I think this is what most call a 'testimony'

I grew up in what we Presbyterian's call a 'Covenant Home,' which is just a fancy way of saying I was brought up as a Christian. My parents are both strong Christians, I was homeschooled, my church was a big part of my life, etc. To me, God had always been there, and I couldn't imagine other people not knowing about Him.

Because I had a 'Covenant' childhood, I never had a moment where I truly gave my heart to Jesus. I guess it was just kind of expected that I already had, since my parents were Christians and I'd always gone to church. I do vaguely remember a night when I was seven, and I got out of bed, knelt, and told Jesus that if He came into my life, I would promise to be a good sister and daughter {oh, I was so cute back then}. But even that wasn't an actual giving up my life to Him.

Time went on. Two years ago I attended WorldViews Academy for the first time, and met other girls struggling with the same issues I was. I started blogging, and realized I wasn't alone in my trust issues with God. I made dear friends in Christ, who uplifted me and showed me how much He loves me. 

And somewhere between all of this, I found Him. Sure, I'd had Him before, but not like this. This was God showing me how deep His love is for me by being my Best Friend. Me, a sinful teenager, had a best friend in Jesus! It was almost too amazing to believe. 

But believe I did, and from 2010-on God made it even clearer how treasured I was to Him. When Mom-mom died, I turned to Him for comfort. When my soccer team fell apart, He became my Best Friend. When I thought I had no close friends on earth, He reminded me of Emily and brought me poncho pals and soul sisters. Whenever I felt hopeless and beaten down, He raised me up with a lyric and a loving touch.

This is the face of a girl who knows how much her Savior loves her. The face of a girl who can now say, with confidence, "I have a friend in Jesus." The face of a girl who knows Christianity isn't about rules or  modesty or boredom or guidelines----it's about a relationship with Him who died on a cross for her. And that is the most wonderful relationship in the world.

'cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break even

These lyrics are so, so true. This past year brought me a lot of heartbreak. People I had once trusted turning on me. Old friends forgetting about me. People I cared about changing, 'till I didn't even know who they were. The fancies of 'first love' fading away.

And as every hit came, I thought to myself, "Surely, this will be the last one. Surely my heart cannot take any more pain!"

But of course, it all kept coming. Little things, big things, things that hardly even matter---they all hurt.

With God's neverending love and grace, I got through the hardest times. With special Bible verses, He calmed my soul. By giving me true friends, He healed the cracks in my heart. And by playings the right songs at the right times, my Father soothed the pain I'd been holding inside. He showed me true love, of all kinds, that will never leave me.

For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High, he will not be shaken.

--Psalm 21:7

And for a while, I was okay. I began to move on from my past and live in the present. But by various means, the moments of heartbreak started coming back. A picture from last year, an old blog post, and a chance meeting kept on reminding me of the hurt I'd been through. So, being the stupid human I am, I let the wounds that were finally healing began to reopen.

Yet even while I was torturing myself with old pains, Jesus opened His arms and engulfed me. I realized things that hurt me hurt Him too--- and that's just not cool. Jesus already endured the pain of the cross to save me; I shouldn't give Him more oppurtunities to hurt. Dwelling on past things is sinful, and I really need to stop.

I decided this not too long ago, so I'm still struggling to forget what I've been through. I'm still trying to get past my hurt feelings and mentally forgive what former friends did to me. God still has to remind me that my heart has been made new by His healing, and that it will be made perfect once again.

It's a learning process....but with soul-sisters, poncho pals, and amazing song lyrics, I'm getting there. (:

love always,

~Lily

singing, "Merry Christmas, here's to many more"

There's something about this time of year that makes me feel different. Christmastime. It's my favorite time of the year. And, contrary to popular belief, it's not because of the gifts, my family or even the music. Those details just add to the whole Christmas experience.

No...it's not any of that. Christmas is special to me because it's the only time when people all over America are singing the same music. Because people are more cheerful. Because decorating my Christmas tree is the highlight of the year for me. Because my Savior was born.
Super cliche, right? What would a Christian blog be without the author saying, "Oh, my favorite part about Christmas is Jesus' birth."

But this is one of those rare times when I enjoy being cliche. 'Cause it's true! Celebrating the birth of Christ is the reason I feel so happy right now. Christmas has always made me feel safe, cozy, and loved. It's the only month out of the whole year I am truly myself. And it's all because Jesus became a baby, born in a lowly cattle shed, who's mother was Mary. God in the flesh. His Son, come to save us all. Is that amazing, or what?

So look at me now
It's finally Christmas and I'm home
Head indoors, to get out of this weather
And I don't know how
But the closest friends I've ever known are all inside
Singing together
Singing, "merry Christmas, here's to many more."

Be merry. Be joyful. Open presents, sing carols, drink loads of hot chocolate.....and thank God for the most precious gift of all.

merry Christmas,
~Lily

it's inside, it's inbetween

After that rather soul-bearing post, I'll bet most of you are expecting me to go on and on about how love makes me feel, what it's like to be in love, and how there's nothing like romantic love.

but that's not what I'm writing about.

