Colorado trip

At the end of July, I got to take a trip back to Colorado and visit everyone there. I went that particular week, so that I could work with Camp Big Red, since I had heard so much about it while I was there in the spring. The camp was definitely a great experience- i learned alot about myself and the power of God over emotions. But the best part of being there, however short, was seeing the Berry's again. It was just a great time to play games, talk, catch up on life with them. A couple of mornings before camp we went on amazing hikes around the lake. They were absolutely beautiful and the joy of camping with them definitely added to it. But then we also got to do alot of everyday activities which i enjoyed. Brittany and Nic and I got to all do a morning coffee date. And we mowed grass one day (a new experience for me haha). I cherished my long talks with Trish, so it was great to have a couple more of those. And then I got to beat Andy's score on darts at the Wii, so thats always a positive! One night we even had over a couple of HCC church members that I grew close to, and played my favorite new game, Squence! Go blue team! But these are some of the pictures from the week. Enjoy!

Rough Day

Today was hard. I dont really know why, its just started badly and never seemed to reverse itself. I woke up extremely late, which was an after-effect of planning to get up extra-early so I could be more productive. I ended up at work just a little late, but without a shower (which bugs me). Then, of all days to be late, my first staff meeting was today at fbc. Somehow I haven't had to attend one yet. I got things together once I arrived and headed over to the meeting. And I just was frustrated almost during the hour I was there; I felt so out of place, and almost unnecessary as questions regarding my area were asked to other people. However what started off my bad attitude was a comment made about my ex finding a wife. Right. Like I'm not sitting beside him in the first place. It was beyond frustrating, it hurt to the core of my heart. Ugh. Still stings actually. But yeah. And the weather has been yucky too so that doesn't help.
All that bad day news to begin with, but hopefully the day will end well. After work I hope to get more done on my classroom and then i'm heading to lufkin to watch a movie with the girls. That should help. I know I dont like writing pessimic things on this, but i just needed an outlet.

New Job!

As frustrated as I was about staying in Nac and about the status of my life in general, God has continued to be faithful to me. He has provided me with a job -- a focus and direction for my life. So what if I'm in Nac? That doesn't mean that my goals have changed, that I'm not seeking those goals, and God isn't using me. I think realizing that has been the best part about getting the job. I am going to be teaching at Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy, which is a private christian school in Nac. I will be the 5th and 6th grade English teacher, with 6th grade as a homeroom. The best part about this job is that its an ideal situation for my first year of teaching -- small classroom, a team of teachers, somewhat familiar settings, and obviously open to religion! I have a challenge ahead of me, but I am so excited about taking it; with God's help, I will see amazing things happen this year. And as I teach this year, I will know at the end whether or not I should pursue this field. Oh and I get Masters credit, so this will also help that goal. This job is truly a God- given opportunity. One that I am thankful for, but also one that I pray I use wisely.

Good Friends

I know alot of things are taken for granted, but the one thing that I knew want to take for granted is my friends. This weekend I have truely been reminded of God's blessings in my life. God has blessed me with friends that I have shared my life with, friends that make me laugh, friends that encourage and support me, conversations with them make me feel as though i'm communing with God. Its so refreshing to my spirit to have a meal with friends and to leave spiritually encouraged, but also 'convicted'. I know that no matter what God is doing in my life, my friends will be apart of it -- being used by God.

A new chapter

Although this blog began as a venue for communication while I was serving in Colorado, I have decided to use it as an outlet for thoughts and opinions -- and as a way for others to stay informed of my life and activities. Not that its exciting. haha. The posts won't be frequent and may not be interesting, but it could be useful for me to just express myself.
I guess I haven't been on this since I came back home. For just a brief update on my life: I am 22 and living in Nacogdoches. Although I have a bachelor's degree, I dont have a job or a real direction for obtaining one -- even though I am dirt poor. I am newly single after 5 years of not. I attend First Baptist Church, although seeking God about that. I am currently planning to pursue my Masters of Secondary Education at SFA this fall.
Being in Colorado was an amazing time for God to work on my heart and our relationship. The biggest thing I learned was that 'God will provide'; He doesn't give us desires or plans only to not fullfill them. He, in His infinite wisdom that I will never understand, has prepared a way for us and asks us to simply trust Him. Saying that is alot easier than to act -- or in my case, not to act. This summer I have searched to find His will for my life. He removed something that I treasured, but that leaves me free to chase a new path. Yet I don't know what that path is. And for me, I have chosen to seek that path before acting. I know some would rather see me just jump out there and do something 'crazy' -- go work in politics, go serve for a semester somewhere, go to culinary school. All things I would like, but I just question the urge to do something. I dont want to spend my wheels, and look back later with the same lack of direction. I would rather let God reveal His next step and then go. I say all that and yet am so frustrated to not be going anywhere.