I visited church with my friend Brandi today, and her minister said a few things that really spoke to me. So much so that I immediately scrambled for a pen so that I could jot them done and come back to them later...
"Real spirituality cannot be forced on the outside through rules and regulations. Real spirituality happens on the inside, and that inner change is made manifest on the outside."
This has been so true with me. People have only noticed such a change in me because of what God originated on the inside of me. What people see on the outside is actually an outflow of a new heart that is always being changed and shaped by God. It doesn't always change as fast as I'd like it to, and my self-will often slows down the process, but He is changing me none the less.
"Listening to the Word of God is good, but is not good enough. Reading the Word of God is good, but is still not good enough. It's only by obeying the Word of God that we change."
True again. I love God's Word and know the power that it has in my life when I feed my mind with it. I must confess though that I'm usually more worried about just reading it, and sometimes I miss the more important aspect of obedience. My thoughts automatically go to James 1:21-27. I want to be "doer," and not just a "hearer." That's only possible with God's strength.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Accidents Happen, Right?
Well, I'm sorry to say that I was in my first "real" car accident today. You know how it is, when it's rush hour, cars line up like there's no tomorrow, and sometimes you don't realize the one in front of you is totally stopped until you're a little close. That's what happened, and I really had enough time to stop, but it was cold and rainy...
As soon as I hit my brakes, I went sliding. I tried to swerve off the road into the entrance to a nearby condominium complex, but my wheel totally locked up, and I was heading straight for the car in front of me. I plowed into him going probably 35 mph. Thank goodness it didn't plummet him into the cars in front of him, and THANK GOODNESS the man I hit was very calm and very gracious. God knew I couldn't handle anything else.
What's even more disappointing is that just a little over a week ago, I finally had the repairs done to my front bumper that I'd been putting off. It had been needing it for more than six month, and I got to enjoy my new beautiful bumper and grill for a full 11 days. Ugh!!!
My neck hurts some, so I think I'm going to get it looked at tomorrow. Overall, I'm ok though. I'm so grateful.
The car didn't fare so well though, and I'm a little scared that there's been too much damage done. The thought of car shopping again totally overwhelms me. I guess I'll find out after I hear the estimate. This is the first car I've owned that I've really loved. My little black Vibe.
I know God will provide for my needs. Not always the exact way I'd hoped, but He always provides. All I have to do is trust Him. Trust and obey.
As soon as I hit my brakes, I went sliding. I tried to swerve off the road into the entrance to a nearby condominium complex, but my wheel totally locked up, and I was heading straight for the car in front of me. I plowed into him going probably 35 mph. Thank goodness it didn't plummet him into the cars in front of him, and THANK GOODNESS the man I hit was very calm and very gracious. God knew I couldn't handle anything else.
What's even more disappointing is that just a little over a week ago, I finally had the repairs done to my front bumper that I'd been putting off. It had been needing it for more than six month, and I got to enjoy my new beautiful bumper and grill for a full 11 days. Ugh!!!
My neck hurts some, so I think I'm going to get it looked at tomorrow. Overall, I'm ok though. I'm so grateful.
The car didn't fare so well though, and I'm a little scared that there's been too much damage done. The thought of car shopping again totally overwhelms me. I guess I'll find out after I hear the estimate. This is the first car I've owned that I've really loved. My little black Vibe.
I know God will provide for my needs. Not always the exact way I'd hoped, but He always provides. All I have to do is trust Him. Trust and obey.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
What's in a schedule, anyway?
So I've been away from cyberspace for awhile, so sorry. The truth is that I've been working my brains out with my new job...
I graduated in May from Purdue, a milestone I never thought was possible earlier in life, considering where I came from. It was almost surreal. Such a sense of accomplishment and God's blessing. My job search began shortly after, and I have to admit it was more painstaking than I ever thought it would be. I had 2 job offers and another really good prospect. I had no idea which way God wanted me to go, but after alot of prayer and heartache, I believe He lined everything up to take the opportunity for the job I'm currently working.
I love what I do. I absolutely love working with the developmentally disabled. There are so many blessings that come with something like that, a real sense that I'm actually helping someone's life be just a little bit better. That part of me is so glad to be back in the field working, especially back at the same company I was before. If my job just consisted of working with my clients, things would be alot different. Like, if I could just sit and talk to Bert about when he met his girlfriend and the things they have planned to do together this month even though they're older now, or talk to Chris about how he's so proud that he made macaroni and cheese for himself last week, or talk to Charles about who his favorite preacher is, or talk to Eric about how he loves to go horse-back riding. Those are my highlights.
