God's Surprises and Blessings

As I sit here looking back on this last week, I am in awe of the Lord once again. I was really nervous about being around people from my past because I didn’t know how it was going to go. I was also scared to be the one in charge of these kids, never being a counselor at camp before, let alone be the honorary Children’s Pastor for the week. Lol. But, as soon as I got there, God gave me confidence, boldness and peace. I knew I could handle it. I knew God had put me in this position for a reason, and I walked in full trust and faith in HIM.

This week I was transported back to my childhood as I saw these familiar places that made me feel at home. Never once did I feel like I didn’t belong, or that those people from my past judged me or looked at me differently. If anything they saw me as who I am now, and as an equal. Not only did I remember what it was like to be the kid going to kids camp and finding an understanding of God and who He is, and HOW MUCH he LOVES us, but my heart was full of emotions and eyes brought to tears as I saw these young kids worshipping the Lord. Especially seeing the kids we brought opening up to God. It took a couple days but once Wednesday hit, they were raising their hands and connecting.

What an amazing thing to see, and be reminded of. I saw myself in the girls that I got to spend my week with. The silliness and fun time attitude they had, was much like me when I was a kid at camp. I personally was blessed to have met some awesome friends that I hope I will have for a long time. First there was Rachel who I met the second day, we had so many things in common and acted like one another so much people started calling us twins. She is amazing and I miss her already. Secondly Abbey. She was the counselor of the girls we shared our cabin with. She’s the Children’s pastor at her church and we got along so well. She was a blessing to me throughout the week, I am so glad I met her! She’s amazing! I also met some other people that made my week joyful and fun!

But the most important thing this week, is that I got to witness and see God move in the lives of many young children, and I’m sure all the counselors and leaders there were as blessed as I was as we watched this younger generation find the Lord and get closer to Him in a way they never have before. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be a part of this and I can’t wait to see what you did in the lives of the High school kids at youth camp! I stand in awe of your love and plans once again!

Happiness In All Shapes and Sizes

 I cannot begin to explain or express how much God is doing and showing me here. Whether it’s through the day in and day out of being an intern, or the special gifts He has given me. I am so blessed and lucky to have been able to come here not knowing anyone except Pastor Morgan and Anthony, not expecting to fit or feel like I belong, but after being here for just a month, I feel like I’m at home. God has given me amazing friends who I know I will have for life. These girls are amazing and we have so much fun together. I constantly feel like I am with my best friends hanging out. Not just with the girls but the group of staffers who have become my close friends, just hanging out and laughing and having fun is 
always an awesome time.

Last night, we went to the beach and just had a blast! I was so excited to be at the beach again after a LONG time! They were laughing at my excitement. But, I always feel like I’m with my friends every day. We’re just so tight in such a short amount of time, I feel like this is my second home! So God has just blessed me so much in that, but also in the ministry aspect of things. Not only am I doing youth ministry, but I was asked to take the younger children, to kids camp. There was only about 5 kids going, with no adult or pastor to go with them, so Pastor Morgan asked me too. I’ll admit at first the thought of “kids” scared me. For those that know me, know that there’s a reason my concentration is YOUTH ministry *wink*

But, I pushed aside my fear and realized this wasn’t about me, it’s about these kids going to camp and learning about their relationship with God and others. So, after talking to a couple people, getting advice, I leave for camp on Monday with a different focus. Not being afraid, but standing firm knowing this was God’s plan for me all along and I’m just following HIS steps. I gave God my summer to do what HE wants with me, and I guess this was part of His plan. So I’m gearing myself up for an amazing time at kids camp and whatever God has for me there. I feel like every single day God is teaching me something about ministry or about myself, or HIM who is in me, and for me. 

On another note, God gave my family and I a special gift this past week. My parents FINALLY got a check from the disability company as their case is finally settled. Which means life is becoming normal for us all once again. We have our cell phones back, they have money to take care of all the bills that were close to go going to collections, and if they get the bigger check for my dad’s retirement, they will be able to buy another car so 

I can have my car at school next year! Even though it was a LONG road, and we all felt hopeless at times and wondering where God was in this, He was working the entire time. God’s timing is ALWAYS perfect and He is ALWAYS working for us in our favor. We all are blessed beyond compare at God’s faithfulness to us in our life. He got us through the biggest storm we’ve had to face as a family and we all are thankful it’s over and are looking towards what the future is gonna hold for all us as a family unit. Thank you Lord for all you are doing and continue to do in my life personally and the lives of those that I love so dearly! You are worthy of my praise and devotion!