We all have a purpose. What is that purpose? Sometimes it takes a while to figure out. It's hard to seek God in the troubling times and know that he has a purpose and a plan for your life. I'm going through that time right now. I want to think that I have life under control and that my plan is great, but when I compare my plan to God's plan (if that's possible), it is minuscule. God's plan is far greater than anything we can imagine. Just last night God spoke to my heart and worked in lives in ways that I could only dream of happening. He's been working in us for so long that we wonder why things don't just hurry up and happen already. Well, it's all in His timing. His timing is far greater than ours too. When He works, mountains crumble. Things in our life that we often let establish what our relationships with others and with Him look like, are insignificant to the plan and purpose He has for our lives.
In April 2010, I was reunited with a friend from elementary school. Lauren is two years younger than me and followed me around. When she made color guard, I was so excited to get to know her and see the person she had become. All summer I got the opportunity to get close to her and invited her to my cell group (which is basically a discussion group with the purpose of seeing what God says about the things we deal with in life and taking the opportunity to share with others with the hope that they will come to know our God as their personal Lord and Savior.) Back to the story...in September of that year, I was able to share the gospel and my testimony with Lauren. She said she had some questions so we met the next morning in my car before school. I'll never forget the conversation we had and the excitement I had for her when she became my sister in Christ. It is such a beautiful thing. Indescribable.
Exactly a year later, I got a call from Lauren that she was able to share with one of our friends on guard, Jordann. OKAY. God is doing amazing things. This is exactly how a cell group was designed (to reach your friends so they can reach others). It's a domino effect. This has nothing to do with what I said to Lauren or what she said to Jordann. This is God using us as instruments for HIS glory.
Yesterday, I got a call from her saying that her mom rededicated her life to Christ at Lauren's cell group. WHAT? God is STILL doing amazing things. He doesn't stop. Sometimes it's hard to see what He has planned, but I can guarantee you that it is life-changing and you and I definitely can't make it happen on our own. That is what we have to realize. Life is not about us. Life is about living for Him and giving Him the glory in all that we do.
I say all this to ask you: What is your purpose? You may not know and that's okay. What is not okay is being okay with not knowing ever. Seek God. Trust that He has something great for your life. He will guide you and you will begin to see all the great things He has in store for you. When we seek God, we will be aware of the things that are happening right now in our lives that we've complicated.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
A Fresh Start.
I honestly thought this would never happen, but here it is. I'm transferring to Fayetteville at semester. I just got my acceptance letter! There are many reasons behind this so I won't go on and on about it, but I'm really excited. I never looked at any university other than UCA and when I went up to Fayetteville earlier this month, I fell in love. Maybe I needed to be in Conway for this semester to figure something out. I'm not sure, but I do know that God has a plan for everything and me being here wasn't anything short of his plan.
Regardless, I'm going to be attending the University of Arkansas in January! This means several things. I can't live on campus because I have too many hours. Between studying and classes, I am apartment hunting. I also have no roommate as of now, but we'll see how that works out. I don't have any furniture either! BUMMER! Over Christmas break I'm going to auctions and other sales with my grandparents to get some cheap wooden furniture. Since it's obviously not going to match, I'm painting it all black and sanding the edges for a distressed look. Yes...this might end up as a summer project when it's not freezing cold and when I'll have money, but we'll see! :) I'm keeping my hopes up! The artsy part is the one thing I'm most excited for. I have several ideas on what I want the apartment to look like (no, they aren't super expensive ideas. You have to remember: I'm a broke college student!)
God has something in mind. I'm not sure what just yet, but I know He wouldn't have me move 3 hours away for no reason! I can't wait to seek God and see what He has in store for my life in Fayetteville. I am a little afraid about living by myself in a completely foreign place, but I have several friends up there. We'll be having some sleep overs :) I never thought I'd end up in Fayetteville, but I love Northwest Arkansas and that's my new home! I thank God for the direction I've received! Get ready Fayetteville! :)
Regardless, I'm going to be attending the University of Arkansas in January! This means several things. I can't live on campus because I have too many hours. Between studying and classes, I am apartment hunting. I also have no roommate as of now, but we'll see how that works out. I don't have any furniture either! BUMMER! Over Christmas break I'm going to auctions and other sales with my grandparents to get some cheap wooden furniture. Since it's obviously not going to match, I'm painting it all black and sanding the edges for a distressed look. Yes...this might end up as a summer project when it's not freezing cold and when I'll have money, but we'll see! :) I'm keeping my hopes up! The artsy part is the one thing I'm most excited for. I have several ideas on what I want the apartment to look like (no, they aren't super expensive ideas. You have to remember: I'm a broke college student!)