I have to honest and say the rest of the job has utterly overwhelmed me. I've never been responsible for so much paperwork and so many administrative duties in my life. Whether it's true or in my mind, I feel like there's 60 hours of work that I'm trying to accomplish each week in 40 or 45, and I fail every time. I'm finally starting to believe that the illusion I have of being able to get everything done that I set out to do is just that, an illusion. I'm beginning to realize that my expectations are unrealistic, that there will always be something, and that it will still be there tomorrow when I come in.
I've had some slow but sure realizations lately. One of them is that work has been my priority. I've been allowing my work to totally consume me, even though that's not what I set out to do. It's what I think about all of the time, and it's what I let interfere with my personal life, or lack thereof. It's hard to have a social life when you're at the office until 8:00 pm some nights and you still have to hit the gym on the way home.
My relationships are also suffering, I've realized. I'm so scared sometimes to schedule things with people because I'm always thinking I may have to work on "work stuff" or catch up on personal stuff that's been on the back burner for so long due to "work stuff." I think I really thought that my life would be more laid back, more relaxed after I got out of school, but I'm finding that the real problem is my overcommitment issues and inability to balance. Why do I feel like I have to be busy all the time, anyway?
But God is dealing with my heart, because I really believe that it is a heart issue. Last night a few friends and I went to the Jeremy Camp concert in Bloomington, and Jeremy said something that really got my attention. He asked the audience how we were ever going to go deeper in our relationship with God if we didn't make ourselves available to Him. At first I thought he meant spiritually, because I can be guilty at times of holding on to stuff and not giving God full access to my heart, my dreams, and my hopes. But I think he meant in a literal sense too. When our schedules are so busy that we can't even seem to "pencil" God in on our planners, we don't make ourselves available to Him. I'm more than guilty of this too, often not getting enough sleep and rushing off in my day without taking the time to spend with Him. Or trying to go to Him when I return home from a terribly long day-I end up just giving Him what's left over, which is not much. As much as I hate to admit that, I think it means that my actions demonstrate how much I love Him, or should I say how much I have still to love Him. Sure, I try to serve and honor Him in my life, and I think when my heart is right that He's pleased with that. But my priorities are not where they should be, because He belongs at the top of the list.
I'm tired of living my life, running around like I'm in a rat race, not living in the fullness I know He desires for me. I desire that fullness too. I know enough in my walk with Jesus to know that I can't do anything apart from Him. Without realizing it, I just keep trying to do things on my own, but to no avail. I’m tired. I’ve worn myself out in all aspects of my life. I also know that the only good in me comes from Him, and my heart is deceitful and sinful without Him. Deep down in the depths of my heart, I truly want to serve God, to live in obedience to Him, and to surrender everything to Him. That's who I want to be, that's who He made me to be, that's what He desperately wants from and for me.
I graduated in May from Purdue, a milestone I never thought was possible earlier in life, considering where I came from. It was almost surreal. Such a sense of accomplishment and God's blessing. My job search began shortly after, and I have to admit it was more painstaking than I ever thought it would be. I had 2 job offers and another really good prospect. I had no idea which way God wanted me to go, but after alot of prayer and heartache, I believe He lined everything up to take the opportunity for the job I'm currently working.
I love what I do. I absolutely love working with the developmentally disabled. There are so many blessings that come with something like that, a real sense that I'm actually helping someone's life be just a little bit better. That part of me is so glad to be back in the field working, especially back at the same company I was before. If my job just consisted of working with my clients, things would be alot different. Like, if I could just sit and talk to Bert about when he met his girlfriend and the things they have planned to do together this month even though they're older now, or talk to Chris about how he's so proud that he made macaroni and cheese for himself last week, or talk to Charles about who his favorite preacher is, or talk to Eric about how he loves to go horse-back riding. Those are my highlights.
I have to honest and say the rest of the job has utterly overwhelmed me. I've never been responsible for so much paperwork and so many administrative duties in my life. Whether it's true or in my mind, I feel like there's 60 hours of work that I'm trying to accomplish each week in 40 or 45, and I fail every time. I'm finally starting to believe that the illusion I have of being able to get everything done that I set out to do is just that, an illusion. I'm beginning to realize that my expectations are unrealistic, that there will always be something, and that it will still be there tomorrow when I come in.
