called.

Have you ever wondered what you are called to do? What the God of the universe is calling you to do in your life and how to serve Him in this world? Through the past couple of years since graduating from high school I have been praying for God to make it clear what I am suppose to be doing in my life to bring God as much glory as possible. God has given me a passion to serve, a passion to love.

I know I am called to

-love with all that I am
----stand up for the poor and oppressed.
--love the people that are rejected in this world, because of the way they look, smell,live, or a crime they have committed.
------fight for the people that are forgotten and sick.

I know I am called to be among the poor, sick, dangerous, rejected people. I don't know where, but I know without a doubt that its my calling. God has made it clear to me throughout the conversations I have had with people who are poor, sick, dangerous, rejected, through the peace He gives me when I realize normally I would be scared, through the courage He gives me, where in other situations with friends I don't have, through the perserverance and strength that is given to me when I want to break down and cry.

I don't know many things, but God has made it clear why I am here or at least one reason I am here.

I know God's plans for me will only prosper me and will only bring good to me,
so with all that I am I will follow my God, who has given me peace, courage, perserverance, and strength when I by myself would be weak, scared, and anxious. I will follow my God who shows me truly what joy is when I see these people smiling, laughing, and crying because God equipped me and used me to love on these people and to show that I care. God thank you for this.

God I am yours, let my heart sing no other name, use me in anyway. Thank you God for this amazing life you have given me and for all the experiences and challenges that you have taken me through so far. I can't wait to continue this journey with you, until you bring me home to you.

Bring it on.

I don't even know where to start. This semester so far has been so so so challenging, but so so so good at the same time.

The school side of everything has been tiring, hard, and exhausting. When I first handed my syllabus for each class I would have never thought I would make it through the semester. But now almost to the end I have made it so far. God has been with me through every step. I had my first clinical this semester and I have smelt things that I didn't even know existed. I've gone on less than 3 hours of sleep countless times, but through it all I know I am called to be a nurse, and have gained so many encouraging loving friends going through the same thing.

Satan has been doing his best to bring me down all semester. Two weeks ago I had the worst the pain I have ever had, which ended up being a pinched nerve. Of course it was on one of my busiest weeks. I couldn't move, I couldn't get myself dressed, and I couldn't even cry because it hurt to much. Satan attacked quickly and with force, but I soon realized that he didn't have chance, he never has a chance. The friends God has blessed me with here at IWU were amazing, they became my mothers for the week and a half that I was helpless. I can't express how encouraging and loving they were. but Satan wasn't done yet. This week I got the stomach flu, which again laid me out, but God was there to hold me up and He again used my friends here to support and encourage me.

Satan has been attacking at St. Martin as well. Each time I go something seems to happen. Things have been said, things have been done, and things have occurred, which I know satan has been trying to use to scare me away and to discourage me and to stop me from going to St. Martin.

Finally, Satan has been attacking me personally, bringing up past things-- friendships - relationships- etc, stirring up new hurts- loneliness- abandonment- etc and trying to get me caught up in jealousy. But the truth is Satan has nothing on me. He has no power over me unless I give it to him. He has no grip in my life unless I open it up to him and let him dig his claws in, and at times I have let him in-- on multiple occasions. But God reigns over my life, He is in control of it, He guides my thoughts and my actions, and words. Its the times when I try to do it myself, to be strong by myself, to fight against satan by myself. I don't stand a chance that way. But when I put the armor of God on and lean on Him for courage, strength, hope, joy, peace, patience, love-- God, He always comes through 100%.

Through this all I have become comforted, because through every attack by Satan I have been strengthened in Christ. I have learned new lessons. I have grown and continue to grow. So all I have to say is,

Bring it on Satan. You don't stand a chance.

"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

- Ephesians 6:10-18

2 minute summary.

Stretched, broken, grown, strengthened.

Repeat.

this is the cycle I feel God has been leading me through lately.

Satan has been trying to distract me with past things. with emotional and physical pain.

giving me false feelings of loneliness and abandonment.

yet I am loved by a God who will never leave me and never stop loving me.

God has blessed me with true friends and shown me the ones that will always be there.

School has been crazy busy.Classes are hard. But fellow students and professors are supportive and loving.

Relationships at St.Martin are growing and strengthening. Satan has been trying to scare me away, but that is why I know God has me there.

this has been a 2 minute summary, a more detailed blog is coming. stay tuned.