God has something in mind. I'm not sure what just yet, but I know He wouldn't have me move 3 hours away for no reason! I can't wait to seek God and see what He has in store for my life in Fayetteville. I am a little afraid about living by myself in a completely foreign place, but I have several friends up there. We'll be having some sleep overs :) I never thought I'd end up in Fayetteville, but I love Northwest Arkansas and that's my new home! I thank God for the direction I've received! Get ready Fayetteville! :)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Still Learning: Trusting is Hard
Right now I'm going through a phase where I have no idea what to do. I have no idea what will happen next fall or even next semester. I have big decisions to make. These decisions could change what I had planned for the next 4 years. A little over a month ago I would have been most excited about going to China on a mission trip this coming summer. For the past two weeks, I've had different feelings regarding the trip. From the very beginning I asked God to point me in the right direction and that his will be done. Right now I think it was me who chose China. I wanted to go BUT what did God want? What does He want?
Over the past few months I've been dealing with different obstacles and have learned to trust God. I don't think trusting God is something a person can ever master. I think there will always be more room for improvement. Trusting God, in my opinion, is a continual process. It is something that I can always use more work at. We could all use a little more work in that area I'm sure.
What is holding you back? I know I'm a very selfish person. I'll admit it. What I want has often been put before what God wants for my life. I can't express how guilty I feel about that, but I know that God forgives.
Don't dwell on feeling guilty because that won't get you anywhere. Instead, push on to improve in whatever area needs improving.
Over the past few months I've been dealing with different obstacles and have learned to trust God. I don't think trusting God is something a person can ever master. I think there will always be more room for improvement. Trusting God, in my opinion, is a continual process. It is something that I can always use more work at. We could all use a little more work in that area I'm sure.
What is holding you back? I know I'm a very selfish person. I'll admit it. What I want has often been put before what God wants for my life. I can't express how guilty I feel about that, but I know that God forgives.
Don't dwell on feeling guilty because that won't get you anywhere. Instead, push on to improve in whatever area needs improving.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Trust in Him for EVERYTHING
It's been a while since my last post. Over the past couple weeks I've been really busy with everything going on in college. I've tried to manage everything myself. This week I looked at my calendar for October and wondered how I could ever get through it. The question really was "How can I do this...by myself?" No, I didn't realize that I was thinking that, but I really was. The truth is, there is no way I could ever accomplish anything this month without God. I've never been so freaked out about anything in my life. SO MANY MIDTERMS AND DEADLINES. Through my devotions the past couple days, God has just showed me that I CAN'T do ANYTHING. At least not on my own. Why do I even try? I'm independent which sometimes kicks me around when it comes to my relationship with God.
I've realized this week that I can't count on myself to amount up to anything or try to accomplish anything without God. I have to be reminded this a lot it seems. This realization process started Tuesday night at the College worship service. During the response time, there were cards at the front that said "God, I trust you..." Through this new chapter of my life, there have been many changes. I HAVE to trust God with everything. He has a plan. "For I know the plans I have for you,"says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 If I trust in God, he will provide. He will bring me through the difficult times. HE WILL.
What in your life are you afraid to give to God because you want to handle it yourself or you don't want anyone to know? God knows already. He's just waiting for you to seek him and trust him. "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22 He WILL take care of you.
I've realized this week that I can't count on myself to amount up to anything or try to accomplish anything without God. I have to be reminded this a lot it seems. This realization process started Tuesday night at the College worship service. During the response time, there were cards at the front that said "God, I trust you..." Through this new chapter of my life, there have been many changes. I HAVE to trust God with everything. He has a plan. "For I know the plans I have for you,"says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 If I trust in God, he will provide. He will bring me through the difficult times. HE WILL.
