Prayers Answered

Lately I have really tried to make sure to pray everyday and many times a day. The other day while driving I asked God to shut my mouth when I have something mean to say, or just rude. Well today while talking to a friend she mentioned someone and I automatically said something rude, and snap judgment on that particular person. Later while just playing a game on facebook I felt a nagging on my heart. I honestly could hear someone saying that what I had done was wrong. Usually I just let it slip by without correcting it, but the nagging continued. So finally I sent her a message and asked her to forgive me for my rash judgment and as soon as I sent the apology I felt a weight lift. I know God is teaching me to shut my mouth. God does answer prayers. He does though want us to be willing to learn, and obey. I want to urge you to ask God to help you in way that won't just benefit yourself but others. Whether it be something like what I have asked for or even for you to be more outgoing, or more loving towards others. We need to remember that it isn't all about us. What we do and say actually does affect others. After I asked for forgiveness my friend actually sent a message telling me that what I wrote was exactly what she needed to hear. I mean just owning up to our own mistakes can show others that we truly do care. So what will you ask for?

OHIO

So since I've been home I've seen God work in so many ways. He opened the door for me to go back to school, and provided the funding. He has given me two housekeeping jobs, and He has opened the door once again for me to go serve at Marmon Valley Farm this summer!!! I sometimes get overwhelmed by the fact that I have been blessed sooooo much! Keep praying for me as I see how God provides the funding for the airfare and the little odds and ends that need to be covered in order for me to go to Ohio.

Learning...

I have a couple New Year Resolutions I would like to share with you... I would appreciate it if you all would try to keep me accountable. I know that many Resolutions are made and many are never completed.

#1) I need and want to make sure that everything I do and say are glorifying God. That my actions and my words reflect his love.

#2) That I really dig deep into the Bible. Study and memorize.

#3) That I make sure to keep God at the center of my life, and let him have complete control.

#4) Pray... That I will learn to pray all the time.

#5) Get healthy... lose the weight, and just get healthy... I'm ready to see who I can be..

#6) Focus on School... Finish my Associates in Arts.

I know these seem like the usual stuff people write down and forget about. But this year I feel needs to be a year of change or I just won't ever change. I give up easily and I just can't anymore. Please pray for me this year as I face school (Math and Science) and losing weight and just getting healthy. I hope you have a great year. What are your goals this year? How can I be praying for you?

Our Shoes...

There are some people that I have tried to help with their walk with God and with just their lives. Each one has a different story about how they got to the point that they were or are still at in their lives. Each one has faced hardships and struggles and have carried heavy, heavy burdens. And one of the things each one of these people have told me is that I wouldn't know how they are feeling... I haven't walked in their shoes. Many have thrust the questions, "Do you want to walk in my shoes? Do you want to be where I have been?" at me. I have been pegged by these people of having a good life. A great life. Even though I usually respond to these people with love and hope that they take words I speak to heart.
 I think to myself about how these people have no idea. These people haven't walked in my shoes either. I mean I share testimony when appropriate, but often times they still don't get it. I am a sinner, I have lost my way so many times that I have lost count. It is only by the grace of God that I have any kind of hope. It is only by Christ's blood that I live. These are not things in my past, these are things I struggle with everyday. But by God's love for me and mercy I am able to share and help others understand the Glory and Beauty and most of all Love of my Savior, my God. I don't want to walk in these people's shoes because it is in my own that I have sinned, I fallen short, I have left the path... and it is in my shoes that I have been Redeemed and Accepted into the family of God. It is in my shoes I have found the greatest Love of all, and have found Peace and Joy. I have faced hardships, I have faced pain. I still may face more... And I by no means a "saint," I sin and although I try not to, it happens. God's Mercy and Forgiveness is the only thing that saves me.
We aren't here on earth to experience a "perfect," life. We were never promised happiness. But through God we can find the joy. Life will always be a struggle. But with God it can be made easier and a lot more hopeful. I know that my current readers in this blog are Christians but I pray that each and everyone of you reach out to the unbelievers and share the truth about our Father, the Love and Mercy that only come from him. Our shoes that we walk in may be hard and heartbreaking sometimes but they were given to us from God. He is teaching, and molding us into the people He needs us to be. I wouldn't trade my life (shoes) for anyone elses. I am glad that although my life has taken many scary, heart wrenching, and just lonely roads, God has and will always be there to walk with me.