"Let us inquire of God here"

Lately I have been studying and working my way through 1 Samuel! Its been awesome so far and I'm excited to study the rest! A couple nights ago I was reading through chapter 14. At one point Saul was meeting with his men discussing, when and how to attack the philistines next. The men were ready to follow Saul and his lead, but amongst all the craziness and discussing the pries stood up and said, "Let us inquire of God here.(NIV)" This struck me as soon as I read it.

Other translations say
"Let's ask God first"(NLT)
"Let us draw near to God here."(ESV)

It honestly was an eye-opener and wake up call from God. I asked myself, how many times have I been in a situation with a friend or trying to talk through things with a friend or whatever life has thrown at me and honestly thought that as humans we would have the wisdom, knowledge, etc to know what to do without asking God for guidance and wisdom to discern. Since being smacked in the face with this I have been praying for a desire and passion for prayer like I have never had before. I have prayed for courage to pray with friends from St. Martins, friends from home, and anyone else God leads me to pray with.

Thank you God for opening my eyes to something I need to work on. Thank you for listening and thank you for the answered prayers you have given me. Use me Lord through prayer to help reach out to people. Use me Lord for your will and not mine.

shoe the kids

Every year, the church I attend does a thing called shoe the kids. I've been going for 3 or 4 years or so. Every year its a great experience, I get to meet new people, pray with people, and see some awesome smiles on kids faces. I went into this year expecting the same thing, I never expected to be blown away by one little boy.

His name was Josiah.

He is in kindergarden.

As I was sitting in my chair waiting for my next kiddo to come up, I wasn't thinking about much, just questions I could ask to stir up conversation really. He approached shyly, dragging his feet, and plopping himself into the chair in front of me. I asked him a few questions like his name, grade, favorite animal, he answered all quietly and without very much excitement. I then asked him if he knew why he was there that day. He said not really.

I told him that he was going to be getting some new shoes. He perked up a little and looked me in the eyes and smiled a little. I then asked him if I could was his feet. He said, "my feet our dirty and gross, you don't wanna touch them." I can't get over how down this innocent little boy was, he was so beautiful, so precious. After he said their gross and dirty, I told him that the dirt on his feet didn't matter. I told him he is loved not only by the people around him right then, but by the God of the universe. As soon as God used me to speak those few words to this little boy named Josiah, he perked up completely and had a huge smile across his face. When he saw the shoes that he was going to receive, he started yelling" MOM MOM look at these awesome shoes!!!!! After putting the shoes on him, he gave me a hug and left. He came in dragging his feet, but he left running as quick as he could through the grass. To see him laughing and smiling ear to ear after receiving a pair of shoes, when I have 10 at least at home hit me hard. And how God used me to say a few words that people take for granted so often, brought tears to my eyes. Josiah you are loved.

I was humbled by this little boy who thought he wasn't good enough to get some new shoes. He encouraged me to run with everything I got through this life. Josiah will not be forgotten. and I pray that he remembers that he is loved.

we think we need it all, but do we really?

The world tell us that we need the newest technology, the newest fashion styles, "cool" friends, a boyfriend/girlfriend to fit into this world. To be comfortable, to be noticed. But do we really?

I have been blessed to become part of the family at St. Martin's Community Center in Marion,IN. These people who I have grown to love like my own family struggle with things that we don't even think about most of the time.

having a meal for the day. being warm at night. having the medicine to help their heart pain. having a full oxygen tank to provide a way for them to sleep without fearing to suffocate during the night. having to go home to a physically/mentally/sexually abusive home.

These are just a few of the things people at St. Martin's deal with. Half of the people walk to St. Martin's everyday to get a hot meal and some bread. Sunshine, rain, snow, whatever the weather they come. Its an eye-opening experience every time. I experience things that humble me each time I go, that make me cry when I get in my car, that make me realize how blessed I am.

I don't need new clothes every month, I don't need the coolest music, I don't need more makeup, I don't need anything because I already have more than any of the adults at St. Martin's. I spend my money on going to the movies, buying new cute clothes, coffee, whatever I want really, whatever makes me feel comfortable and like I will fit in more. But the more and more I go to St. Martin's and get to know these people better and become closer and closer to them I want less and less for me.


ITS NOT ABOUT ME.

Yes, this is a challenge to you. Do you really need all the clothes you buy? Do you need the newest technology to keep up with the world? Do you need that cup of coffee? Do you need to go see the same movie 3 times? Do you need to go to homecoming and prom? What can you give up to help someone else in need?

