it's no wonder

called

God blessed me so much last night. I went with my youth group to Y.E.C. in Dayton. Joe asked Hannah and I to be counselors which meant that we went back to talk to people after the invitation time. I met two incredible, amazing, beautiful girls. We talked for hours and after all that time we had barely scratched the surface. They were/are struggling with some serious issues. Please pray for them. They're beginning to turn their problems over to God. They're beginning to let Him fight for them. They're beginning to realize they don't have to listen to the lies other people are telling them. I'm going to be keeping in touch with them, so if there are any words of encouragement you'd like to pass on to these new Christians let me know.

It's incredible to me how God works in my life. Through junior high and high school I have faced battles that I did not want to face. I've experienced situations with my friends and family I wished would just go away, even if that meant I wouldn't learn from them. I've gone through times I thought I would never make it out of... I've had problems I thought God could never use for good. How naive. This is my God who conquered death to create the most beautiful life for all mankind. Last night as I was talking to my new friends God used almost every circumstance I've been ashamed of, terrified of, depressed because of, or challenged by. All things turn out for God for those who love the Lord. That can't be denied. Burdens become joys. Things we're ashamed of become the things in our life that allow us to reach out to another soul in need. Our lowest points teach us how to live in the best times and how to help other people. Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds.

Talking with these girls also made me so thankful for the people in my life. My family has ALWAYS supported me. My parents tell me they love me. In this society that's a privilege. I have a boyfriend who doesn't tell me I am stupid or treat me like I am less than he is. I'm lucky enough to have someone who honestly cares about me and treats me like a princess (even tho we all know I am not exactly a princes...ha) My sister is the best friend any person could ever ask for. She is always always always there for me and would support me and stand up for me even if I was trying to argue that gravity did not exist. That's serious commitment. My brother is an incredible listener and a very wise man. He's a force of stability in my crazy life. My grandparents, the Good family, Ms. Anna Copeland, Juli A Manning, Ashleigh, random friends.... the list could go on and on. God has blessed me through ALL of these people. I consider myself extremely lucky.

During my sophomore year we had a girl's retreat that Hannah and I helped plan at church. After all the activities of the night were over I went to the back of the sanctuary to reflect. I was reading my Bible and writing in my journal when I felt God speaking to me. He called me to reach out to junior high and high school girls. I had no idea what that meant at the time and to be honest I still don't really know what it means, but I know that I never feel more alive or closer to God than when I'm teaching, talking to, or spending time with girls who are looking for God. I felt so alive last night. I've been called. No matter what that means or where it takes me I will follow God.

help/feed/love/empower/cherish/anything

I am thankful.

I've hated most of this school year. At the same time, I can see God working through the many things I've had to deal with.

I've grown up this year more than any other year. I've found who I am apart from my friends. I've seen that there are people who will love me no matter who I am or what I'm becoming. I've been given love without condition. I've realized that I don't have to change for other people and that if I want to be happy I need to become that woman God created me to be. A book I'm reading (I can't remember which one b/c I'm reading a few right now...) says that as we grow closer to God and become 'more His' we also become more ourselves. This year has taught me that.

God has changed me through His love this year. How can someone experience God and not walk away changed? How can someone feel God there with them in their loneliness and not want to go out and love lonely people? How can we look to God to fill our emptiness and needs without asking Him how we can help Him do that for others? God how can I help/feed/love/empower/cherish/anything for You to help other people?