I often write devotionals. Both for me, my friends, or my youth group. I found this one I wrote this past November on having all the answers...something I so often struggle with.
It feels good to have the answers. And if we don't have an answer, we can find out all we want to know instantly thanks to Google.
But some things-like faith-can't be instantly explained. We all have doubts. And sometimes, when we search for answers, the ones we find don't make sense.
Let's just admit it: sometimes Christian faith feels shaky at best. Sometimes we Jesus-followers feel a lot like Thomas who declared, "I won't believe unless I see the nail wounds in His hands, put my finger into them and place my hand into the wound on his side" --John 20:25
On the outside we are confident in our faith, but inside we are desperate for proof. But is seeing always believing? Are your doubts genuine or are they a way of keeping you at a comfortable distance away from the risky, courageous way of living Jesus wants from you?
Can you believe in the middle of doubt? Can you say "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief" like in Mark 9:24 when a man was shaky in his belief?
Blessings,
Faith
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Time Flies!
This morning I went over to my grandmother's and had some quality time with my aunt, Cole, and baby Kendall. Kendall is growing up! She is 3 weeks old and trying her best to hold her head up! Babies are such blessings!
Well, I got my schedule for Senior year FINALLY figured out (it took almost 3 hours at the high school to get this done!!) First Semester I have 2 college classes (YNL 290 & SPA 202) then mentoring (a "do-nothing" class) then Business Law/Economics. So, Im pretty excited about it!! Second semester I have 3 college classes (SPA 301, ENG 105, & MAT 140) and Honors English at the high school. Although I have two English classes in one day, I think I'll be fine. Overall, I am pleased with my schedule. I shall have between 35-40 college credit hours before I graduate.
Yet again, I'm trying to focus on the present. It's so difficult for me, though. I feel like I know what I want in life, but am being held back by schooling. I feel like such a child saying that I'm a senior in high school. I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things. And applying for colleges and such is not helping my senioritis.
School starts on Tuesday. Holy Cow. I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer. Anyway, wish me luck!! (P.S.--Our senior shirts are CRAZY CUTE!!!) :)
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Big Summer
Sorry its been so long since I've posted...its been a busy summer!
Well, I went to Hilton Head since I last posted--that seems like so long ago!! It was so much fun! A week of food, parasailing, laying out on the beach, swimming in the pool, seeing gators, dolphins, and manatees! It was a much-needed vacation!
The day I left for Nicaragua my little cousin was born (Cole's little sister). It was overwhelming, but I'm so glad I got to see her before I left!!
My trip to Nicaragua was a success. Our group worked with masons to build a house for a family that didnt have one. The family was so incredibly grateful to have a home the size of my bedroom. It was a unique, hard, glorifying experience. Although the experience and the place was completely different than last year, it was life-changing. We built the very small, one room house in 3 days. We worked hard, and without power tools. We stayed at a school, and therefore had plenty of time to play with the kids. I was overwhelmed by the mason's love for learning English, and quickly became the English teacher for the week, having English lessons on practically every break we got! We ate our body weight in rice and beans throughout the week, and had a unique shower and bathroom experience! Haha! ---If you want to see pictures of my trip, head to my facebook, or the facebook of Amanda Lough or Jennifer Riley-- God has opened so many doors for me in Nicaragua (kinda entangled, therefore very hard to explain). I know that my purpose is to go shine a light in Nicaragua, and I absolutely cannot wait to move there. I have people down there that are willing to help me and get me on my feet...which is a complete blessing. God has put just the right people in my journey. My heart is still in Cuapa, though, and that is where I plan to make my nest. Only a few short years until I'm fulfilling my calling. I cannot wait! <3
As for my next mission trips, I would love to go to Costa Rica in December with a group called Rice & Beans. Of course, this will only happen if its what God wants...because I sure do not have the money resources. And I also have a trip lined up with Exile International with a girl by the name of Bethany Haley to the Congo (yes, I do know it is one of the most dangerous countries in the world). There, we will help war-affected children (yes, KONY work...). Yet again, this trip is by the grace of God. Im doing my fair share of praying to see where He wants me. And, if you would like to donate to these wonderful trips, you are definitely welcome ;)
As for the rest of my summer, it has been filled with work, Senior pictures, college planning, getting ready for school to start, etc. Senior pictures should be done sometime next week and I'm excited to see them. These pictures are one of those things that seems so surreal...seems like only yesterday I was a Freshman. Ah, college planning. Well, I should have about 40 hours down before my Freshman year...I'm pretty proud. I'm taking 2-3 classes this fall and 3 in the spring at MSU. I plan to apply to four colleges: Murray State, UT Martin, Transylvania, and University of North Carolina. Most applications and even scholarships are due Nov-Dec, therefore I'm already overwhelmed and I can't even start yet! Haha. Oh, and the fact that I'm moving out in less than a year kinda makes me crazy!! Life is moving at the speed of light!
My goal for this school year is to slow down. This year is the last year of me being a "kid". I need to focus on Him...how much he has blessed me. I need to get myself knee-deep in the word, and let everything I do glorify Him. I need to slow down and focus on all the things He has blessed me with.
Blessings,
Faith
Well, I went to Hilton Head since I last posted--that seems like so long ago!! It was so much fun! A week of food, parasailing, laying out on the beach, swimming in the pool, seeing gators, dolphins, and manatees! It was a much-needed vacation!
