Encouragement

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Living by Faith

Pushing through when you’re tired is hard. 

This was my first real day of having to keep moving forward when what I wanted to do was take a nap. 

Everything is going well, but some days take more out of you than others. 

It’s always weird, though, when you experience your first long day in a new place. 

And that’s where being focused helps you out. 

The whys keep you motivated because not every day will be a picnic. 

This is the reason Christians must learn to live by faith and not feelings. 

My feelings are all over the place; my faith has not moved. 

Because here’s what keeps me excited: 

I’m learning so much and it’s barely been 2 weeks! Every day I wake up so thankful to be walking the halls at Rhema. 

Living by faith and not feelings means seeing through a tough situation–in my case it was a long day–to the plan of God unfolding around me. 

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Future Rockstar?

I spent the afternoon wandering around the mall with my friend Nichole. 

There were a TON of people at Woodland Hills Mall! I even got stuck in some traffic. This is the first time I’ve sat in traffic since moving. 

It was fun to window shop, though, and I even rode a hover board.

Not sure I’m ready for a future of hover boarding…it’s just better for me to stay on the ground. 

Nichole and I then drove over to Mardel, a Christian bookstore. Our friend Andrew lives close to there, so he joined us. 

The three of us talked  about books and had a great time getting to know each other more. 

Andrew wanted to go into The Guitar Store. He showed us around and played a Fender Strat. 

I’ve always wanted to play the guitar, but today Andrew encouraged me to play  a bass guitar. 

I tried one out and it really fits me much better than a regular guitar!

I almost bought one, too! (It was only $16o.)

Don’t worry. I fought the impulse. 

This is not a decision to make on a whim, but it got me excited about learning how to play again. 

Who knows? Maybe you’re following the blog of a future rockstar? 

Not!

Future rockstar or not, my Saturday was awesome. It was fun to hang out with friends. 

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Fun Family Visit

I had a good time visiting with my dad, stepmom, and the kids today.  

They came to town for a funeral and we spent Monday night and Tuesday afternoon together. 

Our friends, Tim and Carolyn Clark, ate dinner with us on Monday night and then spent spent time with us before they headed to the airport. 

When the Clarks left, us adults hung out and talked before surprising the kids with a trip to the movie theater to see Kung Fu Panda 3. 

After the movie, we enjoyed a quiet dinner followed by more talking and some family worship around the piano. 

I was sad as I said goodbye to everyone. 

However, I know in my heart that I’m supposed to be at Rhema. Tulsa, Oklahoma is my home for now, and I am excited about all that is ahead of me. 

This knowledge doesn’t make me any less sad–I miss my family and friends back  in Alabama–but it definitely helps me keep going in the midst of bittersweet moments. 

I came home at the end of the visit and looked around at my new reality, the path that is mine and mine alone to walk. 

Good things are ahead. 

I am so thankful to God for this journey. 

And I am so thankful for family and friends who encourage me to go on great adventures with God. 

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5 good reasons

Today, I just want to give thanks. Here are 5 things I am thankful for:

1. The opportunity to go to Rhema. 

Being able to sit in a classroom and learn more about the things of God is an honor. 

2. My new job. 

Working for Wisdom Ministries is such a blessing. I am getting a lot of great experience in how administration within a ministry operated AND the opportunity to learn more as an editor. 

3. My home. 

I live with the sweetest couple who have done nothing but encourage me. It’s nice to come home here. 

4. The Holy Spirit.

 A year ago, I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. My relationship with God is so much richer now. I’m not sure what many of you guys believe about the subject, but I know that my life has changed for the better and that God has made this gift available to all Christians who ask for it. 

5. This blog. 

I can’t believe that this blog is finally more than an idea in my head! The chance to grow as a writer and to document all that I’m learning as a 25 year old is not something I take lightly. 

And now here’s where you get to tell me what you’re thankful for. I want to celebrate all the blessings in your life along with you. 

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The Overcommitment Trap

It is really easy to overcommit, especially if you’re a person like me. 

I want to help people. 

I want to encourage them in all of their endeavors. 

