HALO

HALO - Holy Adults Living Outloud
This is a young adults "youth group" at my church. Last thursday was my first time going because I finally didn't have to work :).
I feel that God certainly orchestrated this. The message was one that I needed to hear that night.
It was based on Philipianns 4:8-9. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." I have been struggling a little bit these past few months with living a life that is TOTALLY dedicated to the glorification to God, my Father. Now, don't worry, I haven't tuyrned into a rebel just because I'm "on my own" now. But if you have ever been to college, you have to agree with me that the temptation to blend into the patterns of the world is very strong.
It has been specifically difficult because I have been "too busy" to get into the Bible every day, mush less every week. The pastor emphasized the importance of NOT blending in. NOT sulking into the corner when there is peer pressure to do something "because everyone is doing it." But being bold in your faith and taking every opportunity to establish your faith in Christ. He encouraged us to be wary of what's going in our minds, hearts, ears. Whatever goes in, comes out. When I don't daily put God's word into my mind, heart, thoughts, actions, what do I expect to come out of my mouth, thoughts, actions?
God, once again, hit me in the head. He has done this time and time again, as I am a silly sinner and am constantly making excuses to shy away from my part of this relationship with Christ. It hit me once again that I need to prepare myself spiritually for the future. Whatever may happen, I need to ensure that I am so strong in Christ that He gives me the power to walk uprightly, no matter what comes at me.

On the other hand, life here in Spokane is going great! I'm working more and more. Although I miss my family and friends a bunch! I'm glad That I'm here and can't wait to see what the future holds for me!!!

Home!

So, my last final was on thursday. I promptly left school afterwards and headed home to Lynden to spend a week with my family!

My family actually went to a friends lake cabin for the weekend on Friday, so I had 3 days to spend exclusively with my wonderful girlfriend Hannah. That was much-needed time, considering we hardly get the chance to see each other for an extended amount of time. I went to her graduation ceremony on Friday night. It so exciting that she is no longer in high school!

I spent sunday night - tuesday afternoon on "the islands" with dad painting! :).

And now it's thursday morning. I head home in an hour. I will miss my family. I will miss Hannah. I will miss all my friends. But, I had a spectacular week at home. I'll be back in August! :)

FREE!

Well, I'm done with school for the year! I'm so thrilled to be done! It was a great quarter, despite missing all my family and friends. On thursday I took my last final, then left Cheney and drove 6.5 hours to Lynden! It was the longest I've ever driven. And did it all alone :).

I'm so happy to be home! But I will only be able to stay home for a week because I have no money and owe my parents quite a bit, so I need to work all summer. And if I was to work here during the summer, I would not have my job guaranteed in the fall. So 1 week will have to suffice.

I am SOO happy that I was able to make it home in time for Hannah's graduation! On friday night I witnessed her make the leap from High School to adulthood! I'm SO proud of her! She's done with High School and will, in the fall, join me in Spokane! She will be attending Spokane Falls Community College! We aren't sure where she'll be living, but we are trusting God that He will provide the right housing at the right time!