I've had some slow but sure realizations lately. One of them is that work has been my priority. I've been allowing my work to totally consume me, even though that's not what I set out to do. It's what I think about all of the time, and it's what I let interfere with my personal life, or lack thereof. It's hard to have a social life when you're at the office until 8:00 pm some nights and you still have to hit the gym on the way home.
My relationships are also suffering, I've realized. I'm so scared sometimes to schedule things with people because I'm always thinking I may have to work on "work stuff" or catch up on personal stuff that's been on the back burner for so long due to "work stuff." I think I really thought that my life would be more laid back, more relaxed after I got out of school, but I'm finding that the real problem is my overcommitment issues and inability to balance. Why do I feel like I have to be busy all the time, anyway?
But God is dealing with my heart, because I really believe that it is a heart issue. Last night a few friends and I went to the Jeremy Camp concert in Bloomington, and Jeremy said something that really got my attention. He asked the audience how we were ever going to go deeper in our relationship with God if we didn't make ourselves available to Him. At first I thought he meant spiritually, because I can be guilty at times of holding on to stuff and not giving God full access to my heart, my dreams, and my hopes. But I think he meant in a literal sense too. When our schedules are so busy that we can't even seem to "pencil" God in on our planners, we don't make ourselves available to Him. I'm more than guilty of this too, often not getting enough sleep and rushing off in my day without taking the time to spend with Him. Or trying to go to Him when I return home from a terribly long day-I end up just giving Him what's left over, which is not much. As much as I hate to admit that, I think it means that my actions demonstrate how much I love Him, or should I say how much I have still to love Him. Sure, I try to serve and honor Him in my life, and I think when my heart is right that He's pleased with that. But my priorities are not where they should be, because He belongs at the top of the list.
I'm tired of living my life, running around like I'm in a rat race, not living in the fullness I know He desires for me. I desire that fullness too. I know enough in my walk with Jesus to know that I can't do anything apart from Him. Without realizing it, I just keep trying to do things on my own, but to no avail. I’m tired. I’ve worn myself out in all aspects of my life. I also know that the only good in me comes from Him, and my heart is deceitful and sinful without Him. Deep down in the depths of my heart, I truly want to serve God, to live in obedience to Him, and to surrender everything to Him. That's who I want to be, that's who He made me to be, that's what He desperately wants from and for me.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
World Pulse Fest!
A few Saturdays ago, a couple of friends and a sponsee and I packed up and went to South Bend for the day for Pulse Fest. There were so many good Christian bands there, but some of my favorites were Sanctus Real, Kutless, and Third Day. It's always such a blessing to worship (and rock out) with other believers. It was so awesome, and I got some really good pics of Mack Powell from Third Day and of Michael W. Smith. Most of all, we had some fun girl time! (We all spent the night together the night before, so we were especially giggly because of our lack of sleep) Below are some pics for the weekend...there were probably at least 20-30,000 people there!
.jpg)
Me and Brandi
Third Day...
Me and Laura
Kelly and Brandi
Me and BrandiI'm so gratelful for good friends and for the fun I have in recovery and with my sisters in Christ!
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Zenith 2007!!!
Well, I had another awesome year counseling at Camp Zenith on the Campus of Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma. More than 500 teenagers from accross the country are at Zenith each year, most of them with their youth groups. We had a group from Arizona this year, which was awesome. Hope you guys keep coming!
Camp was the third week in June, and because of the rain, we were spared of the usual unbearable humidity! (Thank you God!) This was my fifth year to be a counselor, and every year has a special place in my heart, each with its own set of memories. Every year I have an amazing bunch of teanagers that my male co-counselor and I get to spend the week with. Every year God opens up opportunities to share with them, to love them, and to listen to them.
Camp was the third week in June, and because of the rain, we were spared of the usual unbearable humidity! (Thank you God!) This was my fifth year to be a counselor, and every year has a special place in my heart, each with its own set of memories. Every year I have an amazing bunch of teanagers that my male co-counselor and I get to spend the week with. Every year God opens up opportunities to share with them, to love them, and to listen to them.
My co-counselor was a great guy who just graduated from Harding University, where I spent my freshman year in college, so we immediately hit it off. And both of us just graduated with a bachelor's in psychology, so we joked all week that we were the "real" counselors. LOL I'll make another post soon updating everyone on my graduation and job search, among other things. Here are some pictures of my Z-group from camp. Please keep in touch guys and know that I'm praying for you!!!!
