challenging me.

So tonight is my last night living here in E.L with some of the greatest people Ive ever met. What a blessing it was to spend the summer here.

...What a summer for change...for the better. I think i have grown so much as a person, and especially as a Christian. I really cant believe or really come to explain how I feel or what I have experienced. Living in EL was possibly one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have challenged myself in so many aspects of my life. Confessions, stories, jobs, bible readings, the meaning of listening, understanding Gods love, meeting new people, peace, grace, community, and so on and so on. I am looking forward to this continued growth in Christ and developing closer relationships with the people I hung out with this summer.

I was sharing with someone how amazing it was that occasional nights we all sat around and the TV was NEVER turned on. At school, I don't think I ever experienced this. And the intimate conversations I had with people I have never really got to know, and sharing thoughts I have kept hidden and feeling the love form anyone and everyone. Its amazing how my eyes have just opened to the world and kinda like I am truly seeing it for the first time. My thoughts have changed into a christian-er direction. I could go on. I can truly see what it means to share Gods love and experience His love. And what it means to live a life for God.

Granted, I am still struggling with may other things, but I have come so far.

I am so grateful God introduced me to these experiences, and I look forward to whats in store for this new chapter. I am in the process of moving to a house in Mason/Okemos with 3 girls I dont really know. I am super excited to see what I learn about myself and to create new friendships, get closer to God, and see where God takes me. :)

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Eccl 4:9-12

I praise God for the people in my life who kept me warm, picked me up when Id fall, wiped tears off my cheeks, jumped for joy with my blessings, and listened to my frustrations.

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. -Proverbs 24:16

.. but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -Isaiah 40:31