I'm Moving Up in the World

Today (August 25) was my birthday. I turned 22 years old. I don't feel older but, I found myself reflecting over the past year. I've grown a lot in maturity and discovered more about who I was created to be. When seriously looking at my heart and who I am, I was scared at first. I can't really explain this well...but I doubted that I could live up to all that potential and responsibility. And so, I froze and lived in doubt. But being over seas changed a lot of my fears. I started seeing things with the eyes of my heart not just my physical eyes. I looked at people and got to really know some of them. I read a book that hit my passions and heart pretty well. I truly believe that it is an honor to be trusted by God...our God. The God that knows intimate details about each and every one of us. The same God that created mountains and sunsets. And the God who works in the mysterious ways. I'm at this point where I really want to go out do what my heart yearns to do. Yet I know that being trained is going to be so beneficial...and rushing isn't always good. I've realized this past year that I am a blessed individual. God has been involved in so many little details, especially people I've crossed paths with. Even though I may not always be joyful in every circumstance. And I do get frustrated when the results aren't what I pictured. Have you ever reflected and understood why a particular person or event occured in your life? It's a wonderful thing, for me at least. B/c to me...I'm reminded that God is present in our everyday lives, not just when something big happens to us.

This year, my game plan is to focus on true hope. It was a phrase that struck a chord with me this summer in India. In one of the books I was reading this summer I came across this definition of hope: "Absolute confidence, the kind of confidence that is at rest in turmoil, laughs at the actions of the enemy (Satan, El Diablo) and produces enough faith to at least stand still and see God, if not actively march forward in power and expectancy." -Graham Cooke

Note: In this quote I added the Spanish term.

You may have to read that paragraph more than once. I did. This paragraph tugged at me and is why I want to spend more time diving into discovering true hope.

I am also still reading Velvet Elvis...major props to Rob Bell...this book is excellent.

Classes started this week. At first I really didn't like one of them. But I am working on having a positive attitude for this class. I have enjoyed being back on campus and moving into my steller apartment. I have great roommates and am loving having space bigger than a dorm room. Plus the actual feeling that I am an adult rocks. Work has been great too. I love working in Admissions and I got a big raise in the caf. Truth be told, the minimum wage went up. I do miss my closest and best friend though. I love that she's out in the real world working at an amazing job...but it's not the same without her.

I haven't been able to fully talk about India yet and am pouncing at the opportunities I have next week to do so! I'm also leading united Sunday School on Sunday...pray about that please!

Question of the day: What was your favorite birthday?

Me: I throughly enjoyed turning 16 but my favorite had to be turning 21.

PS: If you would like to see some pics from India check out this site:


I'll post a link for London soon!

Long Time, No Post

I ran into lack of time to post on 2 blogs in India plus really slow internet connection. If you would like to know more about my trip feel free to e-mail me personal questions or check out posts on the xanga site.

I've offically been in the USA for a week today. Time has flown by like it usually does. I saw one of my good friends, Brenda for breakfast this week. It was so good to see her...I'm so lucky to have crossed paths with her...she's one of those people that will tell you the truth whether you like it or not. And one of the qualities I admire most about her is that she stands up for truth and what is right no matter the opposition or who gets offended. Sometimes I think the church needs more people like her. I then had lunch with a family friend that is close to my mom. I also got in to see the dentist 2 times this week, (lucky me) and the eye doc. I will visit my dentist again before I go back to school. I managed to score 4 cavities since my last visit. I'm not proud of that, by the way...but un-happy things do happen in life. I also spent some time at the corps yesterday. My officers started a back to school backpack program. It's where kids can get a backpack w/ school supplies in it. For the first time doing the program it went really well.

Today mom and I hung out. We went shopping and picked the right time to walk into Old Navy. Not only was there a sale...but it's there Best Week Ever. I won Goldfish crackers and mom got $10 off when you spend at least $50. I got some new pants and some shirts. And while in the mall, I couldn't resist walking into Vicki's...as in Victoria's Secret. It's like an obession with me. I didn't really need any new underwear or scents...but I hadn't bought anything in there for a while...so I easily talked myself into the 5 for $25 deal. Mom treated me to a movie. We saw You, Me, and Dupree. It's funny and enjoyable. I've really been wanting to see the sequal to Pirates of the Caribbean...but my mom doesn't like those kind of movies and my brother wouldn't see it twice, let alone with me.

In other news...I've started a new book. This one comes highly recommended by several people: Velvet Elvis. It's quite good actually...I like books that challenge me to think and encourage questions. I'm pondering whether I am one whose faith is like a spring...flexible, grows, inviting to others. Or am I a brick wall...am I solid, legalistic, and unwilling to consider another believer's take on scripture, doctrine, theology? I like to think I'm a spring.
My challenge for you all is to think about your personal faith. Are you like a spring or a brick?