Meg and Chelsea
.jpg)
Katie and Katelyn Mae
Goofy group pic!
Group hug! Awww!
Victoria, Kathleen, and Andrea
Paula and Caitlin
Me and my co-counselor Chris
It's always wonderful to see all my friends from from around the country who come out to be part of the staff and youth minister team at Zenith. Miss you guys already!
Me and Liz Gibbs
Me and Benny!!!
Adam Copeland and Chris Robey
Adam Copeland and Niki Nowell
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Way to Go Colts!!!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Wow! The beginning of a new year!
Hi everyone! I can't believe that January of 2007 is nearing its end! Things have been happening so fast I can barely keep up! We had a wonderful time with the Downey's for Christmas in Fort Wayne. I'll post the pictures when I get the chance. Then after the New Year we were able to spend some time with my mother's side of the family, enjoying a late Christmas and remembering my grandfather on his birthday, which was January 2nd. I went to Urbana (a missions conference for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship) in St. Louis with my Intervarsity chapter from IUPUI. The conference was from December 27-31, so I was blessed to bring in the New Year with 22,000 other Christians from around the globe, all praising our King together in the Edward Jones dome in downtown St. Louis! More to come about what God did in my heart while at Urbana and what He has continued to do in me since returning-our God is incredible and He never ceases to amaze me!
Classes started on 1/8/07, so I've been off and running again. I'm taking four classes this semester, which is more than normal. As stressful and chaotic as my life can seem sometimes, I'll have to say that my problems have upgraded drastically. Looking back at where I've come from, only God could get the glory for the transformation and the blessings and responsiblities I'm able to have in my life today! Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful New Years, and I pray that God would direct your paths as your heart submits to Him this year so that you can experience all of the fullness that He has for you in Christ Jesus!
Classes started on 1/8/07, so I've been off and running again. I'm taking four classes this semester, which is more than normal. As stressful and chaotic as my life can seem sometimes, I'll have to say that my problems have upgraded drastically. Looking back at where I've come from, only God could get the glory for the transformation and the blessings and responsiblities I'm able to have in my life today! Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful New Years, and I pray that God would direct your paths as your heart submits to Him this year so that you can experience all of the fullness that He has for you in Christ Jesus!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Thanksgiving
I love the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love them because I get to spend time with my family, family I don't get to see very often. Since my grandmother passed away, we've not had Thanksgiving with the Downey's. I understand why, but it makes me sad. Some of my most precious memories as a child are of spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with both sides of the family.
We had Thanksgiving dinner with my mother's side of the family on Thursday. This is the second Thanksgiving without Papa, but we have much to be thankful for. I made a huge pot of green bean (simmered for hours in bacon! Yummmm!) and made my first big batch of candied yams. Both turned out wonderful because the recipies are mother's! My cousin Greg made the best turkey I think I've ever had, and of course all of the food was delicious! Every year I make a conscious effort to eat less, but I still eat too much. :)
I was talking to my mother earlier that day about how we focus so much on food and take each other for granted. We decided that we would attempt to start a new tradition in our family this year by having everyone say some things they are thankful for before we pray over the meal. To my surprise, it went very well. Things got a little deep, and some of us got choked up just vocalizing how grateful we are for each other and for such a wonderful man like Papa who brought our two families together. Some mentioned how grateful they are for the freedoms we enjoy in America, others for the courageous soldiers that fight for our country. Some mentioned their gratitude for their significant other, and many mentioned Jesus Christ.
He's my answer too. So is sobriety. Sobriety is such an awesome gift to be enjoyed here and now. So is the gift of salvation as God continually changes my heart and renews my mind and spirit, but I'm more grateful than anything for the eternal nature of the sacrificial gift of Jesus. With the work of the cross, God met my eternal needs the moment I repented and put my faith in Him. Everything I need for eternity has been provided. How much more then can I trust God to meet my earthy needs?