Jerry, Steve, Madeline, Connie, Nina, Pat, Ed, Tony, Bill, Doug, Carol, Sonny, George, Dwayne, Michael, Paul, these are just a few names of my family from St. Martin's. I love them more and more each time I get to see them and spend time with them. Don't look past people because of there looks, get to know them, get to know their hearts. We are so harsh on each other, but were called to love.

If your reading this I love you. Think about what you need. I guarantee you their are people in more need around you. Take time and listen.

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10


After finishing my first year of college and being away from home for a year, I expected to come home and have a crazy summer! A summer hanging with all my friends. Being asked to hang out everyday. Going on a lot of road trips. I personally love to hang out with friends, to be invited to do things, to be adventurous and outgoing, you might even say I yearn for it. Well after being home for a week, I realized that my summer was not going to be like that at all.

I've always read this verse and heard people talk about it, and "tried" to act it out in my life, but my trying of it before this summer was pathetic in all honesty. The same week I realized that my summer wasn't going to be full of crazy late nights and constantly doing something with friends, I read this verse again. Thats when God opened my eyes that this summer was going to be about being still and realizing how great and amazing our God is, that I was going to learn and remember how God has impacted my life in even the smallest ways I don't pay attention to or give thanks to Him for.

I struggled with this A LOT in the beginning. It seemed like as soon as I realized what God was calling me to for this summer, people started asking me to hang out and do things at the exact same time. I can't tell you how many countless times I wanted to go do things and be out late and spend money when God was telling me No, be still and know who I am.

Through learning to be still ,because trust me it takes time to learn and adapt to being still in this world that we live in, I have grown more and more and more in love with God, and at the same time I have felt His love like I have never felt it before. Through being still I have had more time to spend with my family, which honestly in the past I haven't been that good at. I have spent tons of days with my little sister Rachael, Mom, and Dad and I now realize that through being still God has been bonding and strengthening our family. Do we still get in fights and argue and mess up , YES everyday, but I know that we are closer then we have ever been before. Through being still God has healed me of many hurts. He has strengthened me in many aspects of life. He has opened my eyes to how precious prayer is and how intimate it is.

This summer I haven't hung with people a ton, yes I have done some fun things, but this summer I grew in God, I have been still and will continue to be to know our God better. I have a trust and love for God that has elevated and I know that through time, prayer, serving, experiences, and dying to myself and putting other first I will grow more and more and I can't wait to see where God leads me in this amazing journey with Him.

"BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."- PSALM 46:10

Search me. Lead me.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting."

Psalm 139:23-24


I read this passage a month ago and it has been my prayer since. I am praying for God to show me my faults through lessons, experiences, and friends. He has shown me things and I have tried my best to correct them and live for Him alone. I yearn for God to show me the steps I need to take in the way I live my life. I don't want things of this world to teach me to yearn for things of this world. I want God to teach me to yearn and desire for Him, and Him alone. I am human , I mess up everyday, God knows when I have messed up, when I do mess up, and when I will mess up. I am praying for God to continue to stretch me and grow me in my faith, for Him to show me my faults and for Him to lead me in this life I have been blessed with.

From college back to Noblesville.

Coming back from college, has definitely been a tough thing to adjust to. I came back to the all the crazy high schoolers, old hurts were revitalized, i've realized a lot of things that I need to work on, I now don't have a small group, it seems as if most of my friends have reformed the people who they hang out with. I don't feel like I belong anymore, but of course im not suppose to be "apart" of the youth group, but then again I feel that I am. Its a tough place. I'm really not sure where I belong in Noblesville, IN anymore. I know God is moving and stirring my heart, but the fullness of life that I was feeling in college has faded away. I miss my family in the inner city of Marion, and constantly pray for them. I cannot explain to you how happy I was when I was walking the streets in Marion, hanging with my family in the ghetto.

One thing I do know is that there are things so much more important than hanging with friends, having a boyfriend, being "cool". I feel that this world is spiraling downwards quickly, and yet i get so frustrated when people are focused on the newest fashion, the coolest applications, the hottest, newest whatever. IT DOESN'T MATTER, in comparison to what were called to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are people who don't know Christ, who are hurting from things far more serious and scary than having a hurt heart, or whatever situation it is. I'm praying for God to give me strength to endure the hurt and to not let it hinder me, like it has been. If I have hurt you in anyway please know that I love you and care for you. I am sorry for whatever I have done to hurt you in anyway.


