Such a time as this..

How would you describe faith? ...When I was asked this question the word picture that came to mind was a cliff. Im standing on an edge of a cliff and God has asked me to jump. The cliff is of solid rock and it feels safe. I can see ahead but not far and what I can see is hazy. There is vast amount of space ahead but also alot of unknowns. Here is where the faith comes in, instead of jumping  and just hoping God will be there to lead and provide for me, I want to know that God is going to be there and provide for me. The the biggest thing God is teaching me this summer is to take risks for God, trusting and knowing God is faithful and that He will provide. The question I continue to ask myself is, am I willing to take a risk for God and put myself outside my comfort zone? Now I thought I had it all figured out...silly me..but I had certain plans for me life...that I would go to college, graduate (on time), get a great job in business world, get married, and start a family. It's almost like I just expected that these things would simply fall into place. But as time goes on these things are not alligning like I want them to, Im realizing God's plan for my life is quite different than the plan I created for myself. 

So here's the catch, and here is where my faith comes in...I trust God, I do...but living that trust out is alot different. It's hard. It's hard for me to "jump" off a cliff into a world of unknowns. It's hard to leave what is comfortable. It's hard to take a risk in a direction that I myeslf had not planned to go in. But again the question is, do I trust God enough to take risks for His glory and His Kingdom and die to the plan I had for myself and embrace the plan He has for my life? 

I often let fear dictate my decisions in life. I love my comfort zone and when I make decisions I make them based on whether they will push me out of my comfort zone. Hampton Beach has pushed me out of my comfort zone. Staff is challenging, it's draining, tiresome....but it has taught me alot about myself and challenged me to step up and be a leader. Staying in my comfort will only hinder me from growing. When I fail to step out of my comfort zone because of fear, it shows God that I dont trust Him.

Our time here as staff is just about over. Today I presented the girls I have been discipling this summer with a vision plan for their lives. It included encouragement, areas to grow in, and verses that explain who we are in Christ. I wanted it to be something that they can look back on in 5 years and see how far they have come and be reminded of what it looks like to walk in step with the Spirit. I am so thankful God put these women in my life this summer Ive grown to really love and respect these women. It's been a priveledge to watch God do amazing things in their life. Im thankful for their teachable hearts and their eagerness to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Tomorrow through Thursday is staff retreat!! I cant wait! Then I fly home Saturday the 4th! I cant believe it's over, but leaving I feel empowered and motivated to take leaps of faith. I feel like im walking away having learned great life lessons that will prepare me for when I graduate and start making decisions that will impact the rest of my life.

Hampton Beach '09

I would have to say I never thought that I would be back in Hampton Beach, NH. Last year in Hampton, I had a summer that was the launching pad for my relationship with Christ. I grew closer to God, learning more about His character and who I am in Christ. I grew in community and learned the importance of christian fellowship. I learned the value of true friendship. I learned that there is no better place to learn and grow deeper with God and others than in an environment full of grace and truth. I learned how to share my faith with others whether with co-workers, friends, or just a stranger on the beach. Mostly I learned that God is in control and even though I may be surprised I am back in Hampton Beach this summer, He is not. He has known all along.

This year in Hampton I have the opportunity to be a student-intern on the Hampton Beach Summer Project staff team. If you had told me this last year at this time that I myself would be back as staff next year, I wouldn't have believed it. The staff here are mainly married so it has been great to learn from women who are older or in the next phase of life. It's been a great opportunity to learn more about myself, yes even the things I would rather pretend weren't there. But this summer has been a time of healing and growth, something I was not expecting. I came here expecting God to just use me in the lives of these women, but God has been efficient with this time and has allowed a lot of learning and growth on my part as well. As a student-intern I am in a position of authority. Yes me in authority...of my peers! College students my age, some even older, I am in authority over? God really does have a sense of humor and a great reminder of how His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. I dont have much practice or experience being in authority, or shall I say a leader, especially not over my peers. It has been hard creating boundaries that paint me as a voice of authority. For those who know me, I am not one to be assertive. I tend to let the natural leaders emerge and I tend to quietly follow in their lead. So me? Be a leader? Authority? That has been my biggest challenge while here, but I am learning to embrace life, take leadership, and step out of my comfort zone.

Yesterday afternoon I was walking on the beach with Ahna, one of the women I have the opportunity to disciple this summer, and I was teaching her how to share the gospel. We saw 3 young women still in high school, sitting on the beach just talking and soaking up some sun, so Ahna and I walked over and sat down to talk with them. We asked them if they would mind doing a 5 minute spiritual survey with us, they politely agreed and so we began. As the survey moved on, the conversation got deeper and I was able to share with these women my testimony and with their permission I was able to share the gospel with them. I asked them if they would like to choose to accept Christ into their lives and hearts and just like that they said yes! I couldn't believe how much God had worked in and through that conversation. Those girls hearts were so desperate to hear the gospel and the Lord was so eager to share it with them. Talk about encouraging. The life that comes from knowing Christ and the purpose that enters your life because of Him brings the most satisfying feeling.