Technology Unplugged

It's interesting having a computer class and other classes that require me to use so much technology and studying aspects of Outdoor Ministry that encourage simplicity and the negative effects of such. At this point in the semester, I am bogged down with assignments and am anxious about such a crazy summer coming up that I am not prepared for. Fundraising to do, papers to write, etc. However, through all this God is preparing and refining me in this season of discipline. Though it is difficult because I feel so far and weak, I trust that "He who began a good work will carry it onto completion" (Philippians 1). This coming weekend, though timing is crazy, yet perfect, I am going on a silent retreat with the Spiritual Formation class and going to unplug from everything. Be silent and leave everything behind to hopefully encounter the Lord and rest in Him. I want to enter into His peace and be able to hear and take courage from His voice. I went to rest in His provision as I remove myself from these busy distractions.

Calling.

Such a confusing time in life. Lord, help me to just be where I am.

How much I love youth.

Today at Victory Baptist (the youth group I help with) we had an amazing youth Sunday! I know something with youth is my calling and I am excited. They have so many struggles they face but are hungry for the gospel! I spoke to the church about being unified with them, praying for them, and to value them. My prayer is that they break free of trying to live up to being good little church kids to really pursuing the Lord and letting Christ reign in their lives. They now know, we don't do fake and I hope they continue in their honesty. I have been struggling with not wanting to keep going and God still uses me and these youth to remember how much He is powerfully working. OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

Global Perspective.

I went to the Invisble Children legacy tour presentation at UNCA and it reminded and challenged me to keep a global perspective. Here in America, there is so much pressure to have your life mapped out. Plan a comfortable lifestyle, get a degree, a salary, a 401k, and make sure you have insurance and a retirement plan. I have been worried about raising money, what God is calling me to vs. I need to pay of loans and listen to the worldly wisdom. The question is continually asked.. what are you going to do with your life? What occupation is going to define you? I constantly wonder what will I do when I graduate college and am I on the right track.. Should I change my major? What if this isn't where I should be? And other people, other kids, other students my age.. are wondering if they can live tomorrow. This isn't too make us feel guilty and like crap for being born here but to realize, only in America is this pressure really placed.. We serve a God of the Universe who is Supreme. Our Lord is sovereign and my occupation and all that stuff is hardly anything compared to eternity. Yes, He cares about those little details in our life but they do not define us or should consume us. I want to be free of all of this.