Lesson's In Learning from smart people... ha

Lately I've begun to notice how much we all help one another. If I have a question about something I don't know, I really only have to find someone who has more information about it, and wall la. It's like each of us is a book of information on a bookshelf. Even though we sit side by side on the shelf, I don't have the same information as the book next to me. If I was the dictionary, and to my left was a book about whales. I couldn't maybe know the description of a whale, or that it lives in a body of water, from my own knowledge. If I were to ask the book next to me about whales, it could go on all day. Same goes for the book about whales, it probably doesn't have a clue what the word Architecture means. If it were to ask me, I could tell it a little more then it may know, but not a ton of stuff.

I think God made us al so different, and unique, that that we would all have to at one time or another actually talk with each other, and ask questions, and learn and grow. Find out that we may not know as much as we think we did, or teach something we never thought would need to be shared. It's a never ending growing game. God has made it possible for anyone to know almost anything, just by asking, and being willing to learn from someone else.

I love it.

I love the idea of us all being connected in a way.

The other day I was in the Sunflower looking for some healthy mayonnaise... who knew there was such a thing. On the back it said it used Safflower Oil... anyone? anyone? I'd never heard of that. Instead of being clueless I increased my knowledge in it, by asking a super smart in health foods employee. She knew so much about it, that I then added it to my list of things I learned from someone.

Then I passed on that information to someone else... and on it goes.

Then I was watching a couple friends, and just watching how funny it really is. How we all of sudden don't know about something, then we just ask someone else, and then find an answer right away.

It's amazing, we don't have to go very far to find the answer...

I think that is God. Really when you look around... its awesome to know that every face you see was made by God, their minds, thoughts, personality. You just haven't met them yet. Each of us have different kinds of knowledge and understanding. We were made to be family... just some don't know that just yet. I think God intended for us all to really be family. To help one another out... to grown and learn from each other. It's a beautiful puzzle... with all of us being our own pieces.

OverHaul

If I had to mention one thing I have learned from Cason (my Fiance') is how to be teachable. From the moment we have been together he has been open minded and willing to learn about all sorts of things. It made me want to be less stubborn and more pliable. I wanted to set down all my own theories and start to listen to God and see what He thought about things.

When we had first started dating, we had a chat about worship. I was very strong on my outlook, and at that moment unwilling to think any other way, then my own. He shared his view point on it with grace, and with a softness. It wasn't as if he was saying I was wrong, and he was right...he simply was just sharing what he felt on the subject. Neither of us changed our minds, but both of us made the choice to be open to see what the truth was about worship. 

I remember back in those times when we would talk about things that I was really set on, and I would just ask God to revel the truth, and most of the time I thought it was for Cason, not me. ( Selfish indeed). 

Then about a month and a half ago my mom asked me to read Luke 6. She said that it was a great example of how God see's people and treats them. As I read the chapter I expected to just learn more about God, and see how much He loves us. Which I did read, though as I read I noticed God teaching me so many things.

All of a sudden I noticed I was in a place to actually learn what the truth was, even if it wasn't what I had decided on. I started to hear Him tell me about things in my heart that needed to be changed. One of those things was my heart and motive with worship.

I read the verse about if your brother has a plank in his eye, before you judge him, take the one out of yours. Just saying that it is not our job to fix people, and correct them. The only thing I can truly fix is myself, and in doing that I will see people differently. I had always thought that I was keeping myself protected and secure but making sure the people around me, were making the right choices, and being honest and real. When how can I judge someone's heart? I can't. 

I would worry that the worship wasn't glorifying God, and that the people were being fake. Then as I read Luke 6 Ithought... my job isn't to make sure everyone is glorifying God, my job is to glorify God REGUARDLESS of what everyone else may or may not be doing. That is all I can really be in charge of...myself. I get to choose. 

I have to let God speak to peoples hearts, and trust that if I am trusting God that He will keep me safe, and that He will not lead me into a place that isn't authentic with it's worship. 

From that moment I really believe my heart started to soften...be more like Cason's in a way. Being willing to yield to GOD's truth rather then my own. 

I think that in life we often times will create our own worlds of safe and secure. Though what God wants more then that, is for us to rely on Him, and by letting go of all the things we think keep us safe, and running to Him, we are more protected and loved then we could ever make ourselves. 

The next time I went to a worship service, I loved worshiping. I Just forgot about anything or anyone, and just sang to God. I was free. I had put myself into a box, and then I let myself out and could see all the beauty I was missing out on.  God always intended for me to be free, that is what Jesus gave His life for. I was keeping myself from my own freedom! 

Man God loves us. 

Since that lesson learned, I have been learning so much about ( it feels like ) everything. The way I described it was an overhaul. Feeling as if I had this beautiful house I built, full of all the things I thought we're beautiful. Then God said, " This isn't built on a good foundation, I'd like to take all of this down, and build you a house, first founded on Me, and then filled with the most wonderful things I have for you." You first freak out as you watch your world come down, but as it builds back up, it's amazing. 

