I Hate Christmas Parties

Ok, I really don't hate them but I had to say that because it's a title of a Relient k Christmas song. We all know how much I love Relient k :)

Christmas really is an opportunity for awkward social situations. I've had a few already and I haven't even gone to any family functions yet. Honestly, I'm not normally a very awkward person...it takes quite a lot to make me feel uncomfortable. However, when it happens it's bad. I feel overwhelmed and stupid and like I want my mom.

The last awkward/awful situation I had was one of the best learning experiences of my life. I just embraced it. I asked God, "Why am I reacting like this?" And the answer was, "Because You don't trust me."

I realized most situations are only awkward because I'm not seeking God for wisdom. If I ask Him for it I know He'll give it to me. He promised :)

Sorry this post is so vague...I just had to get this off my chest.

Take Me Home

But keep me feeling lonely.

I've always loved that line. Coming home is always a bittersweet experience. My family really is amazing and I enjoy just being with them. But there's always this strange feeling of lonliness that sets in after a few weeks. It's like I'm not satisfied.

Then the truth hits me. I'm not drawing near to Jesus. He satisfies me. He quenches my thirst for attention and admiration. He encompasses all my desires and my ambitions. In Him I am complete and thriving.

So, I come to You, Jesus. I take Your hand and step away from my pity party. You are near and that's enough. Actually, it's more than enough.

America the Beautiful

The roadtrip of a lifetime is officially over now and my spirit is sighing. I am so happy that God gave me the opportunity to minister with emergeJustice and travel my country. So here's a recap of where we went and some memories attatched to each place:

Illinois: RC Cola and ketchup covered ham

Indiana: Monroe city girls, walking at midnight on the highway we didn't know was a highway, our first real setup that took 5 hours, and the most amazing cornfields ever

Ohio: Shane and Tara Jette, haunted woods, Impact World Tour, 3 churches in one morning, and the ghost lady at the ancient bed and breakfast.

Pennsylvania: The Hamm family, almost beating Nick and Josh at basketball, Lancaster, divine appointment at Fifth Quarter and the sweet man who helped get our van started so we could go, Lebanon base and all that entails. Philadelphia :)

New York: Best venue ever...most excited crowd. Smithtown-the youth group that was so hungry for God and the Christian school that surprised me. NYC: crazy adventure seeing Shiloh and avoiding creepy men. Missing the subway and crying over cinnamon rolls and ice cream :)

Maryland/Delaware/DC: Meeting Carlyn's friends, amazing service at Pastor Matt's church, seeing Yak, and having my first hot dog from a vendor.

Virginia: Richmond, election, Katie's sprained ankle, 2 year old Jordan pooping on me, coffee at Avinell's, Vinny and family, hammock and coffee.

North Carolina: Charlotte, lots of amazing YWAMer's, thrift store, and staying out in the boondocks.

Georgia: The Dirty South! Staying with Grover's family who are amazing, going to Casting Crown's church, presentation at the Christian school, Charity's surprise birthday party, seeing my wonderful friend Sara, almost burning down Grover's house with a candle and a stack of underwear, and just enjoying being with my team :)

Tennessee: Raven neck tattoo, Krystal's, Knoxville and all the wonderful people at the Father's House, saying goodbye to Grover.

Arkansas: Seeing my family, introducing my team to my grandparents, YWAM Ozarks, last late night gas station stop.

Well, there's a little taste of the last few months. I know a lot of those memories might seem random and make no sense to anyone but I treasure each one. I will never forget what God did these past few months and all of the amazing people He introduced me to.