The Declaration of Confidence

If you're a dedicated follower of my blog, I apologize for all these love posts. But there's just so much I'm learning that I need to tell you! 


Girl.

I've been the girl that no one noticed or wanted. I'd judge the girls that had so many guys around them, and say how desperate they all must be. But what I was really thinking was, "I can't even get one guy to look at me, let alone juggle more than one." I was jealous, envious, frustrated, lonely and insecure. Then things changed. I got attention, and even if it was the bad kind, I wouldn't let it go. I fed off it. I've also been the girl who's been pursued by someone I didn't necessarily feel the same way about. I've been the girl that saw something she wanted and would do anything for it. Wanting someone that doesn't even barely acknowledge you exist. Sister mode. I've also mutually felt something for someone and had to let that go. No matter how much I justified each encounter, as to why "they should be the one," they're not here next to me to testify it was worth it. Worth the tears, worth the pain...And while I do have regrets, I apply my own medicine as well as the Truth from His word, and tell you each regret has led me to learn something valuable. 
Be something worth chasing. Don't ever, ever, ever, run after a boy. Build yourself up. He didn't love you? That doesn't mean no one ever will. Dispose of the lies, and embrace the truth. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way in different accounts, that you should never settle. The world may be quick to judge and disregard my worth. But I know what I'm worth. Christ has shown me. My value is not defined by the world's standards of something worth fighting for. With an eternal perspective, and a pure heart, God overfills my cup with great dignity and refinement. No matter how many have trampled over your feelings, or maybe even how much you've stepped over them, you are still capable of becoming something wonderful. Don't wait for the boy to come along and tell you that for you to believe it. When he comes along you should be able to say, "Oh, trust me, I know what I am." Conceited? No. Confident.  After all, confidence is the most attractive thing one can possess. 


The Declaration of Confidence


I,  __________, am the most beautiful girl in the world. I am confident and strong. And though I'm not perfect, it doesn't get better than me. For those who missed out, and those who walked out, thank you. It's because of you I have learned valuable lessons. My mistakes are what make me wiser, stronger, and more resilient to your lies. I can smile today, just because I can. You don't hold me captive. Your standards and your expectations are meaningless to me. I'm not lying to myself by saying all this to make myself feel better. I'm simply stating the longly overdue truth. And I don't need anyone to tell me that. I am royalty. I am a princess. I wish you the best.., oh wait, I am the best. 


Sincerely,
NOT your property 


Now, that may have sounded a bit absurd and over the top. But it's all true. You are beautiful, my dear. You are worth it. Worth the fight. Don't ever settle for less. Take it from someone who understands completely, they'll never satisfy you. But Christ will. 


Stephanie

Excitement!

Senior year is coming to a close soon for me! Less than a month left of high school. Crazy.

The Hope for Haiti trip is just around the corner and I can't even contain my excitement. I'm most looking forward to everything God is going to teach me in the next stages of life. Also, something to be excited about is my new blog coming soon! 
"The Art of Becoming Stephanie" 
which won't start till Spring or Summer. Life is good y'all, because He is great! 

Sincerely,

Stephanie 

Goodbye 2011

This has been my favorite year. 

A year to remember. 

Blessed. Renewed. Loved. 

If I gain nothing else, I'm content with the abundant blessings

I've already received so undeservingly. 

Choose Him, and watch your life transform. 

Sincerely,

Stephanie 

Bittersweet

Pause. When life is moving fast and moments pass, we barely take a moment to stop and embrace what we just lived. I long for a great future, to be used for the Lord, to find love someday, to become a strong and inspiring woman. I have dreams and have left room for the uncertain. I often am always looking ahead of time, and occasionally stopping to look into the present, to really soak it in. Sometimes, it's painful to look back into the past. There's things we were more than happy to say goodbye to, or maybe didn't want to say goodbye to. There's feelings we've tried to burry underneath the layers of time and new horizons. Sometimes, all we want to do is look forward and forget where we came from and how we got there. The hard things we go through stick more than the good. But on those occasions where my happy side overrides my pessimist side, I look back because I want the good to live on. It's like going through an old album. Moments that were captured to bring back the smile that once was. I tell myself to disregard where that person or place may be now, in order to remember just what was in that exact time. The smiles, the laughter, the hugs, the kisses, the dreams, and the unforgettable memories. We can either choose to ache that they're not here anymore, or be thankful that they ever were. Because it's the sweet collection of all the bittersweet moments that led you right here. I wouldn't change who I am now, or where I am. I mean that whole heartedly. I don't want to re-live what was. I just want to remember it, smile, and continue to make more of those moments. 
Your happiness depends on how you choose to look at what was, what is, and what it will become.
Sincerely,
Stephanie 

One man's trash is another's treasure...