School, work, life

So I've argued with myself several times about going back to school... and now I set up an interview with an advisor at LCC to see what I need to finish my Associates degree. So friday I have that interview. And on Thursday I'm housekeeping for family in town, and next Thursday I have a job interview at Macy's.... so things are starting to be put to motion... keep me in your prayers! Thanks!!

Engaged!!

I know the title of this makes it seem like I'm engaged... but in all seriousness my little sister and her boyfriend Matt are now engaged... what makes it even better is that they got engaged on my birthday! I gained a brother-in-law for my birthday! :D They have been dating for 3 years but they have been  friends since 3rd grade! I'm so excited and happy for them and I can't wait to see how the wedding and everything goes... I've been on the verge of tears all day because I'm just so happy and excited!! I just had to share this awesome news!!!!

Camp Ministry

I was given an opportunity this past summer, that I almost decided not to do out of fear, the fear of being so far away from family, the fear of the unknown. I guess I make it sound like I moved to another country, but in fact I just moved several states away for 3 months. Little did I know that those 3 short months would change my life, my dreams, and my goals. God opened the door for me to work at a farm in a small town in Ohio called Zanesfield. The town actually is one of those little places you drive through without realizing it is a town. But the farm is located off the the state route from their and it is called Marmon Valley Farm. It is a big farm in my eyes, but I also haven't spent much time on farms so it might not be a big farm. But they have 150 or more horses. They also have other farm animals like goats, llamas, a cow and her calf, bunnies, a pig, chickens, cats, and a couple dogs. They also have some pet deer, and peacocks. But the animals aren't what changed my life.
        Marmon Valley Ministries, which is their ministry name for the farm has a summer camp that runs from the end of June-Mid August. Each week children from ages 7-17 flock to the camp and fill all the cabins. I had the privilege of working in the farm house with the younger groups of girl campers. I had opportunity to teach these young girls about Jesus through different activities on the farm, and most of all share God's love for them. But they also taught me so much, they taught me how to be thankful for the little things in life. They also taught me how to have fun and act silly just for the sake of joy. Children are unashamed of their exuberant joy and as adults we often forget how to be joyful. The girls challenged me to understand what I was teaching them, to put the scripture to work in my life. I was challenged to pray constantly. I know that I prayed and still ray over each girl who walked into my cabin. It amazed me to see their transformation from the first day to the last and see how they had grown and just opened up and made great friendships. I also was just so amazed by how I saw God at work in their lives. These girls attitudes and demeanor's would change throughout the week as they learned that Jesus loved them, it was amazing.

         I've always felt that I wasn't cut out for the cookie cutter kind of job, a secretary, an accountant, a cashier... I have always felt like God has pushed me to search for something a little more obscure and not the normal kind of job. After this summer I feel like God is calling me to be a missionary in the camping ministries. I'm not sure where, I'm not sure when he will open the door for me to work  and serve in the ministry. But I feel like this is my calling. To help lead God's children young and old to Him. I have been so blessed by this last summer. The Summer Staff and the Full Time Staff have been encouraging and just a blessing upon my life. I can say I honestly loved this summer. I loved getting to know these amazing people who served with me as we ministered to these kids, and I loved getting to know each girl and just learn from them and teach them about God and His unfailing love for them. I can't wait for the next opportunity to work at a camp and serve comes my way. God's blessings upon my life have been amazing and I am so thankful for the people He has placed in my life that have encouraged me to follow Him wherever He leads. God's provision has been unfailing.