We had Thanksgiving dinner with my mother's side of the family on Thursday. This is the second Thanksgiving without Papa, but we have much to be thankful for. I made a huge pot of green bean (simmered for hours in bacon! Yummmm!) and made my first big batch of candied yams. Both turned out wonderful because the recipies are mother's! My cousin Greg made the best turkey I think I've ever had, and of course all of the food was delicious! Every year I make a conscious effort to eat less, but I still eat too much. :)
I was talking to my mother earlier that day about how we focus so much on food and take each other for granted. We decided that we would attempt to start a new tradition in our family this year by having everyone say some things they are thankful for before we pray over the meal. To my surprise, it went very well. Things got a little deep, and some of us got choked up just vocalizing how grateful we are for each other and for such a wonderful man like Papa who brought our two families together. Some mentioned how grateful they are for the freedoms we enjoy in America, others for the courageous soldiers that fight for our country. Some mentioned their gratitude for their significant other, and many mentioned Jesus Christ.
He's my answer too. So is sobriety. Sobriety is such an awesome gift to be enjoyed here and now. So is the gift of salvation as God continually changes my heart and renews my mind and spirit, but I'm more grateful than anything for the eternal nature of the sacrificial gift of Jesus. With the work of the cross, God met my eternal needs the moment I repented and put my faith in Him. Everything I need for eternity has been provided. How much more then can I trust God to meet my earthy needs?
Sunday, October 08, 2006
26
Well, today is my 26th birthday. Birthdays are nice...I always get to spend some time with family and have some fun. As I think about this last year, I see alot of things that God has been doing in my heart. I have to be honest and say that I never expected to still be in school at age 26 (unless it was graduate school!), and I never expected to still be single. But I know that God's plan is so much better than mine, and I can see more and more how He uses some of my "disappointments" to do an even greater work in my heart, calling me to a more intimate relationship with Him and preparing me for what's in store in the next season of my life.
One of the presents that my parents got me was gold circle seating to the Casting Crowns concert last night!!! My mother and father and Kelly went with me. We got such good seats and had just an awesome time of fun and worship. John David Webster opened for them and was great too. I was a big concert goer before I became a believer, and everytime I go to a Christian concert it reminds me of the vast difference between secular and Christian concerts. I've had good times at secular concerts and have seen so many talented bands, but it doesn't really come close the spiritual and usually emotional experience I have when I go to Christian concerts and worship my Creator with the band and everyone else there.
As I thought, the pictures didn't much turn out. I was hoping to get to see them after the concert like I did the last time, but the band had leave right after the show to make it back to their hometown for church this morning. I love that about Casting Crowns. No matter how big their fan base has gotten, no matter how many records they have sold, Mark Hall and the band are still committed to the job they had before this whole thing began-youth ministry. They are at their home church every Sunday, no matter where they tour. What an awesome heart for our youth! I love youth ministers-they are so vital in the body of Christ in shaping our youth (and they're usually pretty fun and goofy to hang out with!). Here's a picture of everyone worshipping at the concert...
And here's Kelly and I goofing around after the concert...
We had so much fun hanging out afterwards and just sharing what God's been doing with each of us this last week. I'm so grateful for her and her encouragement. It's so awesome to share hearts with brothers and sisters in Christ and have them relate and share on such a deep level. God knew what He was doing-people need people. That's just how He made us.
Today was a good day. The message at church was a good and challenging one, and Kelly and I went out to lunch and picked up some of my favorite ice cream. :) Unfortunately, the evening has been filled with studying since I have an exam tomorrow. I'm optimistic it will pay off though!
One of the presents that my parents got me was gold circle seating to the Casting Crowns concert last night!!! My mother and father and Kelly went with me. We got such good seats and had just an awesome time of fun and worship. John David Webster opened for them and was great too. I was a big concert goer before I became a believer, and everytime I go to a Christian concert it reminds me of the vast difference between secular and Christian concerts. I've had good times at secular concerts and have seen so many talented bands, but it doesn't really come close the spiritual and usually emotional experience I have when I go to Christian concerts and worship my Creator with the band and everyone else there.
As I thought, the pictures didn't much turn out. I was hoping to get to see them after the concert like I did the last time, but the band had leave right after the show to make it back to their hometown for church this morning. I love that about Casting Crowns. No matter how big their fan base has gotten, no matter how many records they have sold, Mark Hall and the band are still committed to the job they had before this whole thing began-youth ministry. They are at their home church every Sunday, no matter where they tour. What an awesome heart for our youth! I love youth ministers-they are so vital in the body of Christ in shaping our youth (and they're usually pretty fun and goofy to hang out with!). Here's a picture of everyone worshipping at the concert...