There's two kinds of people in this world; men and women. 
Ladies, this one's for you. 
We're a very distinct breed. Different interests, tastes, aspirations, dreams... but we all have one thing in common. Every one of us longs to be loved and desired. (I know, Steph, I've heard this a magillion times!) Hang on girl, don't be so quick to being cynical. It's apart of our nature and who are we to try and deny it? Lately, I've been noticing the heartbreaking enormity of girls completely fallen in "the trap." 


th·e t·ra·p [the-trap]
noun, singular 
      1. A deceiving and dangerous state of being where one has fallen for a lie that a person (or the world) has told  them and a false truth becomes their reality. 


Woah! Sound familiar? Almost all of us have fallen, or are falling, for it in some way, shape or form. 
Websters may not have it in their book, but in the metaphorical book called "The Human Girl" we're fairly familiar with the term. What does it look like? Good question. 


Image. 
From wee toddlers sitting in our 'rents laps, innocently observing the television, we find ourselves introduced to the world  of media beauty. "Beautiful, gorgeous, hot etc." are all subliminal messages hidden behind the advertisements and movies. The least harmful program or commercial was actually doing some more serious harm down the road. The moment our eyes connected what beautiful is to the world with our minds the image was forever implanted. It wasn't an instant poison to death, but the kind that slowly kills the little self-confidence we have. You can't run away from it, it's just how this world is. And so, we carry on growing up. As tweens we're immediately hypnotized by the pop-star world and each fall in love with a cheesy sitcom. Nothing wrong right? Think again. The poorly structured storyline and ridiculously lame dialogues aren't what keep us wanting more. No. It's the pretty faces and trendy clothes that have us hooked. If Hannah Montana had looked like Whoopi Goldberg, would we have idolized her so much? The real false reality in those shows is NO ONE LOOKS LIKE THAT EVERYDAY! When we try so hard to mock, or imitate our fave icon, we say "why can't my life be as fun and exciting as hers? Why can't I look like that?! She always gets the cute guys. Why can't my hair look that perfect?" Girl. Stop that! 1. They have a script that some dude wrote for them! Of course that boy has such a big heart and knows all the words to say, it's most likely a GIRL wrote his lines! 2. They have makeup artists and hairstylist aka their own salon at their fingertips! 3. That's not reality. It's realilies. (re-a-la-lies) Don't make that the example of how your life should look. We both know our problems go much deeper and can't be solved in 20 minutes. (not including all the commercials) The TV, magazines, movies, etc. are screaming at the top of their lungs "THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!" And after repeatedly being exposed to this cruelty it magically, carefully, un-noticably became reality. Just like that, we lost sight of truth before we could see at all. 

Boys. 
Maybe you're not obsessed, maybe your hormones haven't kicked in, or maybe you just have other things on your mind...but I guarantee at some point, before, now or in the future, you will want one. My friends know me to be one that hates chick flicks. "Gosh Steph, you're just totally not normal and clearly not connected with your feminine side." Pshh, as if. I drool over those things! It's so hard not to be completely infatuated with the stories, the guys, and the "happily ever afters!" And then we girls see the guys portrayed in the movies, and BAM! Our definition for beautiful male has been created. From Prince Charming to Noah from the Notebook, we all have a dream dude. It's been said that chick flicks are like porn for girls, and I completely agree. Where does your mind go when you watch them? It's surely not a healthy place to be. In fact, it's dangerous to toy with desire and longing...especially when it's someone who isn't even real. Not to mention, drooling over a guy is totally a double standard us girls don't usually take into account. They can't call girls hot, but we can call guys hot? Another blog, for another time... back to topic. These movies and songs only add to the natural passion and longing us girls already have designed within us. The problem is, they lead us to longing for the wrong kind of love. So many girls will try and take bits and pieces of their favorites songs and films and do everything they can to make their life a story worth telling...a dream come true, a happy ending. Chasing after their dream tale, by chasing after a boy. 

ch·a·sing [chey-sing] 

noun

3.

to follow or devote one's attention to with the hope of attracting, winning, gaining, etc.: He chased her for three years before she consented to marry him.