Last night, God opened my eyes to what true love is. And to be honest, it's not the answer I was expecting.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. 

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

~1 John 4:7-10

And there you have it. Love isn't just a feeling; love is an action. Love is an Almighty God giving His own Son to the world, that we might be saved from an eternal Hell.

Love isn't just having romantic feelings for one special person. Love is showing kindness and compassion to every person on earth, no matter the status of their health, wealth, or social life.

Love isn't just kisses and hugs. Love is doing what's best for a person, even when you don't necessarily benefit from it.

Continuing on in verse 19: We love because He first loved us.

Without God, there's no such thing as love. God is love! Love and God go hand-in-hand. You can't have one without the other.

This is what I'm learning, right now, as a teenage girl: it's okay to have 'lovey' feelings for a guy....but you have to also remember that love isn't just a boy-and-girl thing. It's a human thing. Which means we're supposed to love everyone, just as God loved us. Our love should be everywhere, just like God's is.

And that's what true love means to me.

a blogger party would be nice, right?

Since starting this blog, I've learned a lot of things.

1. People enjoy random things

2. People enjoy learning about other people

3. Drama exists even on the internet.

4. You don't have to meet a person to be best friends

5. Obsessions can be good things

6. God uses Blogger to spread His love and joy.

But most importantly, I've learned what it's like to have true friends. Or, as I like to call them: soul sisters. You know, the girls who love the same music you do; who crush on the same celebrities you do. The girls you feel like you've known all your life; the girls who leave sweet comments and write uplifting posts. The girls you have a crazy connection with, even if you're totally different people. And, especially: the girls who love Jesus as much as you do.

These are the types of girls I've met through blogging. And even though I haven't met any of you, I feel like you're my sisters.....sisters in Christ, that is. ;)

I've always wanted to organize a big, huge, over-the-top party for all you beautiful girls. We would come together and talk, laugh, sing, and worship God. We'd take lots of photos and discuss all sorts of different things. We'd actually get to meet our fellow bloggers and take some inspiration from it all. 

Now, I'm sure some of you are saying, "Sure, that sounds wonderful....but it's just too good to come true."
well, I let you in on a little secret: it isn't. 

See, in my mind, what I just wrote above is what Heaven is going to be all about! Fellowshipping with other Christians, praising the Lord with them, and spending all of eternity getting to know them. Just think: we're going to have forever and ever and ever to talk to each other, relate experiences, and become best friends.

So yeah.....that's what keeps me going when I feel like most of my Christian friends live far away: we're gonna have all of eternity to be together. And that, to me, is the best thing about blogging.

This is the best thing/the best thing that/could be happening/and I think you/would agree/the best thing/is that it's happening/to you and me.

--Relient K

things are sometimes quite weird.....

Awkward

Buying new summer clothes....then having it be too cold to wear them. :(

Having a boy your age walk by you just as you enter the undergarment section in Kohls.

A song you used to love becoming really annoying.

Having to choose between either your favorite player or favorite team.

Eating one doughnut and feeling sick.

Going to the post office to send something, asking how much it will cost, and getting the answer, "1 million dollars." .........uh, okay?

Trying to sing along with a song and realizing you don't know the words.

That moment when you realize Heath Ledgar plays both Gabriel in The Patriot {super cute} and Joker in The Dark Knight {super creepy}.

Awesome

Buying new summer clothes that are super cute.

Finding shoes that fit perfectly.

Having a hilarious discussion in class about our childhood stuffed animals.

Days that are sunny with a high of 75. (:

Pick-up soccer. 'nuff said.

Realizing that, in Heaven, we won't have to wear glasses/braces!!!!!

The fact that Jesus Himself endured Hell, just so we could have eternal life.

Getting featured on one of your favorite blogs.

this picture:

it's so true. (:

Well, I'm out for today/tomorrow. I hope you all have a blessed Easter.....He is risen! He is risen indeed.

Life is fleeting

At 12:30 am Wednesday, a car packed full of five teenagers was driving down a road. Locals have nicknamed this road 'The Roller-coaster' because of all the hills and loops it takes. There are signs, warning drivers of the high hills, and rumble strips, reminding them to keep alert. But none of these things helped.

At 12:30 am Wednesday, a car full of five teenagers struck a deer. The 18-year old driver lost control, veered off the road, and slammed headlong into a tree. 

A little later, police and emergency vehicles were at the scene. The driver had remained in the car, but his passengers had all been thrown from the car. Another boy, 17, was walking around with a bleeding head wound. Three girls, ages 14, 15, and 15, were lying in the road.

The kids were all out after curfew, and none of them were wearing seat belts.


One of these girls, Kendra, never made it home.