I DIE FIRST

yo

WOW! life is going by way to fast. I have soo many thing going on in my life, in my head, and in my heart right now. I'm quickly wrapping up my first year of college which is crazy! I look back and remember thinking im never going to be smart enough for any of this and look where God has brought me. Truly all the glory is His, if it weren't for Him giving me endurance, patience, wisdom, and focus during this school year I wouldn't be entering the nursing school.( still waiting on my finalized acceptance!!!!!) I have made so many wonderful friends throughout this year, and God has moved in me and stirred things in my heart that I never realized were there. Over the year, my relationship with Christ has been strengthened and build up. I use to run to people for comfort first and hope that they could help me and comfort me, but in reality all people are struggling with some aspect of life. This year it smacked me in the face that God is the person I should first be running to, even though deep down I've known it all along ( i was just to selfish to face the facts). My wanting to fit into this world has faded and I am content with who Christ made me, I don't want the expensive clothes anymore or new phones, I don't want people's approval or gratitude, I just want to glorify God with my actions, words, and thoughts.

God has stirred a passion for broken people who are struggling with addictions and other problems while living in an inner city. I have experienced situations that made me rely on God for safety and every time He has come through. I have ate lunch with prostitutes, drug dealers, and child molesters. I have walked the streets in Marion and experienced drug deals, gang tension, and men coming to pick up a prostitute. I have had the chance to pray with people and just to listen to their life stories and the horrible things that they endure. God has flourished a love and passion for these people and I look forward to continuing my relationships with them.

I have gotten involved with a group called Viva Voce !! check it out!! -- http://breakthechainsmarion.blogspot.com/ . We are a group of college aged students making a stand against human trafficking and raising awareness in the community and throughout the city of Marion and hopefully to other cities.

God has blessed beyond my deepest beliefs, but of course our God would go above and beyond. Its crazy to think this is just the beginning of my life, IM SOOOO PUMPED TO FOLLOW GOD WHEREVER HE LEADS ME ON THIS AMAZING JOURNEY!!!!

Now over the year I have also been healing from relationships and things I didn't protect my heart on, and God has come through yet again! I still struggle every once and a while but now I find myself opening my Bible a lot quicker than I use to. God has been laying more things on my heart lately pertaining to raising money for a cause and also an idea that is huge, but I'm not sure where God will lead it, but through prayer and listening I know God will make it clear. Well this is a very scattered brained update on my life, but hey thats me. yoyoyo I LOVE JESUS , peace out brothers and sisters! love you all!!:)

Breaking the Chains

Human Trafficking is everywhere.

Men, Women, and Children are kidnapped from their homes and then sold into sex slavery.

Human trafficking is modern day slavery.




Over 27 million people are enslaved in the world today.

50% of the victims of sex trafficking are children.



It is hidden. It is horrendous.

People need to know what is going on, awareness needs to be raised.

This past saturday, God moved and awareness was raised.

A group of IWU students put together a free block party with live music, a bmx bike show, moon houses, kids games, food vendors, human trafficking organizations, and more.

During the day event I was approached by people from the community asking for prayer and help. People were opening up and God was their working and guiding our words and actions. A movement has begun here in Marion, Indiana and I can't see to where God takes us.

A night event was also put on, where the top expert on human trafficking Laura Lederer spoke, and helped us raise awareness and also gave us ways to help put a stop to it. Throughout the night we had live music, coffee, desserts, a silent auction, and other speakers (victims of human trafficking and other organizations). As were still calculating the total amount raised to go towards building a safe house in Marion and one in Cambodia, we know that the events were a great success due to God's greatness.

The movement has begun and were praying for it to spread across this country and this world. If you would like to support our movement you can buy one of the t-shirts which are sweeeet or make a straight donation. And of course please be praying for this movement as God spreads it throughout this world.

God bless

obsessed.

I've have been going through this book Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Although I started it over a month ago I am still in the process of reading. After reading a chapter I have taken weeks to chew and digest all the stuff that is thrown at me. I'm absolutely loving this book so far, but I have been stuck on a chapter for over two weeks now, reading and rereading it continuously. Journaling about it, talking about it with friends here at school, and now blogging about it.