Or in other terms; text, call, text, text, anonymous status that's obviously about you,  text, song lyrics that are about you, text, voicemail, email?, text, WHY WON'T HE TEXT ME BACK?!?! Text. I give up....text...are you ignoring me? Text. "Oh hey, I was in the bathroom." Text. It's okay!!! :) :) :) What's up?!...no reply...text. Hello? 

Yeah. You know what I'm talking about. See, if you're a girl who's been in a relationship or whatever you consider a relationship, you know the pains of not being in that relationship anymore. It's tough. If you're a girl who's been insecure, lonely, frustrated with self-worth, confidence, image and attention, than you're easily prone to fall in the boy trap. The first boy that comes along and tells you you're beautiful can have the power to steal so much more than your heart...we lose dignity, hope, friends, time, worth and our bodies to boys that took a young girl's dream as an invitation into their pants. But you may be a girl who's wounds are deeper than that of which are on the outside. Abused physically, emotionally and mentally. And while a bandaid can cover a scar, it's no telling what pain lies beneath the fabrics. Maybe it was your father, a boy in class, your boyfriend, the guy you lost your virginity to, the one who broke your heart... at some point we're all exposed to some form of male cruelty. Not saying all men are these evil beings, but that this world is taken by evil and Satan will use what we're prone to most to destroy who we are by telling us what we're not. Lies. Tattooed on our flesh are words we can't run from. We remember the bad, and disregard the good. Because how can 50 people telling me I'm beautiful, block out that one person that called me ugly? What is it? What am I? WHEN DOES IT ALL COME TO A HAULT?! I just want to be loved. I want these stupid memories to be erased. I want to feel whole. I want someone to say "Hey, _______ you are the most beautiful girl in the ENTIRE WORLD and no matter what you've heard or done I love you and every inch of you. I want to be your forever and I'll never ever leave you. I'm yours and you are mine. " (I should be a screenwriter for chick flicks--sarcasm) But seriously. We say, "I'm afraid of love now. I'm crippled with fear of this world and anyone that can harm me more than I've already been hurt in the past. There is no hope." Can you resonate at all with this? If so, keep reading. 

Truth. 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:7

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.
Song of Songs 4:7

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

"Why am I like this?" It's not a curse, but a blessing. You, girl, are perfect. 

per·fect

  [adj., n. pur-fikt; v. per-fekt] 

adjective

4.

entirely without any flaws, defects, or shortcomings: aperfect apple; the perfect crime.

5.

accurate, exact, or correct in every detail:

In His eyes. "Okay, okay. Cool story bro. I hear it all the time! I'm beautiful and perfect to God, but I know all this, why don't I feel it?" Because. A long time ago and angel fell. And in his craftiness he promised to ruin your chances of being happy. He would do anything, and he did, to make you fall for the lie long before you had the discretion to do otherwise. He fed you lies and used situations and people to convince you you are not beautiful and you are not loved. Why does he want to do this? Because if we don't believe the lies, then we believe the truth. And while it may sound awful and scary and hopeless, something else remarkable happened a while back. Remember God? Yeah well, He sent His son to literally die, feel human pain, sorrow, rejection, humiliation...so that we can be saved. He knows the suffering in our hearts as well as in the flesh. He's been here and been tested just like we have. But the beauty in grace is that it makes life not fair. We didn't deserve Him from the start. But He loved us so much that He saved each of us and since has been trying to win our hearts over again. My challenge is this. I can tell you you're beautiful, quote scripture and talk about it all day. But it's you that will either choose, or not choose, to believe the truth for once. 

tr·u·th [tr-u-th]

noun

You, yes you, ARE beautiful. And you're loved by the one that really matters. 

Will you choose to believe it? Because once you truly ask God to relieve you of the baggage of this world, the feelings will follow. He'll make you new. He'll make you true, He'll make you YOU.

Sincerely,

Stephanie 

Classified Tips

In a world of Snookies and Keshas, we girls are at a loss of what the word "classy" means. 
Classiness is respect for those around us and ourselves. It's the unique and beautiful presentation of one's true beauty, without the caked on fakeness and foul talk. Classiness goes beyond the lift of a pinky, drinking tea, and wearing preppy clothes. I'm re-defining what I think it means. Every girl has the ability to obtain her own authentic class. You don't need to change what you are, but enhance who you are. Class it up people. 


