girl willing to listen. However-with that. Satan's attacks are becoming more and more real. They are becoming stronger and stronger, and I am becoming weaker and weaker, but HE is becoming more and more prevalent in me. To LIVE out freedom; to do what I know God has called me to do right now. Not to be overseas, but to be here in Clinton; to expose sin, to show light, and to penetrate the wall of bondage and grasp freedom.
My 21st birthday is in 2 days and I can say I have been praying consistently about how to act in a way glorifying to God. The fact that it is my 21st birthday doesn't mean that sinning gets to temporarily be put on hold! By no means! I pray that as I am having alcohol for the first time in America, that I can point to God, talk about how AWESOME He is, and have fun doing so in a Christ-like manner. I pray that my friends and family will see that despite my fleshly desires of wanting to consume alcohol for the experience until I can't remember (just being real here y'all...), that God will consume me more so, and that He will give me strength and words to stop. I know He can do all things, and I can hardly wait to see Him use me in this manner.
Sunday I get the privilege of skydiving, to go up 14,500 feet, jump out of a plane, free fall for 65 seconds, and have the once in a life time chance to scream at how HUGE God is, while seeing more of the Earth at one time not in a plane than ever before in my life. Jesus-I want to see YOU in the skies."The heavens declare the glory of the Lord and the skies proclaim His handiwork." -Psalm 19:1 I can hardly wait to see the new way I will see that verse. To know what it feels like to free fall for a whole minute, and know that God is still holding me in His hand; despite my sense of stability. To see more info on skydiving- go here!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
My summer plans:
Drum-roll please:
The town of.....
GULFPORT, MS!!!!
Yes-you read it correctly. The place I lived from the time I was born til I came to MC. God is calling me for sure to spend my summer at home for a few reasons (in no particular order)
1) School. I need to take 4 or 5 core classes in the span of 3 months. Since I am at B.A., and don't need all the extra music classes, I don't have to stay at MC. So I can't go on a summer-long mission trip overseas, so school is first and foremost. I don't have the list of classes offered at USM on the coast, but I have a feeling the ones I need will be available to me.
2) Family. This is one of the last times I will live with my dad for more than a week or two before moving overseas. The next time I will be at home is the few months preceding my departure. So, I knew before I continue on with life-it needs to stop and I need to foster some relationships with key people in my life. To spend more than a day or two a month with them. Including but not will not be limited to: my dad, my mom, my nephew's, my sister.
3) Church. My youth minister is now heading up the children's, youth, and college ministry's, and that is simply too much to do for a summer; summer's are crazy in church world. So-I want to help him out with them all-focusing on children, but probably still doing youth. I want to serve my church because I feel that I can lead with Jesus; that He will help me guide the next generation. I love my church family, and can't wait to have solid teaching for 3 months to bite into God's word weekly.
4) Job. I want to make money to go towards my future trips overseas. Living at home will mean everything will be paid for except when I want to go out with the few friends that I have at home. So the money I will make at my job- 90% of it will get to be saved, which is what I need at this time of life.
5) Peace. I have never felt so OK and even excited with the thought of going home for this long of a span. Usually-I try to find things to do with my breaks that involve my time at home diminishing; to get to experience life in as many different places as possible. But no, Jesus is calling me and assuring me that home is where the heart is, and my heart needs to have 'home' set in Gulfport, MS before I go anywhere else and calling it 'home'. "Such a time is this."
6) Discipleship. I was discipled for 3 years and it is something I don't actively have at school. I miss it terribly and crave learning from someone older than me. And this summer I will get to have it consistently. So I am anxious and eager to study about Jesus with her. The last time we did I was 18; now I will be 21 and have grown leaps and bounds; she has a beautiful daughter and is down the street from me, so I can't fathom what it'll look like but anticipate it blowing our minds!
There are my reasons. I can hardly believe I am typing this, but Jesus sure can lead you where ever He wants, and apparently He wants me home for His kingdom; let's do this!