What in your life are you afraid to give to God because you want to handle it yourself or you don't want anyone to know? God knows already. He's just waiting for you to seek him and trust him. "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22 He WILL take care of you.
Friday, September 9, 2011
When You Least Expect It
As many of you don't know, this week is suicide prevention week. I didn't know that until last year.
There are many of you that think that suicide will never affect your life. I hope your right, BUT that's what I thought. I'll be honest. I thought that suicide was for depressed people with a bad home life. I thought that it would never affect me. Well, that's what I thought about cancer too. "Cancer is something that happens to other people." That's what I always thought. Apparently, I'm wrong about a lot...which I don't admit to very often. Both cancer and suicide affected my life in 2008 and still does. Once something happens, it will never be completely gone...no matter how hard you try. It will still be there. At least that's how it is with me. I'm not trying to discourage you--believe me, that's the last thing I want.
In February of 2008, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It flipped my life upside down.
Here's my story:
Katelyn's Story from Mark Cox on Vimeo.
At the Student Takeover, Katelyn told her story about her dad's rough battle with cancer and how it affected her family.
Suicide is a dangerous topic. People don't like to talk about it. It's taboo. If it is killing lives, let's do something about it! Last May I spoke at assemblies at my high school about my experience with suicide. People came up to me afterwards thanking me for sharing because they or someone they know are dealing with suicide. I know what it's like. I just want to stop it. I would love the opportunity to share my story with more people.
If you personally haven't been affected, you may be wondering why I'm writing this. There is something you can do. There is always something you can do. If it's asking a friend what is going on...if it is just being there for them...OR...if it's just a simple smile you give to the person you see down the hallway, there is always something you can do.
This week was suicide prevention week. Why can't we try to prevent suicide everyday instead of 7 days out of 365 days a year? Just a thought.
There are many of you that think that suicide will never affect your life. I hope your right, BUT that's what I thought. I'll be honest. I thought that suicide was for depressed people with a bad home life. I thought that it would never affect me. Well, that's what I thought about cancer too. "Cancer is something that happens to other people." That's what I always thought. Apparently, I'm wrong about a lot...which I don't admit to very often. Both cancer and suicide affected my life in 2008 and still does. Once something happens, it will never be completely gone...no matter how hard you try. It will still be there. At least that's how it is with me. I'm not trying to discourage you--believe me, that's the last thing I want.
In February of 2008, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It flipped my life upside down.
Here's my story:
Katelyn's Story from Mark Cox on Vimeo.
At the Student Takeover, Katelyn told her story about her dad's rough battle with cancer and how it affected her family.
Suicide is a dangerous topic. People don't like to talk about it. It's taboo. If it is killing lives, let's do something about it! Last May I spoke at assemblies at my high school about my experience with suicide. People came up to me afterwards thanking me for sharing because they or someone they know are dealing with suicide. I know what it's like. I just want to stop it. I would love the opportunity to share my story with more people.
If you personally haven't been affected, you may be wondering why I'm writing this. There is something you can do. There is always something you can do. If it's asking a friend what is going on...if it is just being there for them...OR...if it's just a simple smile you give to the person you see down the hallway, there is always something you can do.
This week was suicide prevention week. Why can't we try to prevent suicide everyday instead of 7 days out of 365 days a year? Just a thought.
Community-Coming Together as One
In March of 2011, a sophomore at Bryant High School was diagnosed with cancer. His spirits remained strong throughout the ordeal because he was determined to beat cancer. The community banded together to support his battle. They bought bracelets, prayed prayers, and just encouraged him to keep fighting. He is now cancer free.
In July of 2011, a senior at Bryant High School was diagnosed with cancer. I hope and pray that the community can come together to pray for her as she continues her battle against cancer. I personally know her family very well and they are in high spirits publically. They are a sweet family and I love them to death. I don't personally know Kate, but from what I hear she is brave. That means so much when facing this kind of disease.