It's becoming more and more evident to me what true behavior of a Godly and classy young lady should look like. I've been really drawn to learning the art of the trait recently as I find myself growing out of old habits and thinking. I'm still pretty young, but it doesn't hurt to start acting like mature young ladies that shall blossom into beautiful, independent, authentic women someday. Here's just a fraction of what I've learned so far; 


Don't chase! Girls of every breed are notorious for our tremendous need for affirmation and to be desired. It's okay to feel that way; we were designed to be like this! It's how we deal with it that makes the difference. Our constant longing to be longed for is a unique design that was intended to be fulfilled by the Savior that created us. He fills that empty feeling more than you can imagine if you let Him. Of course, what is God's love compared to attention from meaningless and hormonal boys right? Wrong. It's totally fine to want attention from guys. But what kind of guys are you trying to attract? I promise you there are decent and wonderful guys out there completely worth waiting for. Just because the guys in the hallways hugging every orange, tightly-clothed, obnoxious  barbie doll doesn't notice you, does not mean you're worth less than any other girl. In fact, you are a beautiful gem that deserves the highest recognition.You don't want that phony attention. If you have to change the way you look and act just to get someone to notice you, then they're not noticing you... they're noticing your metaphorical accessory of desperation. There are guys who are patiently waiting for the girl who doesn't throw herself at them with her body and words, but by her poise, class and how she presents herself. "You're beautiful" is worth so much more than "dang girl, you're hot." Sit. Wait. Don't chase... 
"Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." 
Song of Songs 2:7


Modest is Hottest; yes, the infamous saying. I admit I forget this one at times when I'm only looking at how cute an outfit is not thinking of it possibly being immodest. Sometimes things can be cute, but if the people you want to show it off to are more mesmerized by your birthday suit, then the out-fit, you got ripped off girl. Of course the boys are going to be looking at you if your boobs are hanging out and you're showing off every inch of skin that covers your body! They can't help it, they were built like that! Not saying that they should use that as an excuse to gaze their little eyes wherever their heart desires. No, they should respect us too. Regardless, why even leave room for letting our brother's fall? But even the most decent and respectful guys will tell you skimpy clothing is not attractive, it's just distractive. Besides, I truly think there's so many ways to look absolutely stylish and beautiful wearing proper clothing that can compliment a girl on features other than...yeah. I get more impressed when I see girls use clothing as a way to represent their respect for their bodies and for the eyes of the one's around them. A girl should be noticed and recognized by her inner beauty and how she humbly protects her outer beauty. 
"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do." 1Timothy 2:9-10


Turn the volume down. If you're naturally loud, that's totally fine. Never change your personality to fit a certain mold. But I promise you there's a difference between having an outgoing personality and being plain obnoxious. There's something about a girl who knows when to speak and knows when to hush that is so admirable to me. I believe women should be independent and strong, but still be ladies. Being a lady means being lady-like.We are fully entitled to share our feelings and opinions, but in the right time. Nothing's more annoying than a girl who doesn't know how to shut up and says everything that comes to her mind. I've always been taught to be cautious of what I say and how I say it. When guys need to use the rest-room they usually say "I need to use the bathroom" or the less thoughtful gentlemen "I need to take a dump." As much as I don't think guys should ever be that honest, it's absolutely no way a girl should talk. I even get irritated when girls say "I need to pee!" Sure it's not that bad, but do you really need to clarify what exactly your bowels are yearning to do? It's just more pleasant to use "I need the restroom" or "I would like to go to the ladies room" or if that's too proper for you "I really need to use the bathroom, excuse me!" Is that too hard? How can we expect boys to show us chivalry unless we show them classy. Some thoughts should be kept thoughts. Keep more words in, let more classy out. Mannerisms are key. Do I need to state the obvious? Chew with your mouth closed and don't talk out of turn.
"Women should learn quietly and submissively." 1Timothy 2:11


Humility is Hip. It's true. Fact: Bragging, snobby girls are not classy, they're annoying! People should recognize your beauty and brains by how you present yourself rather than how you project your words. Talking about yourself all the time is a fantastic way of turning people off. Use your words and language as a tool to build yourself up, without actually talking all about yourself. It's a nifty little trick called humility. Being humble is one of the most attractive qualities a person can have. Our speech and choice of words reflects our inner-self. Foul language is totally not classy. I've heard so many guys say how un-appealing it is when a girl swears between every word. Be wise with your wording and aware of the power your tongue has to make or break. If you have trouble with doing so, work on yourself on the inside so that your outside reflects something radiant and irresistible; humbleness.  
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2


