Leave it at the cross

.... in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. -- John 16:33

 As, I reflect on this Good Friday, I continue to be reminded that I cannot do things on my own. The more I try to tackle my to do list the longer it seems to get.  I am not perfect nor can I ever measure up or become something I am not. I need to start allowing God to work in my day and open doors for opportunities to be his servant. This verse reminded me that if I allow the world to dictate my day I am not at peace. When I ask for God's direction, I'm no longer doing it on my own strength and I see more of him at work around me. 

God, our King, always has a plan that we can never fully comprehend.
 When you get overwhelmed with questions or doubts--- Remember his Sacrifice for us.

God sent his one and only son to walk earth and face the things that we face each day.
He knows what we are facing, what we've been through and what is to come.

Jesus broke all barriers down for us to have an intimate relationship with our King, God.
He gives us the opportunity for FREEDOM and HOPE.

When you think about Easter think about these things:

Do you have hope? If so, is it constant?--- Accepting Christ as your Savior will provide you with hope in  all circumstances.

Are you living with tremendous guilt and shame?--- Know that the Lord loves you right where you are and will meet you there with steadfast love (Psalm 63). He also will remove the shame and guilt as long as you surrender it to him.  He will replace the weight with a warm embrace.

God wants to capture your heart,
what are you waiting for?
Hes patiently waiting because he knows how stubborn you are or
 how much weight there is weighing you down.
Don't allow your weights to make your decisions anymore.

Gifts

Things we should thinking about as we open our gifts this year is those; who have nothing can't celebrate the holiday as elaborately, who lost loved ones this past year, who have lost their jobs, who still are overseas placing their lives in danger for our country. It is easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated with what is happening in the world. This season we should be forgetting about the world and focus in on our families. Now, is the time to appreciate what we have been given and not waste time.

Remember that life was given to us as a gift. We were given the opportunity to know God intimately and know we were designed with a purpose. This gift that I am talking about  is Jesus.

The word became flesh and made his dwelling place among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.            - John 1:14

God sent his son to come live on earth and face the trials that we each face. He followed God's commands and helped people in complete denial of God. He suffered under prosecution and still remained faithful to his Father. He died a gruesome death so that before we even existed our sins would be wiped clean. There is nothing in the way of accepting God as our King and Jesus as our Savior.

The moment we accept this truth, we can know what it truly means to live. Shame, guilt, worry, anxiety and fear can all be taken off your shoulders and placed in God's hands.

Have you made the decision to walk with a mighty King and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas?

Reflection.

In a matter of days, I will officially be a a college graduate!

These past four and half years are a blur. I can't believe how fast time has gone. 

• I changed my major 2 times
•  I invested in my relationship with God
• I became an Aunt
• Decided on a career: Child Life Specialist

• I traveled to India, Dubai, Korea and New York

• Made lifelong friendships across the globe
• Moved approximately 7 times 
• My family has grown :)
•  I am blessed
• Thank you for being a part of my college years!!

• I am getting ready to start a new adventure...

#9 Dream Big

 This past semester New Philly taught me many things. 
But, what I want to focus on at the moment is #9, Dream Big.
 I have always had dreams and passions, but who would think they could actually come true. 
Well, today, I got some amazing news.
 I am going to be doing my senior practicum at Brenner's.
 I will be working under a Child Specialist.
  My dream job. 
My dream is coming to life. 
God has been blessing me so much after returning home. 
God designed us to be used by him to spread his love around the globe,or in this case in the hospital. 
 My mission is to serve God.
 Population: Infants through Adolescence 
I am called to share his love and grace to the little ones.
Thank you,New Philly for telling me to continue to Dream Big. 

 New Philadelphia Church Core Values

#1 - Be Extravagant in Worship

#2 - Freedom is for Everyone

#3 - Father the Fatherless

#4 - Be Faithful in Small Things

#5 - The Anointing Flows from the Top Down

#6 - Roll with the Punches

#7 - Supernatural is Natural

#8 - Contend for the Kingdom

#9 - Dream Big

For More detail of their core values visit their website:

 http://newphiladelphiachurch.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159&Itemid=90

New Chapter

I have returned home after four months, well not really "home" because my mom sold her house and we are currently living somewhere temporary :). 

My flight

My flight from Korea was okay, I slept on and off pretty peacefully. I was exhausted from not sleeping all week. It was perfect. I got off my plane from Korea... in Dallas. I went through security and proceeded to take  the quick way to the terminal, which was not working. So I had to go out of security and took a bus to the right terminal. I got off at the wrong spot because of construction and had to run to my gate. I got there with a few moments to breathe before boarding my last plane of the day.

My second flight was only two hours thank goodness. The guy who sat next to me was going to work for the minor leagues in Florida.  Probably the closest, I will be to meeting a famous athlete, ha.  I slept some and basically wanted to jump off the plane when we landed. I was so excited to finally be on the ground for a while. 

Jet Lag?

 God really blessed me with absolutely NO jet lag. I visited my brother and  nephew immediately after landing in the NC. I spent a couple days with them. Ethan is so much fun!! I cannot wait to my spend my semester staying with them. He is so precious and can't wait to witness him grow up. I never thought about how much being an aunt would be.  :)

A place called Home

 The moment I got back to our temporary home, I started unpacking. I was determined to get everything out of my suitcases and unpack the other boxes of my stuff. I threw things out and gave so much to Goodwill. I organized and really felt settled.  Four days after arriving back to the states, I started babysitting. God blessed me with two amazing families to work with. The children are so much fun. 

 One of the mom's introduced me to a girl who is pursuing my dream career. I want to be a Child Life Specialist. And God totally orchestrated our meeting. She really encouraged me and I can't wait to see where our friendship takes us. 

Cheers to a New Chapter!! Just a semester in my way of meeting the real world. :)

Rona Babb

 I had such an amazing Familia leader this semester.

 She spoke so much truth into my life and helped me discern God's direction.

 She challenged me to fully trust in the Lord and pursue his kingdom above all else.

Each break through that I experienced was mind boggling.
Her patience, love and time helped me conquer so many giants.

I am a woman living in freedom.

- I no longer look at my past in disgust, shame, guilt or with the feeling of inadequacy.

- I no longer find my worth in guys.

- I no longer struggle with confidence.

Now, 

           -   I use my past to minister to others

            -  My personality has some gangster flavor

           -    I am living a life based on faith not fear

            -  I am filled with an overflowing amount of joy

             - I can be crazy myself

              - My identity has been completely altered.

God orchestrated for me to come to Korea last minute because he wanted to show me his heart . He wanted me to encounter him like I never had before.  I prayed so long to be challenged by God and not only did he challenge me, but completely shifted my life into a new level of intimacy with him. 

God has been so so good to me this semester!

           

Traveling the land

I got the opportunity to go on a long weekend trip with a small group of students to Seoraksan Mountain.
I wasn't completely prepared for the weather with my clothing, but I really enjoyed getting out of the big city and reunited with nature. We went on a 10 hour hike to the top of the mountain. Although at times, it was tough and painful  I am so glad I went. I bonded with some students that I didn't know well. Master Kim  taught us many good techniques for hiking and some interesting life advice. We visited a temple at a northern beach and it was interesting seeing all the people celebrating Buddah's Birthday.

Then, the following weekend I went to Jeju. 

A popular island to travel to in the summer. 

I had a great time with the girls and once again got to reunite with nature. 

Dana and I :)

The girls! 

We did lots and lots of sight seeing along with laughing.
We went to a cave, beaches, Udo Island, hiking and several waterfalls.
It was such a great time!!

I was blessed with the chance to discover more of Korea prior to leaving.