This accident happened just up the road from where I live. When my mom told me about it, I instantly thought of my friends who live around here. I prayed desperately that none of them had been involved.

At soccer practice last night, I was thankful to see that all of my friends were safe. But then we started talking about the crash.

One said that Kendra had been her best friend in elementary school. They had grown apart since then, but my friend was still really shaken up. Later, I found out that another injured girl{still in critical condition} had been in my former Girl Scout troop before I joined.

Life is fleeting.

Nothing we have in this life is sure. At any time, it could be our time to go. My dad remarked to me that the teens involved in the crash probably felt like they were invincible.....like they could live forever. And I think I get that feeling. I mean, as young people, we don't really have dying in our "plans" for another 50 years or so. We plan on going to college, getting married, having kids, retiring.....and then we'll be ready to join Jesus in Heaven.

But God doesn't work that way. He has a time all set for us to leave this earthly home. And since we never know when that time is.....we gotta live like we're dying.




The point of this post is: always hug those you love, 'cause you never know when your last hug will be.

He never stops loving

Please note: this is not based on anyone I know....it just comes from my heart. 

Mia lifted her tear-stained face. "How could he?" she cried. "I loved him so much....I gave him everything." Fresh tears poured down her face as she cried over that boy; all she lost because of him.

"No one will ever love me again after what I did!" Covering her face, Mia wallows in past memories and past sins.

Suddenly, a voice pierced her sobbing: "Daughter, I love you."
Mia looked up in to the face of a Man. He pulled her to him and dried her tears. "My dear Mia,  you are so precious to me. Why do you cry?"

Mia told everything to Him; everything about that boy; everything he did to her. When she had finished, the Man continued to hold her, rocking back and forth.
Finally, He lifted her chin with His hand. "Do you regret those things, Mia?"
She nodded, and He continued. "I know you feel used, ugly, and worthless------but you are my Daughter. I love you, more than you can ever know. In my eyes, you are beautiful. You are treasured. And you are worth everything to Me."

Mia gazed into His eyes. They were warm, full of love and forgiveness.
"So, you forgive me?" she asked cautiously.
The Man laughed softly. "I already have, my darling. Your sins are gone, and you are my beautiful Princess."
He kissed her forehead, then was gone.

Mia looked around  her. "Could it have been a dream?" she wondered aloud.
Then she remembered His words: "Your sins are gone, and you are my beautiful Princess."

Still feeling His strong arms around her, Mia smiled and said,

Wait a minute....did you just say '11?!?

Oh. My. Word.

Today is December 29th, yes? Which means that New Year's Eve is Friday? Which means that.....nah, the first of 2011 could not be on Saturday.

Could it?

Hehe, I was just fooling with you guys. (: But seriously: where has this year gone? It seems like just yesterday I was watching the Winter Olympics with my family, cheering on the USA at the World Cup, laughing with friends at camp, and being sooooo scared to start French!

Now, here we are, at the end of another year. And this year has gone by faster than any other. I cannot really explain why. It could be because I'm getting older. Or maybe it has something to do with what a fun-filled year 2010 was!!!
But, mostly, I'm thinking it had something to do {for me, personally} with Mom-mom's passing. After she died {on New Year's Day} it kind of seemed like the days and weeks just flew by. I believe that was mostly me, trying to will myself as far from that day as I could. Perhaps it worked......or perhaps it didn't. After all, we're right back to New Year's! It's almost been a whole year since she went to be with Jesus. And I don't miss her any less.
But knowing that she is in Heaven, surrounded by people she loves, does lessen the pain and the tears. I will always miss her, but I know she is waiting for my entrance in to Zion.

When I look back on 2010, I don't just see us losing Mom-mom.
 I see the Vancouver Winter Olympics, where American athletes made me feel proud to be an American.
I see myself starting this blog, never expecting to meet so many wonderful and uplifting friends.
I see myself at World Views camp, scared stiff to go witnessing. I can still recall sitting beside the 'bonfire' and singing hymns.
I see the World Cup, where the U.S. men's team worked so hard to make it to the Round of 16. I see Spain {eventually} winning that Cup, and feeling a bit sad that it was all over.
I see myself at Messiah soccer camp, making new friends and renewing bonds with old ones. Despite the heat {and rain} it was a week to remember.
I see myself walking in to my co-op, scared to death about starting French 1. I can see myself sitting in Physical Science, missing some of my old friends from last year,  not realizing that in a few short weeks I would be great friends with some new kids.
I see my 15th birthday, and how wonderful it was. I see Thanksgiving, our first without Mom-mom. Then came Christmas, a joyous occasion. I see all the presents opened, and my family laughing and talking about old times.

And here I am, writing this blog post, making my own history. Here's to 2011.....may it be a wonderful year, for everyone.

~Lily

'And pondered these things in her heart'

Fast-forward six months. You and Joseph, still betrothed, are on your way to Joseph's hometown, Bethlehem. Caesar's decree that a census be taken has come at just the wrong time, you think. My baby could be born at any time!

