Looking back...

Looking back on this semester, and even further back to this year… I’m in awe at what God has done. So much has changed and college has been so different from what I expected. It has been entirely too long since I blogged, but I feel like spring semester flew by much faster than the fall. My last blog was about waiting on God. Since then, God has given me direction. This summer I will be working at Camp Highland in Ellijay, Georgia. I am so excited about this opportunity to serve and pour into the lives of young kids!!!!! Looking back on my first year of college as a whole… I have no words or pictures that can truly capture the year. I entered in the fall as a freshman- a new girl in a new place with a head full of hopes and dreams- and I emerge as a sophomore with many new friends, a journal full of things that God has taught me… and a few more hopes and dreams. The biggest lesson I have learned is that my God is FAITHFUL. When I had no friends in the fall- He provided. When I needed a best friend who understood me completely- He sent Lucy Beth. When I was stressed over classes- He provided peace in His presence. When I needed an answer about this summer… He answered. His ways are not my ways and his provision for this summer is not at all what I expected or asked for… but “to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21. When I lacked trust- He gave me faith. When I was overwhelmed- He sustained me. When my best friend transferred- He was all I needed. When I needed a new roommate- Anna asked me to room with her. When I needed a church- He made First Baptist North Mobile my church home. When I needed a small group- He sent Sarah Sullins, Memorie, Tori, Bex, and Abby to be my go-to girls. When I needed direction- He gave me professors to open my eyes to the truth surrounding me. When I was avoiding His conviction- He sent Samantha to call me out. When I lacked joy and was drowning in despair based on my tendency to try and work for my sanctification- He reminded me of His power and grace…and He filled me with joy. Even when I ran from Him… He never stopped pursuing me. His grace IS sufficient and His power IS made perfect in my weakness. I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness. I choose to live in His power.

This time last year I was getting my prom dress fitted, picking out stuff for my dorm, and I couldn’t wait for graduation! Now I’m breaking in my Chacos, picking out supplies for camp, and I can’t wait for this next season that God has for me!

From August to May, all I can say is: I am blessed. God is SO good.

Through the valley I am reminded of His faithfulness. Beginning the climb up the mountain- I see how hard it will be, but in His strength I will make it. Next semester (in the fall) I will be a Ram Rush leader, on Honors Council, a nanny for Katie and Jeff, beginning my nursing classes (Anatomy and Physiology!), and who knows what else. It will be hard, but not impossible. I am looking forward to this summer as an escape- I will be in the mountains (where my heart can breathe) in the “camp bubble” drawing close to God, and learning to rely on his strength even more. I know that whatever the fall brings, He will walk through it with me, and He will remain my joy. I appreciate your prayers for this summer- that God will use me, but most importantly that He will change the hearts of those kids.
More blogs soon I hope! I will be computer-less and phone-less except on weekends, so we shall see how many blogs get written. I think the lack of technology will be refreshing :)

Much love!