And here's Kelly and I goofing around after the concert...
We had so much fun hanging out afterwards and just sharing what God's been doing with each of us this last week. I'm so grateful for her and her encouragement. It's so awesome to share hearts with brothers and sisters in Christ and have them relate and share on such a deep level. God knew what He was doing-people need people. That's just how He made us.
Today was a good day. The message at church was a good and challenging one, and Kelly and I went out to lunch and picked up some of my favorite ice cream. :) Unfortunately, the evening has been filled with studying since I have an exam tomorrow. I'm optimistic it will pay off though!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Just plain tired
For the last couple of weeks, something has been really wrong. I've been real fatigued, sleeping more than normal, sleeping in, and being exhausted all day on most days. First we suspected mono, then anemia, and so on. For someone who exercises regularly, eats fairly healthy, and takes vitamins, it has been an extremely frustrating and discouraging month. My exhaustion was beginning to interfere with class, school work, exercising, and my performance at work.
After almost a month of it, I finally took my mother's advise and had some lab work done. The doctor ruled out mono and ran some blood tests for anemia and thyroid problems. To my relief and frustration, both came back normal. I was relieved that they were okay, frustrated because I still didn't know what was wrong.
I think I was actually beginning to get somewhat depressed about the whole thing because I felt so helpless. I also began to get really scared that if it continued, it could really effect my class work, and since this is my last year, it's more important to me than ever to stay strong in my academics.
Last Thursday after a good night's rest, I worked out in the morning, ate a healthy lunch, took my vitamins, and went off to class. Half-way through class I became so exhausted that I could barely stay awake. (Sleeping in class is just not something I do) After class was over, I actually went out to my car and slept for a few hours! Intervarsity Christian Fellowship has worship night on Thursdays at 5:00 PM, and I managed to wake up a little after that to make it.
The worship time was extended that night, and it was so powerful. I needed it. I needed to be renewed and refreshed. I had been feeling so bad physically and had been so discouraged that I had used that as an excuse not to be in God's Word as much and not to spend as much time in prayer as I normally do. I had started to listen to the lie of "It's not a big deal." I know better. I know I need to feed on God's Word continually, and that my joy and strength springs forth from the intimate time I spend with Him. After sobbing most of the worship time and listening to our campus minister speak on the importance of personal prayer and worship time and the importance of daily being in the Scriptures (God knows what we need to hear when we need to hear it!), I felt like the Lord was calling me to yield this to Him. To trust Him, to stop being overcome with worry and discouragement, and to praise and honor Him no matter what my circumstance. I asked John, our campus minister to pray over me. Today is Sunday...all day on Friday and Saturday I felt fine. Today I had a headache and took a nap in the evening, but I haven't had anymore overwhelming fatigue since Thursday! Call it coincidence, call it what you want...I call it an answer to prayer!
After almost a month of it, I finally took my mother's advise and had some lab work done. The doctor ruled out mono and ran some blood tests for anemia and thyroid problems. To my relief and frustration, both came back normal. I was relieved that they were okay, frustrated because I still didn't know what was wrong.
I think I was actually beginning to get somewhat depressed about the whole thing because I felt so helpless. I also began to get really scared that if it continued, it could really effect my class work, and since this is my last year, it's more important to me than ever to stay strong in my academics.
Last Thursday after a good night's rest, I worked out in the morning, ate a healthy lunch, took my vitamins, and went off to class. Half-way through class I became so exhausted that I could barely stay awake. (Sleeping in class is just not something I do) After class was over, I actually went out to my car and slept for a few hours! Intervarsity Christian Fellowship has worship night on Thursdays at 5:00 PM, and I managed to wake up a little after that to make it.
The worship time was extended that night, and it was so powerful. I needed it. I needed to be renewed and refreshed. I had been feeling so bad physically and had been so discouraged that I had used that as an excuse not to be in God's Word as much and not to spend as much time in prayer as I normally do. I had started to listen to the lie of "It's not a big deal." I know better. I know I need to feed on God's Word continually, and that my joy and strength springs forth from the intimate time I spend with Him. After sobbing most of the worship time and listening to our campus minister speak on the importance of personal prayer and worship time and the importance of daily being in the Scriptures (God knows what we need to hear when we need to hear it!), I felt like the Lord was calling me to yield this to Him. To trust Him, to stop being overcome with worry and discouragement, and to praise and honor Him no matter what my circumstance. I asked John, our campus minister to pray over me. Today is Sunday...all day on Friday and Saturday I felt fine. Today I had a headache and took a nap in the evening, but I haven't had anymore overwhelming fatigue since Thursday! Call it coincidence, call it what you want...I call it an answer to prayer!