The chapter is called Profile of the Obsessed, it has caused me to do a lot of self evaluating about how I am acting in my life and what I am following. The chapter talks about different characteristics that people can have whether pointed towards things or people of this world or towards our awesome God. I'm gonna give you a little summary from each section so you can get a little taste.

Lovers <3

If we only love the people who are nice to us or love us back, we aren't following what god has called us to.

Luke 6:35 says, " But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back."

We can't choose who we love, God didn't pick and choose between us. He loves us all than we can ever imagine. We are called to love the prostitutes, the broken, the sick, the poor, the molesters.

"True faith is loving a person after they have hurt you. True love makes you stand out." - Francis Chan

"People who are obsessed with Jesus give freely and openly, without censure. Obsessed people love those who hate them and who can never love them back."

-Crazy Love

Risk Takers-

We often pray for safety when taking trips, but I want to start praying "God bring me closer to You during this trip, whatever it takes.." Who knows what God can do when we start praying this and taking risks for Him. I want to be uncomfortable for Christ, especially if it means growing closer to Him and bringing others closer to Him.

"People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress."

-Crazy Love

Friends of All-

"People who are obsessed with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. Obsessed people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him."

-Crazy Love

Crazy Ones-

For me I sometimes get to caught up in what other people think. Who am I kidding a lot of times, especially when God is calling me to do something crazy and out of the ordinary, but why? What else in this world is going to benefit me more than what God is calling me to? Thats right! NOTHING!!!!! I want to make crazy steps for Christ.

"Obsessed people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected or fulfilling the status quo. A person who is obsessed with Jesus will do things that don't always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this earth. As Martin Luther puts it, "There are two days on my calendar: this day and that day."

-Crazy Love

The Humble-

Oh how pride sneaks into our lives as we let it. We don't deserve any of the glory yet I know for me I find myself somehow getting the glory when I do not have any right to be receiving any type of glory. I don't want to split the glory half and half: some for me and some for God. No He needs to get it all.

"A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. Obsessed people know that you can never be "humble enough" and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known."- Crazy Love

Servers-

"People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people."- Crazy Love

Givers-

"People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world." - Crazy Love

Sojourners-

"A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what here in front of them."

-Crazy Love

The Engrossed-

I choose to put God first in my life, above all things and all people. With God first I know I can have a bigger impact.

"A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being." - Crazy Love

Unguarded Ones-

Vulnerability. God already knows all, and yet I still try to hide things from Him. Seems pretty dumb doesn't it. I need to work on my vulnerability with God. I know I can be real with Him and He won't judge me, He will love me the same always forever.

"People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask their ugliness of their sins or their failures. Obsessed people don't put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace."- Crazy Love

The Rooted-

Two questions that stuck with me: " How much money is spent on yourself, and how much is directed toward God's kingdom?" and "How much of your time is dedicated to pursuing your life and your goals, and how much is focused on God's work and purposes?"

"People who are obsessed with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God's word throughout the day because they know that forty minutes on sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole wee, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages." - Crazy Love

The Dedicated-

" A person who is obsessed with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God." - Crazy Love

Sacrificers-

"A person who is obsessed with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his life., continually saying, "Thank You!!" to God. An obsessed person knows there can never be intimacy if he is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his role a child and friend of God." - Crazy Love

WOOOO! I know that is a ton of information and I'm sure you can see why I have been thinking about this over the past couple of weeks!!

But seriously think about it, What if we lived our lives in an obsession with Christ, as person who is obsessed with Jesus!! What difference would that make in the world if we lived this way.

I am going to strive with all my might to live a life of a person who is obsessed with JESUS!! I know I will stumble and mess up, but if I can be a brighter light in this world for Christ I am going to go for it with everything that I have.

obsessed: To have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.

I am obsessed with Jesus and I am going to try my best to live to show that I am obsessed with Christ.

God bless

Steve

A few months ago I began going to St. Martin's Community Center, in the inner city of Marion. St. Martin's is a food pantry, thrift store, and soup kitchen which provides much needed necessities of life to many of the people of Marion who can't afford them. When starting their I was told that I would encounter prostitutes, drug dealers, homeless, abusers, alcoholics, and other people struggling with aspects of life. I will admit I was a little nervous about starting, but I knew God had led me to St. Martin's for a reason.

The first day I started serving at St. Martin's I was watched and observed by most people as they were kinda trying to figure me out, but I was approached by one man and his name is Steve. Steve is a BIG guy, he has been an alcoholic for over 6 years, and is quite intimidating when he starts to run at you. He wears a bike helmet almost all the time and a big winter coat. Steve and I had a rough start, but after addressing some limits and lines that he can't cross we have become good friends.

