Don't Forget to Have FUN!

Today I thought I'd let you have a glimpse of what's been going on the last 3 weeks I've been back in Madison! 

This was a spontaneous outing with my friends to the lake! Basically we just wandered around laughing, exploring, dancing, and pyramid making! 

The house I'm living in for the summer had an amazing garden! We have been well stocked with fresh strawberries which is the best thing ever!

While being so diligent in doing my homework, I fell into such deep thought that I fell asleep, pencil in hand. My lovely house mates found me like this and took the initiative to have a photo shoot. Thanks, friends!

After a particularly long day, I found myself unwinding by playing with the neighbors toys. There was no child involved in this scene, or even in the house... Other than myself I guess. (thanks Chels for the lovely picture that I did not know was happening.) 

I did the color run for the first time!!!! These 3 definitely made it an adventure! 

However, after the color run, we went to go get ice cream. Aaaand the car broke down so we became stranded.

Rest in peace Ol' Red.... 

I know it might be hard to believe, but I really have been working since being back! Working, and working hard! 

The last 2 weeks I've been in staff training for this coming DTS (which starts in 2 days!) and we've been very busy preparing, planning, and praying! But as you can see, despite the busyness, there's always time to get out and go adventure! 

~Loves~ 

The War Between Fear & Courage

"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear." -Mark Twain

Fear. 

This word has been on my mind a lot recently. 

Today I decided to tackle the ghastly task of cleaning out an old dresser in my room. In the midst of the chaos I found a few old journals, so of course all cleaning came to a halt as I sat down and flipped through pages and pages of my life. I saw the same theme over the years. 

"I'm afraid of what might be coming next"

"I'm afraid that God won't come through this time"

"I didn't talk to this person I felt led to talk to because I was afraid of their reaction"

How much have I missed over the years because of this word that has been known to dominate my actions and emotions? What steps have I not taken? What words have I not said? 

Fear. 

It seems daunting, intimidating, impossible to conquer, but then I flip the coin. 

What is the opposite of fear? 

COURAGE.

"The ability to do something that is frightening"

"bravery, boldness, confidence" 

Fear asks if I made the right decision to step out, if I'm even going the right way. 

Courage tells me that HE is the way. 

(Jn. 14:6)

Fear asks if I'll have money this month to pay rent.

Courage tells me that my God will meet all my needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

(Phil. 4:19) 

Fear asks if I'm afraid to be in this alone.

Courage tells me to be strong and courageous because the Lord himself will go before me and be with me. He will NEVER leave me.

(Deut. 31:7,8)

Fear asks me why I'm so weak and timid.

Courage tells me that HIS power is made perfect in weakness. When I am weak, HE is strong.

(2 Corinth. 12:9,10) 

Living in fear does not have to be my reality. Fear is a choice, and fear is a lie. Rise above the fear, choose courage. 

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose words I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" -Psalm 56:3,4

"The Lord is my light and my salvation-

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life- 

of whom shall I be afraid?" 

-Psalm 27:1