Last night, I was overwhelmed with the posts on twitter about #prayersforkate as I know her family was also. I think this is amazing. She needs the support of everyone who is willing to devote a minute to lift her up. Having said that, her family does too.
From being a victim of cancer when my dad was diagnosed, I know that it is hard on the family. It's hard to wake up every day and pretend like everything is okay to everyone. I'm a person who doesn't like to show weakness. I wanted to be viewed as strong. Seeing a family member in pain from treatments and cancer in general is not an easy task. Then, I thought I had to put on the "everything is okay" face whenever I left the house. No matter how well the family seems to be doing, continue to pray. There were days when I thought nothing was ever going to go right. Those are the days when the family desperately needs to be lifted up.
I challenge you to pray for Kate, but not only for her. Pray for her family and her doctors. Pray that Kate would continue to be brave and fight against this disease like she's never fought against anything else. Pray that her family will have the strength to support her and each other during this difficult time. Pray that her doctors would be confident in the treatment they choose.
It's Simple. Band together. Pray.
In July of 2011, a senior at Bryant High School was diagnosed with cancer. I hope and pray that the community can come together to pray for her as she continues her battle against cancer. I personally know her family very well and they are in high spirits publically. They are a sweet family and I love them to death. I don't personally know Kate, but from what I hear she is brave. That means so much when facing this kind of disease.
Last night, I was overwhelmed with the posts on twitter about #prayersforkate as I know her family was also. I think this is amazing. She needs the support of everyone who is willing to devote a minute to lift her up. Having said that, her family does too.
From being a victim of cancer when my dad was diagnosed, I know that it is hard on the family. It's hard to wake up every day and pretend like everything is okay to everyone. I'm a person who doesn't like to show weakness. I wanted to be viewed as strong. Seeing a family member in pain from treatments and cancer in general is not an easy task. Then, I thought I had to put on the "everything is okay" face whenever I left the house. No matter how well the family seems to be doing, continue to pray. There were days when I thought nothing was ever going to go right. Those are the days when the family desperately needs to be lifted up.
I challenge you to pray for Kate, but not only for her. Pray for her family and her doctors. Pray that Kate would continue to be brave and fight against this disease like she's never fought against anything else. Pray that her family will have the strength to support her and each other during this difficult time. Pray that her doctors would be confident in the treatment they choose.
It's Simple. Band together. Pray.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
What is Holding YOU Back?
I've recently got involved with Second Baptist Church of Conway. I got invited to a home group which meets on Wednesday night. We had our first meeting tonight and it was difficult. This isn't the home group that is going to avoid the tough questions. That's what I need; even though, there will be times that I don't like it.
Tonight we were challenged to find something that we could each give up for a semester and spend more time with God because we gave up that one thing. Jonathan asked us to pray over the next week to see what God wanted us to give up. I knew instantly. It wasn't a hard question to answer because I know what is holding me back. He gave us a few minutes to pray and I honestly asked God to show me something else because I wasn't "ready" to give it up. HELLO!!! That should have slapped me in the face. I found the thing to give up.
I know this sounds silly, but I get distracted when I'm on my computer and often type in "Twitter." No joke. I keep it on a tab just so I can check in with everyone while I'm doing other things. While that may not seem like a bad thing, it is hindering my relationship with Christ. Tonight, I decided to unsubscribe to texts, move the app on my phone to the last screen, and just restrict myself from reading twitter except during a certain small time frame. Like I said, this may seem ridiculous, but it's completely worth it.
Over the last few weeks, I've really felt the need to stay in touch with everyone since I'm away at college. I know what you're thinking..."Katelyn, you're not that far!" You're right. I just use it to make me feel "at home." I've let myself get so busy that I only devote a small amount of time. Wait a minute, I can't call it devoting because I haven't been giving it that much of an importance. Yes, I read my Bible and have a quiet time every day, but if I'm doing it just so I can "check it off my list" what is the point? It might be hard, but the amount of time a day that I would usually spend on Twitter is the time that I will add to my devotion to follow fervently after God.