During the long journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth, you have plenty of time to think back on all the past months has brought. After Joseph pledged that he would still marry you, the entire town shunned you both. Those who had once been close friends now avoided you and gossiped about you. The only ones who have remained faithful are Joseph, Anne and her husband, and your family. The Lord be praised for my family's understanding. Without them, I do not know what I would have done.

Suddenly, you gasp in pain. Joseph, leading you on the donkey, whirls around.
"Are you all right?" he asks worriedly. You nod, placing a hand on your bulging torso.
"It was just the baby kicking," you assure him. "I am fine."
Josephs nods. "We should stop anyway, just in case. It will be dark soon."

A few hours later, you lay beside a dying fire. Across from you is Joseph, fast asleep. Unable yourself to find sleep, you gaze at your betrothed.
Such a brave and kind man Joseph is. How could I have ever thought he was ruining my life?
Indeed, without him, I would not have as much faith in the angel's prophecy.

Your thoughts are interrupted by shooting pains in your abdomen. You sit up, gasping in pain.
Instantly, Joseph is on his feet.
"Is it time?" he asks. You nod, unable to even get words out.
 Rushing over to you, Joseph helps you to your feet. "We are only a few miles from Bethlehem," he says, bringing the donkey to you. He lifts you on, then hurriedly pulls the donkey on to the path toward Bethlehem.

The two miles to Bethlehem seem like an eternity for you. You make sure to keep breathing, as your mother instructed you. Finally, the pain is too great. You cry out, "Oh Joseph!"

Joseph urges the donkey in to a careful trot. The bouncing increases the pain, but you hold in a scream. I cannot make Joseph any more worried....
You jerk your head back. Oh God, please let us get there soon.

"Mary!" Joseph points ahead, and you see the houses of Bethlehem just ahead.
"We are almost there! Just hang on, Mary. I will find a place for you."
You bite your tongue and nod, concentrating on the houses ahead. If Joseph can just find an inn, then the baby can be born. Oh, he has to find an inn!

You enter Bethlehem. You cannot hold in the cries any longer. Tears pour down your face as the pains increase. Joseph looks at you, then runs to a house. Banging on the door, he cries, "Is there any room?"
A woman opens the door. "Sorry, all full."

Joseph runs back to you. Placing a hand on yours, he stares in to your tear-filled eyes. "Do not fear, Mary. I will find a place for you."
You clutch his hand, and he runs off to another building. "Is there any room?" he yells to the windows. "My wife is in great pain!"
A man opens an upper window. "Sorry, sir, but all the inns are full."
You take a deep breath. "Joseph, we do not have much time!"
Frustrated, Joseph yells, "Isn't there any place we can stay?"
The man points behind Joseph. "Across the way, there is a stable there. 'Tisn't much, but it is warm."

Without a word, Joseph runs back, lifts you off the donkey, and carries you to the stable. As he ducks your head to enter the cave, you notice a bright star shining in the sky. What a beautiful star, you think.

The next hour goes by in a flash. Joseph lays you down on a pat of straw covered by his cloak. Holding your hand, he keeps encouraging you as you push and scream.
"Keep going, Mary! You are almost there! Just one more, one more!"

With a final push, you fall back, exhausted. All is silent, save for one small, thin wail.
You open your eyes to see Joseph, cradling a small baby in his arms. He carefully wipes the baby with a cloth, then hands it to you. You see that, indeed, what the angel said as true. You, a virgin, have given birth to a son. And this son will be the greatest king; the Messiah Israel has been waiting for.

"Welcome, little Jesus," you whisper softly. "We have been waiting."

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring  you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds sad to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

-Luke 2:8-19

I'm so pleased at all the positive feedback I have gotten about this 'Mary' series! I was really inspired by the movie, The Nativity Story, which shows all the events leading up to Jesus' birth. It is such a great movie, which you all should see!!!

I had soooo much fun writing these little segments, all from Mary's point of view. It's amazing to think that the mother of Jesus could have been just a little older than me{or even my age}!

God gave Mary wonderful faith and patience, and I for one cannot wait to meet her in Heaven.


Merry Christmas, my dear followers!!!!!


Love always,
~Lily

My favorites----Christmas music style

Here are my three favorites of Christmas music: A carol, a song, and a hymn.