The town of.....
Yes-you read it correctly. The place I lived from the time I was born til I came to MC. God is calling me for sure to spend my summer at home for a few reasons (in no particular order)
1) School. I need to take 4 or 5 core classes in the span of 3 months. Since I am at B.A., and don't need all the extra music classes, I don't have to stay at MC. So I can't go on a summer-long mission trip overseas, so school is first and foremost. I don't have the list of classes offered at USM on the coast, but I have a feeling the ones I need will be available to me.
2) Family. This is one of the last times I will live with my dad for more than a week or two before moving overseas. The next time I will be at home is the few months preceding my departure. So, I knew before I continue on with life-it needs to stop and I need to foster some relationships with key people in my life. To spend more than a day or two a month with them. Including but not will not be limited to: my dad, my mom, my nephew's, my sister.
3) Church. My youth minister is now heading up the children's, youth, and college ministry's, and that is simply too much to do for a summer; summer's are crazy in church world. So-I want to help him out with them all-focusing on children, but probably still doing youth. I want to serve my church because I feel that I can lead with Jesus; that He will help me guide the next generation. I love my church family, and can't wait to have solid teaching for 3 months to bite into God's word weekly.
4) Job. I want to make money to go towards my future trips overseas. Living at home will mean everything will be paid for except when I want to go out with the few friends that I have at home. So the money I will make at my job- 90% of it will get to be saved, which is what I need at this time of life.
5) Peace. I have never felt so OK and even excited with the thought of going home for this long of a span. Usually-I try to find things to do with my breaks that involve my time at home diminishing; to get to experience life in as many different places as possible. But no, Jesus is calling me and assuring me that home is where the heart is, and my heart needs to have 'home' set in Gulfport, MS before I go anywhere else and calling it 'home'. "Such a time is this."
6) Discipleship. I was discipled for 3 years and it is something I don't actively have at school. I miss it terribly and crave learning from someone older than me. And this summer I will get to have it consistently. So I am anxious and eager to study about Jesus with her. The last time we did I was 18; now I will be 21 and have grown leaps and bounds; she has a beautiful daughter and is down the street from me, so I can't fathom what it'll look like but anticipate it blowing our minds!
There are my reasons. I can hardly believe I am typing this, but Jesus sure can lead you where ever He wants, and apparently He wants me home for His kingdom; let's do this!
Friday, February 15, 2013
mardi gras, mommy's, and music-oh my!
Yesterday was such a crazy day I could hardly wait to share it!
I was in Cross-Cultural class while my friend from G-port, Meredith-who has 2 kids that I babysat in G-port. She called me and I texted her back and asked if she needed a babysitter. She said yes, however Kaleigh was sick at school with a 101 fever and her nor Peter could leave work, so, knowing her slim chances called me. Well-Thursday's are my easy day-so I reluctantly left class and drove to Madison, got Kaleigh, and make our way to Kroger. Picked out anything she wanted, and went home. Hung out, watched movies, ate lunch, and Meredith called and asked me to take her to the doctor. So-off Kaleigh and I went. She was complaining about her ears and head. The doctor sits her down-opens her mouth, and said she has strep. So they test her, and yes-she did indeed. So-we sadly give Kaleigh a shot as she flipped out, and back to the house we went to watch more movies and eat popcorn and marshmallows until mommy came home. What. A. Day.
So-that was how I spent my Valentine's day. Doing what I love most. Being a mom in a home. I can hardly wait for the day I have my own little home overseas, and Lord willing have kids, oh yea, and a husband. I so badly desire that for my life. However-Jesus might have bigger plans. I don't know if I am destined to get married and what not, sometimes I feel I missed that train of life. But-who knows, I'm glad Jesus does!
I also went to Mardi Gras last weekend. It. Was. Awesome. It is so much more than a drunkard party (though we watched it happen). It was a great weekend of bonding with Michelle, Andrew, Maleesa, and I with my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin. I am so glad I was raised with this holiday and no matter where I am-I will indeed celebrate! It's definitely my favorite!