The day I left for Nicaragua my little cousin was born (Cole's little sister). It was overwhelming, but I'm so glad I got to see her before I left!!
My trip to Nicaragua was a success. Our group worked with masons to build a house for a family that didnt have one. The family was so incredibly grateful to have a home the size of my bedroom. It was a unique, hard, glorifying experience. Although the experience and the place was completely different than last year, it was life-changing. We built the very small, one room house in 3 days. We worked hard, and without power tools. We stayed at a school, and therefore had plenty of time to play with the kids. I was overwhelmed by the mason's love for learning English, and quickly became the English teacher for the week, having English lessons on practically every break we got! We ate our body weight in rice and beans throughout the week, and had a unique shower and bathroom experience! Haha! ---If you want to see pictures of my trip, head to my facebook, or the facebook of Amanda Lough or Jennifer Riley-- God has opened so many doors for me in Nicaragua (kinda entangled, therefore very hard to explain). I know that my purpose is to go shine a light in Nicaragua, and I absolutely cannot wait to move there. I have people down there that are willing to help me and get me on my feet...which is a complete blessing. God has put just the right people in my journey. My heart is still in Cuapa, though, and that is where I plan to make my nest. Only a few short years until I'm fulfilling my calling. I cannot wait! <3
As for my next mission trips, I would love to go to Costa Rica in December with a group called Rice & Beans. Of course, this will only happen if its what God wants...because I sure do not have the money resources. And I also have a trip lined up with Exile International with a girl by the name of Bethany Haley to the Congo (yes, I do know it is one of the most dangerous countries in the world). There, we will help war-affected children (yes, KONY work...). Yet again, this trip is by the grace of God. Im doing my fair share of praying to see where He wants me. And, if you would like to donate to these wonderful trips, you are definitely welcome ;)
As for the rest of my summer, it has been filled with work, Senior pictures, college planning, getting ready for school to start, etc. Senior pictures should be done sometime next week and I'm excited to see them. These pictures are one of those things that seems so surreal...seems like only yesterday I was a Freshman. Ah, college planning. Well, I should have about 40 hours down before my Freshman year...I'm pretty proud. I'm taking 2-3 classes this fall and 3 in the spring at MSU. I plan to apply to four colleges: Murray State, UT Martin, Transylvania, and University of North Carolina. Most applications and even scholarships are due Nov-Dec, therefore I'm already overwhelmed and I can't even start yet! Haha. Oh, and the fact that I'm moving out in less than a year kinda makes me crazy!! Life is moving at the speed of light!
My goal for this school year is to slow down. This year is the last year of me being a "kid". I need to focus on Him...how much he has blessed me. I need to get myself knee-deep in the word, and let everything I do glorify Him. I need to slow down and focus on all the things He has blessed me with.
Blessings,
Faith
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Lakeshore Next Week!
Sunday, I leave on my journey to counsel at Lakeshore. Being a mentor and counselor for these little ones is MORE than a blessing. I'm blessed to be able to do this...it's such a great experience. I remember being an elementary camper...those are times you never forget. I am actually still in touch with my VC. So, to be a counselor and change lives is amazing. I will be counseling the Elementary Music and Drama Camp, being accompanied by the DD (Developmentally Disabled) Camp. I've begun packing and I went yesterday to fine-tune some of the details. I am so excited! I can't wait to return with more details and stories. Prayers are welcomed!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Summer Jobs
I currently have 3 summer jobs. The first at Tropics Tanning, my employer since freshman year. Although Tropics has transferred ownership, its new owner, Matt Rowe has let me keep my job. Right now, I am not working many hours there because of renovations, but he promised me great hours once we get back up and running. I also am employed at Thurmond Insurance, working two days a week. And I just got hired as a summer babysitter! With these wonderful jobs and my time at Lakeshore, I am sure to have a great summer! I am beyond blessed!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Nicaragua
So, I figured I'd share a little about my upcoming trip to Nicaragua. First, let me talk about last year's trip. I went with BMDMI through a group in Kentucky. It was a medical/dental mission and I did mostly veterinary work and family photos. It was a life changing experience! It was with a baptist group, so things went a little differently than I believed...but absolutely amazing nonetheless. The trip showed me my outstanding passion for missions and confirmed my love of traveling; showing me that being a missionary is the perfect job for me. This summer's trip is July 1-8 with a company called Bridges to Community; we will be traveling to the city of Masaya. This trip is more hands-on as we will be building a house for a family. Although this trip will be completely different from my last one, I am still super excited and cannot wait to see what God has in store for me! Your prayers are welcomed and greatly appreciated!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Summer 2012
Ah! I've completed my Junior year! How exciting! My Senior year feels like it has already begun...planning for my three Murray State classes, planning my senior trip, applying for scholarships, and choosing the right college! Such a stressful time!
My summer is filled with Lakeshore (church camp) counseling, vacationing to Hilton Head Island, SC, a trip to Nicaragua, and more Lakeshore counseling! And, I assume the rest of my free time will be spent at the golf course with Jordan. HA!
My summer is filled with Lakeshore (church camp) counseling, vacationing to Hilton Head Island, SC, a trip to Nicaragua, and more Lakeshore counseling! And, I assume the rest of my free time will be spent at the golf course with Jordan. HA!
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