First off: A carol



Next: A song



And last: A hymn



Hope you enjoyed them!
Merry Christmas,


~Lily

From A to Z

Animals, big and small!
Books......books.......and more books!!!!!
Crisp autumn days
Dear friends, old and new
Everthing in my room
Food in my tummy and a roof over my head
Godly women I know and love
Heaven, where I will be reunited with loved ones
Imagination---and everything that spawns from it
Jewelry, purses, and shoes---everything a girl loves!!!
Kind, thoughtful gestures from those around you
Love that that holds us together
Music, and the artists and bands who make it happen
New places waiting to be explored and new people waiting to be met
Our family movie nights
Pictures and memories that last a lifetime
Quirky family gatherings =D
Red and orange leaves
Sammy Gamgee (:
The brave men and women who keep us safe: doctors, firefighters, police officers, and our military. Thank you!
United States of America-----God Bless America!!!
Very bright colors in my bedroom
World Vision---and especially our little girl!
EXcellent, perfectly pointed pencils
You all----my blogger friends!!!!
Zen-like moments in front of the Christmas tree, just staring at the beauty of it


And here you have just a few of the many things I am thankful to God for. He has blessed me with so many things and people. Thank you Lord, for all you have done for me!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll.

~lily

A week that changed my life------Part 6

Yes, I am back. You probably don't want to read anything ever again after my lengthy post last night, but I promise that you will like these quotes!!!

Katelyn emailed these to me yesterday. She was our official quote taker, in her little notebook. Those of you who did not attend camp might not understand, but please try and see it from our point of view!!!!!

Now, without further ado:

World Views Academy Quotes 2010

"Nothing good has ever happened in a forest."

Camp Director Mike, during our orientation. He was explaining the rules of the camp, and one of them was our boundaries. We were not allowed to go in the forest behind the dorms, a la this quote.

"What is truth without love?"
"You are ugly."

This was Mike Schutt and one of the campers. Mike was asking the question, and the guy was very blunt in his answer. Everyone laughed, and so did Mike (after he realized the guy was joking).

"JESUS!"

The sterotype answer to every Sunday School question. If the campers didn't know the answer to a question, we answered either this or 'THE BIBLE!' Both probably would have worked in any situation. =D

"I was juggling chainsaws-not very well........."

Mike Schutt again----I don't remember much about this one, except it had something to do with juggling cats and chainsaws at the same time. Mike doesn't like cats.

"Yet another reason I'm glad I'm not male"

LOL!!! Katelyn used this all the time, when the guys at camp would do or say something completly ridiculous. I think it's her trademark catchphrase. :)

"NIV- Nearly Inspired Version?"

I think it was Paul Jordan who was talking about different versions of the Bible, and he asked a girl what NIV stood for. I'm pretty sure this was her actual answer.

"Because I'm intelligent"

At the time, this was hilarious. It was the response to Bill Jack asking an athiest how he knew there was no Heaven. He just kept saying this, and we campers were laughing our heads off. Then Bill stopped the tape and said, "I can't laugh at this anymore, because this man is now a very good friend." There was a rather stunned silence after that----so it's not as funny when I think about it.

"Your name fell off"

This was all Brittany, all the way! We had little cards taped to our dorm door with our names on them. I had taken mine off to keep, but Brittany didn't know that. A few hours later, she was looking at the door and said this amazing statment. Katelyn and I laughed rather hard.

"I have news for you- I can't have a baby."

During one of the lectures, something about men and women being different came up. Paul Jordan practically shouted this around the whole room. I seriously could not believe he had said that! It was, well, awkward!

"take your stand from where you sit"

I honestly can't remember who said this one, or why it was said. Still, it's kind of funny!

"DIE, SUCKER!!"

In our evangelizing-lecture, we learned that in order to share the Gospel with people, we couldn't be afraid of what they thought of us, meaning we had to die to ourselves. Therefore, one of the leaders had us all write this down in big captions.

"What is an encyclopedia? a dictionary on steroids"

I believe it was one of the speakers during a lecture---not much else comes to mind.

"Whenever you're done braiding her head"

Emily Rae said this one as we were getting ready to leave our room. Brittany was French-braiding my hair, and it was taking a little longer than we had time. After Emily said this, Katelyn instantly wrote it down.

"Don't eat the cabin boy"

This came about because one of the lectures was about the Regina vs. Dudley and Stevens case (if you don't know about this---you're lucky). I can't remember why it was said, but it makes me giggle and squirm at the same time.

"sandwich artist"

I believe it was Mike Schutt who used this to describe a Subway employee.

"When the Canadians invade.......or the Mexicans.......or the French"

Something rather interesting----I just can't remember why!!! Still, it is lol just because everyone laughed at the thought of the French invading us.

"Because it makes my feet tingle"

I think Director Mike said this, but I do not remember why. Sorry!

"eat tree bark- do something!"

During the lecture on leisure, the lecturer (can't remember who) was talking about alternatives to just sitting around idly. He said this, and I couldn't stop laughing.

"Thank you for having your constitution easily accessible in your wallet."

This was during the judgment lecture, when Mike Schutt asked if anyone knew a certain amendment. We all looked around sheepishly, until one boy actually pulled the Constitution out of his wallet! We were all very surprised and impressed.

"Bummer dude"

This was the counselor's favorite phrase. It's just a silly thing to say when something bummerish happens.

"Babies could grow on trees!"

Don't remember the circumstances---but I believe a camper said this.