I want to not say no…

And here is the rub: I can’t say yes to everything. 

Overcommitting stresses you out and it guarantees that your best intentions will fall short because of other spinning plates. 

So, how do you keep yourself from overcommitting?

By keeping your priorities straight. 

My first priority is being a student at Rhema. 

I didn’t move out to Tulsa, Oklahoma for any other reason. There’s nothing wrong with helping, volunteering, and working–I just can’t lose my focus. 

Everything else I do can’t take away from my training or else I’m missing out on why I came. 

I’m primarily reminding myself of these truths tonight because I have already been tempted to overcommit.

Though, I hope my personal reminder will encourage you to make wise choices with your time as well. 

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Thankful for Provision

I am blessed. 

I am blessed. 

I am blessed!

God blesses His children. Period. 

And today He reminded me of His loving provision in a mighty way:

The school called me at work and told me that my tuition is taken care of! An anonymous donor called the school on my behalf. 

Talk about a reason to praise God! That’s all I’ve done since getting the news. 

I am thankful for God’s provision. 

I am thankful for the genorisity of the donor. 

On my drive home, I prayed for the donor and asked the Lord to bless he or she in a special way. 

I know that He will. 

We’re learning in our classes that God honors faith and every step of my journey to Tulsa has been a step of faith. 

Praise God for the journey!

Praise God for friends and family who support that journey! 

Here’s my question to you, my friends:

What step of faith do you need to take?

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Turkey Sandwich Fellowship

I had the opportunity to eat lunch with a few friends today. 

After a full day of classes, we had church over soup and sandwiches!

One of my favorite things to see is how God is moving in the lives of others. 

Our God is so faithful!

He speaks to each of our hearts in a way that keeps us walking in the right direction. 

My friend shared with us a revelation that is, to me, one of the best revelations God shares: Our identity in Christ. 

I remember how sweet that revelation was in my own life–an abandoned and rejected child who just needed to know God’s love was for real and for her. 

So, I rejoiced with my friend and encouraged her to learn as much as she could about her identity in Christ. 

Fellowship in the Word takes place in many forms, but I’m thankful for my lunchtime feast. 

My turkey sandwich has never tasted better!

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Learning from Friends

I can’t wait to learn more about my classmates!

During spring orientation, I made it a point to introduce myself to every spring student. There were around 35-40 first year spring students, so it wasn’t too hard of a task. 

Now all of the first year students are together…

It might take me a bit longer to introduce myself to everyone else, but that’s my goal before the end of the semester. 

I’ve heard many stories already and each one is amazing. 

It’s my hope that maybe (crossing my fingers now) some of my friends will let me tell you their stories on the blog. 

Their personal testimonies are powerful as well as inspirational. 

On top of all the classes, my newfound friends are also teaching me a lot about faith. 

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Training for a dream

I received my class schedule and ID badge. Classes start on Monday!

Pastor Hagin spoke to us via video on passing the baton. He encouraged us to dream big and really use our time at Rhema to prepare for that dream. 

The excitement has been building all week, so now I just can’t wait to get into my classes. 

I walked away from orientation more determined than ever to spend time dreaming and writing out goals. 

I also walked away with a strong desire to be an encouragement to my fellow classmates by offering my prayers and my support concerning their dreams. 

We’re all in the same family, right? 

It’s important to encourage each other in our dreams because those dreams spread the gospel and advance the Kingdom of God. 

Let the training begin!

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BFFs and such

One of my best friends lives in Canada. She’s actually more like my sister, which is awesome because I always wanted a big sister growing up. 

You know the cliche that friends are the family that you choose?

I wholeheartedly believe it to be true because I have a small group of friends who have become my family. 

We’ve weathered many storms together and I know who to call whenever I need prayer. 

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know my personal stance on the idea of doing life alone:Just don’t do it!

We need family. 

We need friends. 

We need a community. 

The Bible says that loners rage against all sound wisdom. 

I’m so blessed to have great friends. The Lord has always put people on my path to encourage me and challenge me towards spiritual growth. 

Friendship matters. And all of the cliches and warnings from your elders are true. 

You really do become like the people you hang around.