Zenith 2006...finally!
Hi All! Apologies again everyone about the time it took to finally post this. Anyway, here goes...
Camp Zenith was fabulous this year, like it always is...full of smiles, fun, laughter, new friendships, reunions, awesome worship, funny comedians, relavant and thought-provoking classes, challenging speakers, dedicated camp and ministry staff, and a whole bunch of awesome teens. For some, it's a week of spiritual renewal. For others, it's a week of new beginning with God. For some, it's a week of sharing their faith and spiritual insights. For others, it's a week of listening and watching.
There were several different kinds of entertainment that week, but none impressed me like the band Poor Rich Folk. I couldn't take their CD out of my car CD player for more than a month! It's not normally the kind of music I listen too, but they are so talented and they lyrics keep me reflecting for days! To check them out, click here.
I and my co-counselor had great group of kids this year! It's always a blessing to me to get to know a little bit of each and every one of them. I always pray that they have a good time at camp, that they build new relationships, and that they connect with God. I always pray that I love them like Christ loves me. I always pray that they know how much I care about where they are spiritually. Here are some pics of our group. You guys rock!
Caitlin and Alisha
Sam, Shana, and Alice
Calley, Molly, Connor, Leighann, and Kellie
My co-counselor Dave, Caitlin, Alisha, and Justin
Connor, Kolby, and Parker
Me and some of the girls
We always have an awesome staff of counselors and youth ministers, and it's always a blessing to see some of them again each year. Here are some more pics...
Chris Robey (youth minister from Texas), Niki Nowell (women's head counselor from Colorado), and Matt Lee (youth minister)
Hershall, Julie and Mia Craig
Me and Natalie (camp counselor from Oklahoma)
Me and Liz Gibbs (camp counselor from Texas who was unexpectedly promoted to dorm supervisor this year! LOL)
Niki, Angi, and Max picked me up at the airport the night I arrived in Oklahoma City, and we headed to campus for the counselor's orientation meeting, which was the night before camp started. Max is Benny and Niki's oldest son who is six and a half now. I haven't gotten to see him but maybe once or twice since they moved away from Indy. On the way to campus, Max told me all about how Adam and Luke Copeland came to stay with them for a week in Denver and how he was really looking forward to seeing Adam at Zenith. The next day, youth groups started to arrive in the early afternoon and Max was patiently waiting for Adam and his youth group from San Antonio to show up. When I saw Max that afternoon, he said "Sarah, I just keep looking and looking for Adam, and I just keep not seeing him." I assured him that Adam would arrive soon and not to worry. Later on that night after everyone had arrived, I told Angi what Max had said about Adam, and we chuckled. She said that was funny because when she saw Adam, one of the first things she heard him say was..."Has anyone seen Max?" Go figure... :)
After leaving Zenith on Friday, Niki, Max, Angi and I drove to Kansas where we spent the night. They had a huge waterslide in the pool at the hotel, so Max went down the waterslide 328 times the next morning. LOL Max is a cool little dude. The best pics I have of us are on my cell phone though, so I can't post them on here. We sat together in the back seat all the way to Kansas and then to Denver. Hours of playing with fart-puddy, happy meal toys, singing and telling stories, and playing with more fart-puddy. Max kept messing with me, so of course I messed with him. The phrase of the day from the backseat was, "Mommy, Sarah Downey is torturing me!"
Max Nowell
Benny and Niki Nowell
Me and Benny
We arrived in Denver late in the evening. It was so good to see Benny and spend time at the Nowell residence, although we all agreed that one night was not enough. Niki and I had to get up at 5:00 am the next morning to have me to the airport. Too bad we stayed up until 2:30 am talking and catching up!
It was so worth it though-the whole trip. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it was too short. I look forward to Zenith every year-it's just something that goes on my calendar every year until further notice. :) My God is pretty awesome! He allows me to witness so much in the lives of others and has blessed me so much with a network of believers to lean on, laugh with, encourage, confide in, and love. I don't know what I'd do without my sisters in Christ! Praise God for the safe travel that He allowed, the lives He changed (and continues to change), and the friendships rekindled that week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