"can YOU paint with all the colors of the wind?"

I think it was Katelyn who said this. We had all been singing it, and then she pointed at me and said this.

"wield!"

I think it was when Katelyn and I would stage-punch or pinch or stab each other. Rather funny, I must say.

"AWKWARD!"

To me at least, this sums up the whole week. Anytime anything awkward would come up (aka, I CAN'T HAVE A BABY) Katelyn and I would look at each other and mouth, 'Awkward!' It was really funny, and we had so many awkward moments!

And there are the quotes from our week. There were many, many more I'm sure, but Katelyn couldn't write them all down! And some are better kept a secret between Katelyn, Brittany and I. Right, girls?

Again, my camper friends, if I got any quotes wrong, feel free to email me and I will try to fix them.

Talk to you all next week!

Adieu,

A week that changed my life------Part 5

Before I leave for soccer camp (be back on Thursday!) I thought I should tell you about the evangelizing we did at World Views.

The days leading up to our evangelizing trip in Lynchburg, I was scared. Super scared. I had never gone out witnessing before, and I was sure that I would stumble over my words or mess up or do something stupid that would make a person want to avoid Jesus at all costs.

Of course, before we went out, the counselors gave us a little class on what to say and how to act. The important question we would be asking was, "What happens when you die?" After they talked, I felt a little better. Then I found out that we would be split up in to groups of three or four. And those groups would not be just our small group! Our small group would be mixed in with one of the guy's small groups. I was hoping that one of my girls would be with me, but then Emily Rae broke the news to me: I would be alone, with two other guys.

Oh darn.

Hey, nothing against guys! I get along great with them, and have some good guy-friends! But on my first time evangelizing I wasn't super excited about not having some girl support.

We were introduced to our witnessing groups, and I was happy to see that the guys I would be with looked nice. They introduced themselves, and at first I couldn't remember their names! Rather embarrassing, right? So we didn't exactly start off on the right foot.

Then, as the groups walked to the buses, I started to get to know them. Noland and Nathan were their names, and thankfully I didn't forget them. :)

We boarded the charter bus (my first time, btw) and found seats. I got the window seat next to Noland. It was really hot in the bus, but a little air was coming from the vents near the window. After we started driving, the realization started to sink in: I was going out, with two boys I hardly knew, to ask people, "What happens when you die?" From then on I was occupied with my own thoughts. Noland and I didn't really talk, except for when I asked him if he had ever gone witnessing before. He said no. Then I was like Oh great, he has no idea what he's doing either! I stayed quiet the remaining ten minutes of the drive.

The bus stopped on Main Street in Lynchburg. We all got out and stood on the sidewalk, awaiting orders from the counselors. Nathan caught up with me and Noland, and after listening to the last bit of information we started off. The other groups scattered, and we walked down the street.

A group had already snagged some people ahead of us, so we continued walking. We had reached a corner when an older woman and her daughter (probably in her twenties) came toward us. We quickly whispered among each other about who was going to ask them the question. Noland volunteered, and we approached the two women.

Noland asked the younger woman, "What happens when you die?" She paused, then said "I believe in heaven." "Do you think you'll be going to heaven?" Noland questionted. The woman nodded, and I asked "Why do you think you're going to heaven?" Without much hesitation she answered, "Because I'm a good person."

What?????

After the woman said that, I felt like laughing. In fact, the whole scene felt like something from a movie! The way she had said "Because I'm a good person" just seemed like something we had seen in our training videos. That was when I felt really overwhelmed: People actually believe that good works get them in to heaven?!?

So we were all like, "Okay, thanks for your time!" and we moved on. I think the three of us were a bit shocked that someone had actually said that to us.

We continued walking and soon met up with another lady. She looked to be probably in her 60's and was using a cane. Nathan decided to ask her. We were pretty close when he started to talk. Nathan started off with, "Hi, may we ask you a question?" The woman stopped, and Nathan continued "We're from World Views Academy and we-" he didn't get any further, because the woman instantly pounced on us and was like, "Is World Views Academy associated with Liberty University?" Nathan looked at Noland and I, then said "Uh, yes." The woman instantly turned her face away from us, put up her hand, and stated "I can't talk to you." I almost fell down, I was so surprised. We tried to give her one of our pamphlets but she just kept her hand up and walked away.


I don't know what Nathan and Noland were thinking at that time, but I was pretty bummed. The people we had talked to hadn't benefited at all from our attempts at conversation!

We crossed the street and spied a couple walking with their son. Noland asked them again, and the father said he believed in heaven and hell. Nathan asked, "Where do you think you're going?" With no hesitation, the man answered, "I'm going to heaven." Noland then asked, "Why are you going to heaven?" The man said, "Because Jesus died for my sins." My spirits rose a little after he said that. We talked for another minute, then moved on.


