Equip Starts

Today we had our first day of Equip. It was so much fun. So much for having to do work, we played laser tag. I'm horrible at it by the way. I hope I get to know the people who are participating. It's weird going somewhere that you don't really know too many people. I hope I find out all the details soon so I know what I have to help with and attend. Please pray for my friend Amanda. I don't know exactly what happened, but she fainted today at the laser tag place when Pastor Dino and Pastor Mike Hamen were talking. I'm not sure if it's spiritual or medical. Please comment if you know anything. I have been worried about her. She used to go to my school and I say hey to her earlier today. I keep trying to remind myself that God is bigger than anything that she is going through. It's hard not to worry. I will see ya tomorrow.

Equip Anyone?

Hey, I'm doing Equip. I just want to see if there is anyone else doing it that I know. So if you're participating in Equip, please write me a comment telling me so. I'm really excited about it and am ready to learn about, not just being a leader, but being a Godly leader. I think I'm going to have a lot of fun serving and meeting new people. Meeting people is one of my weaknesses, but this will be a way for me to have to get to know the people I'm with. I can't wait to see you'll there.

Remix

Tyler Tullos spoke tonight about thinking your story of salvation and road with Christ is boring. It reminded a lot of how I feel about my own life. I got saved on a trampoline when I was 4 years old. I have gone to church all my life. I have thought several times, Who would want to hear my story? Don't get me wrong I have my struggles and trials. Lately, my life as a Christian has gotten more "exciting". I've had more challenges and trials and my life has definitely changed since going to Refuge. Anyway, for the most part I'm just an ordinary girl who has a relationship with God. It really got me thinking about the excuses I make up so God won't use me. Not only that my story isn't exciting but that I'm not good enough or my personality isn't perfect. God told me tonight to quit making excuses and just relax and let Him use me. It was crazy emotional. I really wanted God to touch me tonight and help me through my doubt. God just said I care about you and love you and I want the best for you. I feel like even when I feel like no one else is there or understands, God really does. It was refreshing to be reminded of how much God cares for me and how He has a plan for me. He told me He can use me the way I am. I don't need to change, I can come how I am. The Remix thing comes into play when I asked God to remix my thoughts and make His thoughts about me my thoughts. The only other thing I could have asked for is for someone to pray for me and talk to me. God was there again. Nick just put his hand on me. It showed me he was there even when God was dealing with me and I was a mess. Then two girls came and told me they were there for me and would pray for me. I couldn't have asked for anything more. It was an incredible and emotional night. I just want to give a shout out to my three supporters, Thank you so much! God, I just want to thank you too for reminding me how much You care and that you can use me however I am. I'll see the Closer people tomorrow.

Who are You Representing Jesus to?

I read this devotional on my email. It explained how we should represent Jesus. It was incredible thinking about this,“You may be the only picture of Jesus people will ever see.” Or they may form their opinion of God based upon the reputation of our congregations – how we get along, how we support each other, how we criticize, how we love one another. No pressure, right. It sounds like, oh my gosh, people might form a bad opinion about God because of me. But it's really not that bad because God is always going to be there to shine His light through us. We can do it with His help. I put a lot of pressure on myself to always do the right thing, but God working through us is about Him, not about us.(Tori explained that so well that I decided to use it. It's like the ultimate revelation.) We should do our best to represent our Savior well, but it's o.k. if we mess because we're human. God loves us knowing we're going to mess up again. It also explained how are love towards others shows others that we love Jesus.“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35 NLT) It's proof of our love for Jesus. Is there proof in our lives that we love Jesus. God totally slam dunked me on that. By the way, I made the 2007 Freshman volleyball team! I'm so excited! See ya soon.

Closer was Awesome!

Closer was great! I had the privilege of talking to Phil Leblanc and Jason Guidry. I had the best time ever talking and laughing with them. My wonderful girls also took part in the conversation. That would be Makayla and Khira. Jordan also did an excellent job "preaching". It was great. I learn so much talking about leadership because I believe God has called me to be a leader. I always have room to grow in the area of leadership. To change the subject, I have had some trouble getting along with my parents. I think it's a girl thing. It's so hard being a teenage girl, but God made me one so I expect Him to help me out. Me and my mom have been arguing over everything. We just can't relate. They just don't understand how much they say impacts me. I've told them that what they say and how I interpret what they say are two different things. They don't seem to try to change what they say. I'm like what's the point of telling them if they don't try to help me understand what they're saying. We definitely don't think the same. This is so tough. It seems as if I go through more things. I guess it just builds my faith. I always seem to be going through something; God never lets me get comfortable. It seems like most people write on things that God has showed them but I always seem to write on things God is allowing me to go through. I hope you'll don't mind. I really enjoy getting to hang with you'll. I have to go back to volleyball try-outs tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. That is crazy! Today we had to run around the parking lot three times. I was totally out of breath. I hope tomorrow is easier. See ya soon!

Refuge was Crazy!

That video of Jason was hilarious! Jason preached an excellent message on giving God your best. That got me thinking. As far as Equip goes, I will have to miss at least two classes. I might even miss time with my family in Texas for this internship. But whatever I end up doing I want to give God my best. This is a big decision considering my cousin is going to kill me if I don't come visit her. I'm going to have a mess on my hands if I skip time with her to do Equip, not to mention finding someone to stay with. I will probably have to stay with someone who is doing Equip and I don't know people that well yet. Anyway,I have volleyball try-outs tomorrow and I'm totally convinced on playing volleyball my best, but not for me or the coach but for God. I hope to see you'll soon! I'll see the Closer people tomorrow. I miss talking to my friends at Refuge already and I've been home like maybe an hour. I totally love going to Refuge. God always shows up and the people who talk to me are the coolest people ever. See ya soon!

Where is God?

Lately I've haven't been able to "feel" God like I usually can. I know everyone goes through this. I'm like God where are you? Do you hear me when I pray? Why are you allowing this to happen? I think it's one of those, are you going to trust me when you can't "feel" me things. It's kind of confusing. I don't know what God is doing or where He's taking me. It's hard to trust God when you don't feel like you're on a spiritual "high". I have been in doubt thinking, God are you still here and are you still working in my life? This is really tough. I've been praying about it. I don't know if I done something wrong or if God is just testing me. He is probably just wishing I'd quit thinking about it and over analyzing everything. This is just something I've been facing for about a week and it's really frustrating. I just thought I'd share it with you'll. See ya tomorrow.