Be kind and thoughtful. Lastly, classy girls should be well-rounded friendly people. Nothing's more appealing than a well-educated young lady. Don't act dumb. It's not cute, it's irritating. We should always be open to learning and gaining wisdom rather than melting our brains and expecting someone else to pay our bills forever. Don't be afraid of knowledge; instead embrace it, love it, feed on it, and grow from it. Be kind-spirited and delightful to be around. The thing that drew people to Jesus most was His amazing love, joy, and kindness. Smile as much as you can. It's a waste to have the ability to spread happiness through a simple smile, and barely use it. Be encouraging and approachable. Let people see something different in you. Something unique. Something authentic. 
What is desirable in a person is kindness, and it is better to be poor than a liar. Proverbs 19:22 


Now, you may argue that this is not what the world says is "classy," and you're probably right. The thing is though, I'm not using the world's definition. This is what I'm learning through walking each day learning from above what a true, real, woman of Christ is. I've still got a lot to learn, but I hope this was helpful. Remember kids, stay classy. 


Sincerely,
Stephanie 

Awol

"Stephanie, where have you been?" Hello reader. I know I don't post as frequent as I used to, but it's for all good intentions I promise. Not long ago I realized something; I write/talk more about how to be happy, how to live a Christ-like life, being confident, yet I don't practice it as much I speak it. Not necessarily in a hypocritical way, but more so I don't apply what I know to it's full potential. Let me explain.
I would always tell people that they needed to trust God in all things. I'd talk about how you can't put your faith in people and live for a boy or girl. I believed every word I said, and did do it for the most part. The thing I was lacking most though, was authenticity and intimacy. Do you ever talk about God more than to God? I did it all the time. I'd trust Him to be in control of my life, yet I was the director. I would limit talking to Him, because I so badly liked to be in control of the scene. Writing the story and choosing what happens. But then I noticed something else. As soon as I started to think of myself more in control than God, I began to lose my ground and get frustrated when my mapped out life went off course. I'd sit in angst and self-pity wondering why life is so confusing? Then, in the middle of my dismay, that quiet whisper that I love so dearly echoed in my soul. "My love, you need to trust me. Talk with me. This world is messed up but REMEMBER that I have overcome it!" With this wakeup call, I've transformed my routine of small talk before meals and bed-time, and gained a best friend that I can have the deepest and most freeing conversations with.
The moment you realize that prayer isn't words being released into mid-air, and can be a powerful and beautiful privilege; you'll unlock the key to a relationship that's been buried in your heart. Let me tell you, this last few weeks I've experienced God on a whole new level. I'm taking everything I know and have always spoke about and applying it. 
Do you dare to unveil the true potential your relationship with Christ could be? The moment I chose to live in authenticity and accepted an invitation to an incredible and glorious journey with the maker of the universe, I experienced something beyond this world. I call it the little piece of Heaven locked inside my heart. God placed it there deep in the crevasses so that I will experience a molecule and always want more of it, remembering that this is my temporary home. I get pretty restless and impatient when waiting to someday be free of this world and it's turmoil, yet all that distress evaporates when the Lord reminds me I need to be here for a purpose. It would be selfish of me to take this gift I've so undeservingly been blessed with and not try and share it with the world in this little time I have here. So, that's where I've been. Living it up and learning so much. I'm amazed and excited at what Christ is going to do in my life and how He'll use me. He can use you too. Give Him a try. I dare you to ask Him. Try really talking to Him...I warn you, your whole outlook and life may change when allowing the creator of the universe to be in complete control.


Sincerely,
Stephanie

Until I See You...

Adolescence. 

you've been kind

you've been cruel

you've been lame

you've been cool

I know these years are quickly coming to pass, and before I know it they'll be just memories. It's hard to believe that when you have those "It's the end of the world!..." moments; in which many American teenagers are very familiar with. This summer has had an interesting way of turning lives upside down and shaking worlds. I've seen and experienced they way death can crawl from the shadows and enter into our delicate lives. Whether it be in a friend's life, a family member, or in my own life, death's sting is harsh and cold. And while we hold onto "there's a time for everything under the sun..." we also embrace the promise that this life is temporary and the pain will someday cease. I can't explain how amazing the love of Christ is, and how much I've found it more and more each day. This summer I told myself I wanted to fall in love with God more than ever. Let me tell you, no chick flick or cheesy song can suffice for the amount of passion between me and my Savior. It's the best love story to be apart of. And while you may think I'm being over cliche or too open with my love life, I beg to differ. It's something I can't help but share. I'm unashamed, as He was for me. Time and time again life's cut me deep. I searched for love, but always felt incomplete, unworthy, and defeated. I searched for peace and found a battle in my being. I searched for purpose, and found nothing but meaningless and empty promises. Why did I have to lose everything to realize I had all I needed? Empty. Broken. On the ground. There You were, all along.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. 