My point in writing this is to challenge you--whoever is reading this. Are you devoting yourself to hear from God daily? Do you make it His time? Do you just do it to "check it off your list?" If you struggle with these questions, I want to challenge you to find something you can give up. Find something that is keeping you from being in God's Word without checking it off your list.
I'm as guilty as anyone. You aren't alone. Join me in giving something up this semester. See what it can do in your life. I can't wait to see what it will do in mine.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Not the Same.
Last night was the big Bryant/Benton rivalry, the Salt Bowl. I've gone to this game ever since I can remember. The past three years I've been in the band and have enjoyed each Bryant football game. Yesterday, I came back home from college and went to the big game. I was excited to go and see everyone--just like old times. It's not like old times. I don't know "everyone." I didn't know all the football players and I wasn't in the band. It was a good game...don't get me wrong. It just wasn't the same. I always told myself I'd be apart of the Hornet spirit. I am...in a way. I just never thought it would feel like this.
WAKE UP, KATELYN. You're in college. It's just weird. I don't miss high school. I'm just jealous of that feeling. The rush I got every time I stepped on the field at half time to perform for the crowd is unexplainable. I don't have that anymore. I can't have that anymore. I've begun a new chapter in my life. It's time to find something else that can give me that rush.
For those of you that told me it would never be the same again and I didn't believe you, I'm sorry. You're right. Admitting that sucks...just so you know. Sometimes I just don't want to grow up. Now I have to study all the time and actually make decisions that will affect my life. Having said that, I would like to thank everyone that has made any kind of impact on my life. You know who you are. You've helped prepare me for the things I am experiencing and will experience in the future. I couldn't do this without you.
WAKE UP, KATELYN. You're in college. It's just weird. I don't miss high school. I'm just jealous of that feeling. The rush I got every time I stepped on the field at half time to perform for the crowd is unexplainable. I don't have that anymore. I can't have that anymore. I've begun a new chapter in my life. It's time to find something else that can give me that rush.
For those of you that told me it would never be the same again and I didn't believe you, I'm sorry. You're right. Admitting that sucks...just so you know. Sometimes I just don't want to grow up. Now I have to study all the time and actually make decisions that will affect my life. Having said that, I would like to thank everyone that has made any kind of impact on my life. You know who you are. You've helped prepare me for the things I am experiencing and will experience in the future. I couldn't do this without you.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
CHALLENGE: Sponge or Active
This blog is a challenge. Not only to you, but myself as well. Feel free to close the tab if you aren't up for the challenge. You will, most likely, have to get out of your comfort zone. Consider this as a warning.
I've officially decided that Second Baptist Church of Conway is going to be my home away from home church. This took a lot of thinking and praying. I began praying about finding a church a while back and I'm thankfully surprised that it wasn't near as hard as I imagined. It's amazing what can happen when we trust in God. He is the creator. So why is it so hard to give absolutely everything to Him? I know that I couldn't have made this decision and feel 100% at peace with it without God's guidance.
Having said that, Second Baptist is everything that I dreamed in finding a church. It's almost just like Indian Springs--without the same people of course. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. From the minute I walked in the door, I was welcomed. Many people asked my to come to their Home Group on Sunday or Wednesday nights--which I am extremely excited about. One guy even bribed me with $20/each week. Not going to lie, that sounds pretty good to a jobless-college student. It really did feel good to be asked by so many people. I'm actually wanted somewhere. The people who barely knew me asked me numerous times to get involved. Who does that? Oh yeah, we don't because it's "hard."
Every church could use a little bit of Second Baptist's college ministry. They know what's going on. They know exactly how to make someone who is completely out of their comfort zone feel 100% welcome. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we should be the hands and feet of God. We should use our "gifts" to further His Kingdom. When visitors walk in the church, they should feel so welcome that they don't want to leave. So welcome that they can't wait until the next time the doors open. Okay, I know what you're thinking--that's hard and I don't want to do that. Well, I didn't either. For the past 18 years, I've gone to the same church. I've sat in the same relative seat. I've been that "sponge" member. The member who doesn't always feel like welcoming someone. Not anymore. I'm going to challenge you--whoever is reading this (if anyone is)--and myself to be the proactive church member who goes out of their comfort zone to welcome someone so much so that their comfort zone changes and it becomes awkward to be a sponge.