We next saw a hot dog cart by the sidewalk. I decided to ask the lady who was attending it our question. I had just asked her when she smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to answer that while I'm working." We shrugged and kept walking. I didn't feel too discouraged about that---after all, it wasn't her fault those were the rules!

We met a few other Christians who seemed sincere, then came upon this young man who believed in reincarnation (yeah, that's what he said). We asked how he knew this to be true, and he said that's what he had learned in church (huh?!?). Noland then said, "So, what do you think you'll be in your second life?" The guy looked at him like he was crazy, then said, "Oh, I don't think I'll have a second life."

Wait a second. Time out. Someone who believes in reincarnation, but not a second life? I was completely confused.

Noland and Nathan seemed to be less confused, and we tried to tell him a bit about Jesus and the Gospel. He seemed to receive it well, so we handed him a pamphlet and continued on our way.


We next met two men who were on their way to work. We stopped them and asked the older guy what happens when he dies. His reaction was different from everyone else's: he actually stood still, put his hand in his pockets, and said, "I haven't thought about that in a long time." I felt a little hope about this guy. He explained that he believed in heaven, and that even though he hadn't exactly been a 'good person' he thought he might be going there. I asked him if he believed that Jesus had died for his sins.

Things became interesting after that.

The man said that he believed in Jesus and felt like he sort of knew Him. I was thankful that Nathan and Noland just kind of settled back and let this guy talk. I mean, as he kept talking and talking, I realized the man was practically pouring out his soul to us! It was clear to me that he hadn't been able to talk about Jesus and salvation in a long time. I also noticed that his eyes were a bit bloodshot, and that sometimes he would stumble over his words. I wondered if he was taking drugs or medicine.

I forgot about that, though, when the guy explained that even during the darkest times in his life, he had felt this little light inside of him. He said it felt like someone was reminding him that he wasn't completely bad. I seriously almost cried at that point. Noland told him that was definitely Jesus, reminding him that He never leaves us nor forsakes us. The man looked at Noland and seemed truly grateful that we had stopped him and asked him all these questions. Then his friend (who had been rather quiet) said that they really should be getting to work. We thanked them for their time and gave them a pamphlet.
As we walked away, a counselor came up and said it was time to head back to the buses. A whole 45 minutes had gone by already! It felt like only 20 or 15 minutes while we were talking to different people.

When we joined the other groups, my friends and I exchanged stories about the people we had met. Then it was back on the bus. Noland and I sat together again, and once again we didn't really talk. I was rather occupied with what had just happened to me, and it was all still sinking in.

That evangelizing trip really changed me, I think. In fact, on the last night of camp, we had a campfire.

It was actually just the entire camp sitting in a circle in the parking lot by the dorms (no open flames allowed!), sharing how the week had changed us.
At first no one stood up, but then one girl took the initiative and told us how she had learned more about being a leader. Then a guy(actually, it was Brendan, the boy who took our picture) shared how he felt he would be more outgoing about his faith after the camp.

It got quiet again, until Katelyn stood up (I promised her if she went first, I would go right after her). She quickly said how much this camp had showed her to be a better leader, then sat down.
Almost without knowing it, I stood up and talked about how nervous I was about witnessing and that thanks to God I realized that evangelizing really is not that hard. I sat down and thought, Wow, I just got up in front of a bunch of other teenagers, and I wasn't scared! After that we sang some hymns, with Huck on guitar and Miles leading us. Even though we didn't really know the words, most of the boys didn't sing, and we were rather out of tune, I think God was pleased with the melodies we made that evening. We were just giving it all up to Him on our last night of camp.



Jeepers, that was an uber long post! Thanks for standing with me, dear readers. See you next week!

Love,

A week that changed my life------Part 1

Wow--------I can't believe it's been a whole week since camp began!!!!

This past week truly was, 'The best week of my life,' to borrow the phrase from World Views. Ugh, I had such a wonderful time!!!!

It will take quite a few posts to cover the whole week, so I'll just start off by saying: Thank you so much, World Views, for having this camp. Thank you God, for giving me the chance to go and learn more about world views and how to defend my faith. Thank you Mom and Dad for allowing me to go, and to Grandma and Grandpa for helping me squeeze through the costs!!!!!!

Thanks to Emily Rae, for being an awesome small-group leader! You really changed my life.
Thank you Sarah! You were the first person I met at camp, and it was awesome getting to know you.
Thank you Deborah, Jessica, Emily, and Charity for being awesome small-group people! You guys are totally sweet and really showed me what it means to be a good Christian friend.

And I can't forget Katelyn and Brittany!!! They weren't just my roommates for an entire week, they are two of my best friends in Christ.

Katelyn, I love how bubbly and hilarious you were when you first came in to the room where Sarah, Brittany and I were playing cards, and proudly announced, "Well, I just walked into the boys' dorm!" I will never forget that first impression. ;) And you're the only girl I know who can seriously rock a cameo hat! YOU GO GIRL!
And, of course, all our lol moments in the lectures! Paul Jordan needs to learn that he shouldn't really talk about Song of Solomon in a room filled with teenage girls and boys--------AWKWARD!!!!!!!!!!!! He will never live that down in my book! And, of course, tripping over a certain person's feet------you won't ever live that down either!!!!! Love you, girl, and I miss you!!!!