Revelation 21:4

R.I.P. my beloved grandfather.

Seeing With Your Heart

"This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 

2 Corinthians 9:12

I just got back from Camp Barnabas on the 22nd. I don't know where to begin. First off, thank You LORD for that amazing opportunity! I was definitely more prepared this year than last, but honestly no amount of preparation can fathom what your heart will encounter entering that camp. I stepped in with complete faith in God as to who I'd end up with. This year the camp incorporated many different types of campers that week. There was the chronically ill, some blind, some deaf, and some with autism and aspergers. Overall, a wide range and variety of different campers. When I found out the cabin I was with was the same one as my best friend, as well as some other good friends from Woodside, I was very thankful. The first night at camp we settled in our cabins and got to read a brief overview of all the campers that would be in our cabin. As we passed around the names, I was holding one in my hand but my attention was caught to one that was laying on the ground across from me. When hers came around I felt like there was some sort of connection already. After we looked over all of the papers, the staff laid them all on the ground and all the girls went to pick who they felt they were meant to be with. I let everyone pick before I reached over to pick the last one laying there. Not knowing who it was, I quickly thought "alright God, whoever she is I will trust in You." And behold, I read off the name of the same camper that my heart felt compelled to. Totally a God thing. Her name's Jerzy, (quite a spunky name I know) and she's nine years old with PTSD and Trichotillomania. I didn't know what to expect except that I'd have a high functioning young girl who needed a lot of love. When she arrived we automatically clicked. Within the first couple hours we were singing love story at the top of our lungs to each other in the middle of the tennis court. It was really funny. I was so thankful because I prayed for a heart of compassion and for my focus to be just on the campers, and God answered. Even when the world tried to steal my attention and I'd slip, it wasn't long before I looked into her big beautiful blue eyes and remembered why I was there. As the days went on in camp, they were tiring yet filled with excitement and energy. We had a pretty young group of girls, two of which were blind. Katie really touched all of our hearts. Although she can't see with her eyes, she can see with her heart far more than any of our working eyes can. Anastasia, Olivia's camper who has aspergers and is quite blunt, asked Katie if she liked being blind. Now, that may be a rude or thoughtless question to any of us, but Katie answered with the greatest answer; she said, "Yes. It makes life an adventure. You never know what to expect. "That wasn't the only time we got to hear from her heart. She'd witnessed to few girls in the cabin and really lived off of 1 Timothy 4:12. Each girl touched my heart in a different way. But there was nothing like being with Jerzy and feeling like it was a week that both of us enjoyed and would remember. Camp Barnabas has this holy air, is how Jordan Deane described it. You enter one person, and come out changed in a small or drastic way. There's something about being with the children who suffer from disabilities or illnesses that really opens your heart to compassion and love. The most freeing thing is when you hear these people who have experienced trauma, pain, agony, things we can't even imagine, and how they have overcame and still find a reason to smile and love life. Camp Barnabas exchanges our definition of beauty and what's "normal" and transforms it to what God sees as beautiful. 
I'm definitely Camp Barnabas Bound. 


Kreative Kids Day Camp (KKDC) ✓_
Camp Barnabas✓_
Camp Woodside__
Create Short Film__

Summer!

It's summer! 
I'm SO happy and excited to see what this summer brings. I can't believe how far I've come, and how much I've grown from just a year ago. God has really taught me a lot this last year. I've learned about trust, redemption, love and forgiveness. I don't deserve this beautiful life. I don't deserve such an amazing God. I was talking with a friend yesterday and it's so hard to even grasp why Christ loves us despite our wrong doings. I'll just embrace it and try to become worthy. It shall be a summer to remember! 


Kreative Kids Day Camp (KKDC) ✓_
Camp Barnabas__
Camp Woodside__
Create Short Film__