In John 15, Jesus says 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." How in the world can we bear fruit if we are sitting in the same spot in church--and when we don't, we get a little upset (as if it has our name on it or something dumb like that)?
To remain in God we need to
1. Be in the Word of God (Relationship with God)
2. Get plugged in a Church & Small group (Development as a Christian with accountability)
3. Find a ministry to get involved in (get your unchurched/unsaved friends to church--YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO MISSION TRIPS FOR IT TO COUNT! That's what many of us think. That's what I thought.
Sunday, when the pastor told us we would be in John 15, I couldn't help but laugh. Apparently I haven't been getting the idea of the passage. Yes, I memorized some of it. I heard Mark (old youth pastor) speak on it at leadership on Sunday nights. Still, I didn't know why I kept getting followed with this text. God definitely woke me up Sunday. I have to be a proactive Christian. I can't remain in my comfort zone. I can't tell myself any more that I'm doing "enough" because there is always something else to be done.
You and I have a few days to think about this before Sunday comes. Pray for courage--whatever it takes. Get out there and welcome someone new so they can feel apart of something like I do at Second Baptist.
I've officially decided that Second Baptist Church of Conway is going to be my home away from home church. This took a lot of thinking and praying. I began praying about finding a church a while back and I'm thankfully surprised that it wasn't near as hard as I imagined. It's amazing what can happen when we trust in God. He is the creator. So why is it so hard to give absolutely everything to Him? I know that I couldn't have made this decision and feel 100% at peace with it without God's guidance.
Having said that, Second Baptist is everything that I dreamed in finding a church. It's almost just like Indian Springs--without the same people of course. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. From the minute I walked in the door, I was welcomed. Many people asked my to come to their Home Group on Sunday or Wednesday nights--which I am extremely excited about. One guy even bribed me with $20/each week. Not going to lie, that sounds pretty good to a jobless-college student. It really did feel good to be asked by so many people. I'm actually wanted somewhere. The people who barely knew me asked me numerous times to get involved. Who does that? Oh yeah, we don't because it's "hard."
Every church could use a little bit of Second Baptist's college ministry. They know what's going on. They know exactly how to make someone who is completely out of their comfort zone feel 100% welcome. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we should be the hands and feet of God. We should use our "gifts" to further His Kingdom. When visitors walk in the church, they should feel so welcome that they don't want to leave. So welcome that they can't wait until the next time the doors open. Okay, I know what you're thinking--that's hard and I don't want to do that. Well, I didn't either. For the past 18 years, I've gone to the same church. I've sat in the same relative seat. I've been that "sponge" member. The member who doesn't always feel like welcoming someone. Not anymore. I'm going to challenge you--whoever is reading this (if anyone is)--and myself to be the proactive church member who goes out of their comfort zone to welcome someone so much so that their comfort zone changes and it becomes awkward to be a sponge.
In John 15, Jesus says 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." How in the world can we bear fruit if we are sitting in the same spot in church--and when we don't, we get a little upset (as if it has our name on it or something dumb like that)?
To remain in God we need to
1. Be in the Word of God (Relationship with God)
2. Get plugged in a Church & Small group (Development as a Christian with accountability)
3. Find a ministry to get involved in (get your unchurched/unsaved friends to church--YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO MISSION TRIPS FOR IT TO COUNT! That's what many of us think. That's what I thought.
Sunday, when the pastor told us we would be in John 15, I couldn't help but laugh. Apparently I haven't been getting the idea of the passage. Yes, I memorized some of it. I heard Mark (old youth pastor) speak on it at leadership on Sunday nights. Still, I didn't know why I kept getting followed with this text. God definitely woke me up Sunday. I have to be a proactive Christian. I can't remain in my comfort zone. I can't tell myself any more that I'm doing "enough" because there is always something else to be done.
You and I have a few days to think about this before Sunday comes. Pray for courage--whatever it takes. Get out there and welcome someone new so they can feel apart of something like I do at Second Baptist.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
New Chapter of My Story
I'm new to "blogging," but I thought I'd give it a try. Here's an update on the past week that has changed my life.
