Sorry for such a long wait, but there has been much going on. Since summer started, I just wanted to relax and read some to start. I have been able to already get through some books that are on my summer reading list. This one below has been the most helpful and has spoken to the season of life that I am in now. I have been struggling with where the Lord would have me complete an internship and how to honor him in my decision. I am really working on how selfish I can be at times and how to make decisions that bring God glory and put Him at the center rather than myself. Rescuing Ambition by Dave Harvey has been so helpful.
This is one of my favorite quotes from the book, that really convicted me
"We’re a culture committed to self-fulfillment, self-expression, self-esteem, self-preservation – self, self, self. “To a great majority of Americans, “says David Wells, “self has become the source of all values. The pursuit of self is what life is all about.”I have also been able to listen to at least one message from the sermon archives on my church's website every day. I have been going through the Sola Gratia series and just listened to a message from Mark Prater, called, "Stand Firm For Freedom." He quoted this from Milton Vincent in his message:
“Showing love to those who have wronged me is always the opposite of what my sinful flesh wants me to do. Nonetheless, when I remind myself of my sins against God and of His forgiving and generous grace toward me, I give the gospel an opportunity to reshape my perspective and to put me in a frame of mind wherein I actually desire to give this same grace to those who have wronged me.”This past semester in school, I became obssesed with my academic standing and ended up hurting some of the people I love the most and in return ended up getting hurt as well. Thankfully, God has given me AMAZING friends who are quick to forgive me and still pray and care for me when I ignore them. They have demonstrated the amazing gift of God's grace in my life and because of it I have been able to forgive and pray and care for those who did not always stand beside me.
Some of my favorite youth also graduated from High School this month and had an amazing graduation ceremony! Here is a picture of my favorite set of twins who sang in worship for the graduation :)
This day had also brought some sad news, because this was the day the Petit's house caught on fire. The Petit's have walked this trial out in a way that brings such glory to God I feel so honored to be able to call them friends. Please continue to pray for them.
My birthday also past, and later this week I will post about my amazing friends and what they did for me :) But one of the best parts was when Alison and I got to meet Matt Stairs!!!!