Lastly, this crazy piece that has defined my life is coming to an end-rapidly. I have 6 measures left to learn, and hopefully it will happen this week. It is 5 pages, which is the longest I have done, and it is a piece apparently piano performance major's are playing in college-FYI I have played piano a year and a half. So-needless to say it has kicked my butt! However-it has been incredible to watch myself grow with it over the past few months. When I finish it I plan to post a video of me playing it.
I was in Cross-Cultural class while my friend from G-port, Meredith-who has 2 kids that I babysat in G-port. She called me and I texted her back and asked if she needed a babysitter. She said yes, however Kaleigh was sick at school with a 101 fever and her nor Peter could leave work, so, knowing her slim chances called me. Well-Thursday's are my easy day-so I reluctantly left class and drove to Madison, got Kaleigh, and make our way to Kroger. Picked out anything she wanted, and went home. Hung out, watched movies, ate lunch, and Meredith called and asked me to take her to the doctor. So-off Kaleigh and I went. She was complaining about her ears and head. The doctor sits her down-opens her mouth, and said she has strep. So they test her, and yes-she did indeed. So-we sadly give Kaleigh a shot as she flipped out, and back to the house we went to watch more movies and eat popcorn and marshmallows until mommy came home. What. A. Day.
 |
| a 4-year old's logic of picking out a day's snackage |
I also went to Mardi Gras last weekend. It. Was. Awesome. It is so much more than a drunkard party (though we watched it happen). It was a great weekend of bonding with Michelle, Andrew, Maleesa, and I with my Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin. I am so glad I was raised with this holiday and no matter where I am-I will indeed celebrate! It's definitely my favorite!
 |
| so we had a party on the street- "what happens at Mardi Gras-stays at Mardi Gras." |
 |
| the group of us-photo credit to my uncle! |
 |
| my little got tired on the way to another parade! |
Lastly, this crazy piece that has defined my life is coming to an end-rapidly. I have 6 measures left to learn, and hopefully it will happen this week. It is 5 pages, which is the longest I have done, and it is a piece apparently piano performance major's are playing in college-FYI I have played piano a year and a half. So-needless to say it has kicked my butt! However-it has been incredible to watch myself grow with it over the past few months. When I finish it I plan to post a video of me playing it.
 |
| Cups coffee to accompany a great piece of music. |
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
having His strength, eyes, and Ἐλευθερία!
Well. Last weekend I went home because it was dad's birthday. I first went for a run on the beach. After running until I wanted to hit the ground, then walking, and going b/w those for what I didn't know was 2 miles UPWIND. I decided to turn around and go down wind-making everything easier. So I ran the WHOLE 2 miles back to my car and just praised the Lord the entire time. For giving my body the ability to do this, to let me grown physically in my endurance. It was beautiful.
Oh. yes. we got a dog.
Going to my hometown where I have the ability to run as far as my heart desires on-looking the basis of my tattoo, 'risk the ocean', and being within minutes of my few life-long friends left in Gulfport is starting to become a special place in my heart. When I view life outside of my MC bubble, it has lately been filled with excitement and positive change, and happy emotions. And I honestly forgot about the sacrifice involved with going overseas to teach or whatever. So I slightly prayed for God to help me have His eyes on it all. Oh it happened-fast. I have found myself overcome with too many emotions. Crying over the fact that my family won't be within driving distance. And that they honestly don't get it. I don't expect them to; Jesus can do that in His timing. So-with all of these realistic thoughts in my head as I am driving back to school....