A week ago today, I moved to UCA. My home away from home is only 45 minutes away. Not too bad. This is a very different experience for me. 3 hours of nasty heat moving in all my clothes, school stuff, etc. was not the greatest feeling ever. It has been pretty worth it so far. There were many welcoming activities for the incoming freshman. They were fun, but seemed kind of point less because there were so many people it was impossible to remember anyone's name.
Tuesday, I felt a little homesick. Call me crazy, but I'm a family girl. This is all different for me. A good Facetime did the trick though. Thank you for technology. I'm not sure what my generation would do without it.
Wednesday evening we had "Live at the Courtyard." NLC's college ministry, Elevation, came out and led worship and their pastor spoke. It was a great service!
Thursday was the first day of classes. Nervous was an understatement. College isn't like Bryant High School. You can't go to class and already know almost the entire class when you walk in. It's a little overwhelming to say the least. I'm officially out of my comfort zone. I had a great first day! Mark, Christi, and Kipton came to meet me for lunch and let me show them around campus. I definitely needed some love from some of my favorite people!
Friday was "Operation Surprise." Between my classes I loaded up my car with several loads of dirty clothes and anything I needed for the weekend. My parent's knew I was coming home, but just thought I was driving there Saturday morning for Chase's 13th birthday. After my last class, I left Conway and headed back to Bryant. When I rang the doorbell, my mom was shocked! I'm so glad I made that drive a little early :)
Today, I checked out some local churches with friends. We went to Second Baptist this morning and Elevation at NLC tonight. Both services were awesome. I have officially realized that finding a church will definitely be difficult. The atmosphere in the services was completely different. Second Baptist was more like Indian Springs and Elevation reminded me of BigStuf's beach camps. Unfortunately I'll have to wait two weeks to try out New Life's morning service, but it will be nice to see my family and friends over Labor Day weekend!
I'm excited for a full week of school even though it will probably bring a lot of studying.
I'm praying for opportunities to meet new people and find out what church God wants me to plug in and serve!
A week ago today, I moved to UCA. My home away from home is only 45 minutes away. Not too bad. This is a very different experience for me. 3 hours of nasty heat moving in all my clothes, school stuff, etc. was not the greatest feeling ever. It has been pretty worth it so far. There were many welcoming activities for the incoming freshman. They were fun, but seemed kind of point less because there were so many people it was impossible to remember anyone's name.
Tuesday, I felt a little homesick. Call me crazy, but I'm a family girl. This is all different for me. A good Facetime did the trick though. Thank you for technology. I'm not sure what my generation would do without it.
Wednesday evening we had "Live at the Courtyard." NLC's college ministry, Elevation, came out and led worship and their pastor spoke. It was a great service!
Thursday was the first day of classes. Nervous was an understatement. College isn't like Bryant High School. You can't go to class and already know almost the entire class when you walk in. It's a little overwhelming to say the least. I'm officially out of my comfort zone. I had a great first day! Mark, Christi, and Kipton came to meet me for lunch and let me show them around campus. I definitely needed some love from some of my favorite people!
Friday was "Operation Surprise." Between my classes I loaded up my car with several loads of dirty clothes and anything I needed for the weekend. My parent's knew I was coming home, but just thought I was driving there Saturday morning for Chase's 13th birthday. After my last class, I left Conway and headed back to Bryant. When I rang the doorbell, my mom was shocked! I'm so glad I made that drive a little early :)
Today, I checked out some local churches with friends. We went to Second Baptist this morning and Elevation at NLC tonight. Both services were awesome. I have officially realized that finding a church will definitely be difficult. The atmosphere in the services was completely different. Second Baptist was more like Indian Springs and Elevation reminded me of BigStuf's beach camps. Unfortunately I'll have to wait two weeks to try out New Life's morning service, but it will be nice to see my family and friends over Labor Day weekend!
I'm excited for a full week of school even though it will probably bring a lot of studying.
I'm praying for opportunities to meet new people and find out what church God wants me to plug in and serve!
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