Amazing

I love God plans, I don't always understand what they mean and they are not always easy, but I love God plans.
Last night I shared my story with some teenagers and it was amazing. Sure, I was nervous and felt sick and wanted to get out of it numerous times...BUT...i kept reminding myself that sharing this story wasn't about it, it was God's plan for me. My amazing and wonderful boyfriend kept reiterating to me that i was going to reach so many people by sharing my story, and i didn't understand it.
I had an out of body experience, for lack of a better term, when i was up talking. It was almost as if i was watching myself, not really sure of what i was saying, but the Holy Spirit definitely took over. Everything flowed really well and sure i got choked up a few times, but i couldn't have asked for it to go any better.
I looked around and i noticed several people in tears and a lot of people just in disbelief that i could go through so much pain and still be the person i am. What happened afterwards was the most amazing of all. My story opened up a bunch of people. Derik got the opportunity to talk with many of the guys that are struggling with relationships and i sat down with three different girls while they shared their stories...many of them afraid to come out because they were concerned that they were the only ones struggling. They thanked me for my commitment to Christ and my obedience to him, and they thanked me for giving them hope. I felt as though i had actually completed one of those God plans...and that he was smiling.
I am just so blessed to have the life that i do and the opportunities that i do. I have been through a lot and i've had a lot of pain, but then again, who hasn't? I'm just glad that I recognized this God plan and i look forward to a lifetime full of them.

Winter AAAAARG

So it's winter...i mean the dead of and i am getting quite sick of it. Well i was getting quite sick of it until today. I realized something as i'm looking out into the white abyss that has become Davenport, IA. I realized that today is the perfect day to recognize that I am surrounded by God's love. All of this fluffy white stuff is God's way of showering his love over all of us, and what a blessing that it came in over 12 inches! "Look down on me with love; teach me all of your principles" Psalm 119:135. Although i know it's frustrating and difficult to drive in, I am no longer disgusted by it, I'm blessed by it. It's beautiful!

I am working on support letters for my Missions Trip to Manaus, Brazil. Perhaps that's why I'm just pondering God's work in the world and in my own life. I am so blessed by so many things and I sometimes get too busy to notice God and his work in my life. Today has called me out on that. I can't wait to travel halfway across the world to share what the love of Christ has done in my life and how much my life is different than it was before. "It's the miracle of Christ in me, it's the mystery that sets me free, I'm nothing like I used to be" My favorite lyrics from Counting on God by Jared Anderson. If any of you would like to receive a letter let me know!!!