The weather is PERFECT. Blue sky, 70 degrees, sunny sky, windows down, Passion 2012 CD, just me and Jesus. And my heart suddenly yearned for such a grey sky, the need to NOT roll down the window, the feeling of momentarily dying when riding in a car; this is what I know I will have daily in a few years. It was probably one of the weirdest yearnings my heart has had in a while-thanks Jesus. That though I am only beginning to have real eyes on my calling, it is not lessening. But either way it was such beauty to see; that I know my heart will long for overseas. So while I am here and have unlimited access-I will enjoy it!
Ἐλευθερία-freedom.
The New Testament uses the Greek word eleutheria (noun) for freedom from sin, from the law, and from death.
ἐλευθερία, n \{el-yoo-ther-ee'-ah}
1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation 2) fancied liberty 2a) license, the liberty to do as one pleases 3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please
As you know last summer I learned about freedom, and last semester I continued to grow in it and am this semester. I feel it is something that Jesus has helped me understand I just want everyone to know that I have freedom, and I am ok with sharing my freedom, and would love to help anyone grasp theirs. However-satan is powerful and can convince you and I that anything is not possible. That you didn't learn something. So. I am SUCH a visual person that I want to display for myself that I have freedom, so every time I look down I will see eleutheria and remember this summer and what Jesus taught me at C!C and continued and will continue in me.
Based off 2 Cor. 3:17- This is a great song all about this verse.. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! PRAISE HIM FOR THIS! However 'the' song that I will relate this tattoo is this song. It's by Shane and Shane-called Liberty. Though I am not directly getting anything from the song like I did last time; I will continue to relate freedom and liberty and my tattoo to the verse above and that song.
Oh. yes. we got a dog.
 |
| Jonathan, Jake, Dad, and Maybe-the dog. Oh Gulfport. |
Going to my hometown where I have the ability to run as far as my heart desires on-looking the basis of my tattoo, 'risk the ocean', and being within minutes of my few life-long friends left in Gulfport is starting to become a special place in my heart. When I view life outside of my MC bubble, it has lately been filled with excitement and positive change, and happy emotions. And I honestly forgot about the sacrifice involved with going overseas to teach or whatever. So I slightly prayed for God to help me have His eyes on it all. Oh it happened-fast. I have found myself overcome with too many emotions. Crying over the fact that my family won't be within driving distance. And that they honestly don't get it. I don't expect them to; Jesus can do that in His timing. So-with all of these realistic thoughts in my head as I am driving back to school....
The weather is PERFECT. Blue sky, 70 degrees, sunny sky, windows down, Passion 2012 CD, just me and Jesus. And my heart suddenly yearned for such a grey sky, the need to NOT roll down the window, the feeling of momentarily dying when riding in a car; this is what I know I will have daily in a few years. It was probably one of the weirdest yearnings my heart has had in a while-thanks Jesus. That though I am only beginning to have real eyes on my calling, it is not lessening. But either way it was such beauty to see; that I know my heart will long for overseas. So while I am here and have unlimited access-I will enjoy it!
Ἐλευθερία-freedom.
The New Testament uses the Greek word eleutheria (noun) for freedom from sin, from the law, and from death.
ἐλευθερία, n \{el-yoo-ther-ee'-ah}
1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation 2) fancied liberty 2a) license, the liberty to do as one pleases 3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please
As you know last summer I learned about freedom, and last semester I continued to grow in it and am this semester. I feel it is something that Jesus has helped me understand I just want everyone to know that I have freedom, and I am ok with sharing my freedom, and would love to help anyone grasp theirs. However-satan is powerful and can convince you and I that anything is not possible. That you didn't learn something. So. I am SUCH a visual person that I want to display for myself that I have freedom, so every time I look down I will see eleutheria and remember this summer and what Jesus taught me at C!C and continued and will continue in me.
Based off 2 Cor. 3:17- This is a great song all about this verse.. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! PRAISE HIM FOR THIS! However 'the' song that I will relate this tattoo is this song. It's by Shane and Shane-called Liberty. Though I am not directly getting anything from the song like I did last time; I will continue to relate freedom and liberty and my tattoo to the verse above and that song.
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