Brittany, you were the second person I met at camp! As soon as I met you I knew we would be friends. You taught me how to play Rummy (thank you!) and shared my, er, interests on certain subjects. :D You filled Katelyn's quote book with many funny quotes, which we will still be laughing over in the coming years.
And I will never forget those late-night talks we had, especially the Friday night one. I hope Katelyn will forgive us for talking so late! I'm just so glad I have a friend like you, who knows exactly how I feel about things!!!!! Miss you, and can't wait to get together soon!!!!!!


So that's my first post on World Views Academy-----stay tuned for some pictures!!!!

Love,

Would you let Jesus have you?

Imagine being with Jesus.

No, not in Heaven. Imagine when He was here on earth, and you were one of His followers. One of His faithful listeners. One of His disciples.

Wouldn't it be glorious, to walk with Jesus Christ here on earth and listen to His teachings? Get to experience His teachings, one-on-one. Get to hear His voice, teaching you. Get to feel His hand on your head, blessing or healing you.

Wow.


But here we are, in the modern world. Jesus was on earth thousands of years ago. We will now have to wait until we reach Heaven to hear His teachings, feel His hand, and experience His glory.

Sometimes, I envy the people who got to be with Jesus, 24/7 on earth and in Heaven. They got Jesus twice over! Wouldn't that be wonderful?

And then there were the people who shunned His teachings, the ones who put Him on the cross. The ones who tried to have him imprisoned or killed. The ones Satan had taken hold of.
They didn't believe He was the Messiah. After all, how could a mortal man be the son of God?

These people didn't have faith. They didn't believe because they didn't want to believe.

How sad.
We look back on these people and think, How could they be so stupid? Didn't they realize Jesus Christ was standing there, teaching them? Healing them? Doing wonderous miracles? HOW COULD THEY BE SO STUPID?!?

But you know, how would we act? I mean, if Jesus came back to earth right now, would we believe? If He asked us to leave everything we have, everyone we love, and follow Him, would we? Or would we be more attached to the material things and the people in our lives?

I like to judge the people who shunned Jesus; who didn't believe He was the Messiah. But really, I shouldn't. After all, if Jesus suddenly appeared before me, would I belive it was Him? I like to think I would, but with sinners................it's hard to say.

That's why I love the lyrics from this song, by Sidewalk Prophets:

'You Can Have Me'

If I saw You on the street

And You said come and follow me

But I had to give up everything

All I once held dear and all of my dreams

Would I love You enough to let go

Or would my love run dry

When You asked for my life

If Jesus came to earth today, would we be willing to give up everything to follow Him? Or would our love run dry?

Just a little thought.

Love,

Christian theme

Here's another passage from The Two Towers that has a very Christian theme:

'Now, lord,' said Gandalf, 'look out upon your land! Breathe the free air again!'
From the porch upon the top of the high terrace they could see beyond the stream the green fields of Rohan fading into distant grey. Curtains of wind-blown rain were slanting down. The sky above and to the west was still dark with thunder, and lightning far away flickered among the tops of hidden hills. But the wind had shifted to the north, and already the storm that had come out of the East was receding, rolling away southward to the sea. Suddenly through a rent in the clouds behind them a shaft of sun stabbed down. The falling showers gleamed like silver, and far away the river glittered like a shimmering glass.
'It is not so dark here," said Theoden.

That passage has such a Christian meaning: Even in the darkest times, there is still hope. For Middle Earth, that hope was Frodo and the Ring, heading to Mordor. As Christians, our hope is in Jesus Christ.

Our commission

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This is the commission Jesus gave to his disciples before He was taken up to Heaven. Just because this commission was given 2,000 years ago doesn't mean it doesn't apply to us. We are Jesus' disciples now; we are the ones to whom this commission is directed.

I love that God, while giving us a command, also gave us a promise: And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. So long as we remember that Jesus is with us always, we can never be defeated. Therefore, we should not be afraid to go out and make disciples of all nations.

This part is pretty hard for me: The whole going-out-and-converting-people. I'm not the most open person about my faith.......I like to keep it kind of a secret thing between me and God. And while that is fine, it's not good for witnessing to people.

This summer I am attending the World Views camp at Liberty University. Among other things, I'm hoping this camp will help me learn to be more open about my faith, leading me to witness to people better. Please pray for me as I try to go through this!

I love this verse I found in Matthew today:

All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Matthew 11)

Quite interesting, isn't it? No human truly knows God unless Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts. Another verse goes quite well with this one:

Jesus said--I am the Way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14)

These verses go hand in hand: Both say that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ. If we don't accept him first, we can't get to God.