Whenever Steve walks into the community center you know it. He has a loud, deep voice that echoes in the community center. We always share laughs and have conversations, some of our conversations are just goofy, some about how our weeks are going, and sometimes I even get to talk about Jesus with him. Steve tells me over and over that he is broken and there is nothing in life for him besides alcohol. I have tried talking to Steve about how Jesus can fill the voids in his life and how with Jesus in his life, he could feel whole and be whole. Each conversation I have with Steve we take teeny, tiny baby steps, but they are steps. As he begins to trust me more, the more he opens up with me. I may not be the one to lead Steve to Christ, but I pray and hope that I am planting seeds, for God to use in amazing ways.

I care for Steve, I hurt with Steve, I pray for Steve, I can even say I love Steve. I can tell he is going through a battle, a trial in life, but I know God will be victorious. Steve can call me his woman as many times as he wants, he can cuss in front of me as much as he wants, he can talk about how drunk he was the night before and I will still love him I just pray that one day he comes to know Christ and that he knows that others care and love him. Steve is a child of Christ just like you and I, he isn't on a lower level because he is an alcoholic or because he wears the same thing everyday or because he comes to a community center. Steve is a middle-aged man, friend, and brother, and I know God has a plan for him.

(sorry if i rambled)

God bless :)

deactivation.

Last week I decided to deactivate facebook. When I told some people, I got reactions like... " are you crazy", "why in the world would you do that", "well thats stupid". I got a nice little laugh at all the reactions of people. The reasoning behind my so called "madness" is that facebook was becoming a major distraction in my life and more importantly in my walk with Christ. I would find myself constantly getting onto facebook and spending way to much time just looking at a computer screen. (how in the world is staring at a computer screen glorifying God) Another thing that lead me to turn off the ole' facebook was a close friend that also decided to deactivate facebook, she said something that stuck with me until I turned it off.

She said "I found myself saying that I can't live without facebook and thats when I knew I needed a major break from facebook."

I'm not saying facebook is a horrible invention, its actually a great one. It can connect you with distant friends and remind you of birthdays and let you share pictures with everyone. But at the same time at least for me, it caused jealousy in certain situations, it caused hurt when I wasn't invited to events or was left out. Facebook can cause trivial little fights that are over the dumbest things. I have been gossiped about on facebook on peoples walls for the whole world to see. Facebook is one of the things that is taking over the world. I can't sit in the coffee shop here at school without hearing someone talk about something on facebook, actually pretty much wherever I go I here about facebook. I just think we need to spend less time talking about what we saw on facebook or what was posted and spend more time talking about Christ and reaching the lost.

I'm not saying you should follow my lead and deactivate facebook, but for me it was a necessity at least for a while. I need to heal from somethings in the past that got stirred up on facebook, I need to get my priorities straight, I need to put all my focus on God and not have a secular escape. But at the same time you may want to pray about how much you are on facebook, what are your priorities, and is facebook actually benefitting you more than it is distracting you?

God bless :)

Laid on my heart..

First off, welcome to my blog folks. I've been considering starting blogging and tonight I made my decision. I'm a normal 19 year old girl with a passion to serve Christ and to give Him all the glory, honor, and praise. Christ is my everything and I live to love Him and the people around me. Hope you enjoy my future blogs as God works in my life and I continue my journey with Him.

A couple of weeks ago I felt lead to make a list, a list of things that I felt had been laid on my heart by God. I'm not even sure if I am suppose to complete all these things, but as I was writing I knew there was and is a purpose for them. I truly believe that God has laid many of these on my heart to accomplish, some may be by myself while others will involve working alongside my fellow brothers and sisters. Our God works in amazing ways as many of you already know, I'm so excited to see where God leads me with these precious tasks He has laid on my heart.

"With human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26

Time to Go:

~ raise money for a cause

~ hot chocolate, bibles, cheeseburgers in an inner city or downtown indy

~ orphanage for special needs kids wherever God leads me*******

~ help repair houses in marion

~ international internship in the mission field (panama, mexico, africa??)

~ build relationships at st.martin's (check!! praise JESUS)

~ study abroad

~ simplify my life

~ fast more often

As I continue this journey that God is leading me on I ask that you keep me in your prayers. May God bless you all:) :)