God's word, and HIS truth is much better then ours, it's learning to let go of what we might want, to let what He has for us be reveled!

Here's a link to read Luke 6 incase you'd like to read it! 

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=6&v=1&t=NKJV#1

The Last Supper

Over the past 9 months I have met with my dear friend Rachel. She asked me after school last May if I would give her guitar lessons. After doing lessons for a while, we got to really know each other, and become really dear friends. We started cooking every week along with guitar lessons. Which taught me quite a bit about being more comfortable in the kitchen, and with cooking and baking. I really do believe it was God putting it all together. She has been an incredible blessing in my life, showing me what a genuine, sweet, caring friend is. I believe that God really does shine right through her. She got a desire to go to Russia, so we were believeing for money and more. Then came the time for her to leave for Russia, and she happened to be leaving the same day I was leaving for New Zealand. So the weekend before, we invited a handful of close friends over, and had a 3 course meal. It was so much fun, a night to never be forgotten. We put together video clips with things that happened through out the whole day. Then we added a song to it. Actually while we were cooking this day, the song we have in the video, was playing in the kitchen. It's main message is about a friend showing them Jesus. Rachel turned to me and said, " that is you...". It meant so much to hear someone say something like that to me. The wonderful part about it, is that I was thinking that same thing about her. She really does show Jesus... I am so thankful to God for putting someone who lovely in my life as a friend.

I hope you enjoy the video!

Done Getting Condemned?

The other day I had a moment of understanding something I really had not before, and I hope I can write it out well enough that it can help you too.

Each moment you have the choice to do the right or wrong thing. At times it is easy to do the right, and other time's it is easier to do the wrong. My mother recently told me that the enemy is trying to convince people of that one thing you can't have, you need or want. That is what he did in the garden of Eden. He convinced Eve that she really needed the fruit, though she had the whole world at hands reach. He tries to make us believe that we don't have everything, and that we just need one more thing. Then at times...we believe that lie.

In the idea of a relationship. You can be with someone and love everything about them, then one day you see them playing with their food at dinner. All of a sudden all you can see is the ONE thing they are doing, and you can no longer see the 99 other wonderful things you truly love about them. I believe that is  a trick of the enemy.

If the enemy can get you discontent, then he can try to lead you into something you shouldn't be apart of, or lead you away from something you should be apart of. Then after you have been lead one way or the other, you then feel condemned for doing the wrong thing.

I've learned in moments when I should do something, and instead do opposite that I let the enemy convince me I needed something, that I really didn't. Then not only did I listen to him, he then comes in after with condemnation and reminds me of what I had done. He knows he can cover two bases. First I open the door a little crack, and then he sneaks in, and overtakes.

I always thought that feeling condemned after doing something wrong, was a way to know that I really loved God. I felt bad, and I wouldn't do it again. It almost made me feel better, knowing I felt bad. Then the other day I read this story in the book of John, chapter 8 verse 3-11.

"Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?"This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, " He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman where are those accusers of yours?Has no one condemned you? She said, "No one Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

Jesus does not condemn, He gives grace. He was not concerned about how they caught her in the very act, he was not taken back and shocked. He knew that sin is sin, and it only leads to death. It does not matter if it's being caught in the very act, or only known in your own heart. He showed those men that they also had sin, and to condemn her, would mean for Jesus to also condemn them. So instead of doing that, He chose to speak the truth. All He said was that He did not condemn her, and that she should not sin anymore. That is what truly frees someone. Understanding that it is not one BIG sin, or a bunch of little ones. The fact is that sin is not life giving, it takes life from us. Jesus wants us to have life and life more abundant (John 10:10).

Condemnation did not free that woman from being killed, or make her feel like a "better" person. Jesus words of life did.

When I put that story into my heart, I realized that in those moment when the enemy reminds me of a mistake or something I have done, or should do. Instead of thinking of those things, and feeling bad about it. I choose to sin no more, and to focus on Jesus, and what he would tell me in the midst of my accusers... "I do not condemn you, sin no more".

I recognize the importance of knowing the word of God, so that you can apply it and and be set free. If I hadn't read that story, I could continue to feel guilty and condemn the rest of my life, over any little thing. Instead I can know that by the grace of God I have been forgiven, and because of that I choose to follow His voice of instead of the lies from the enemy.

"If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall KNOW the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall MAKE you FREE". John 8:31

The Gospels

I am currently reading through the gospel's as "they" call them ( Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). You could also say I'm reading the start of the New Testament, the second half of the bible. Each book is written by a different author, that is telling the same story, from a different angle. When reading it I can see each writers personality coming through their writing. Now of course, I know God says he inspired the words on each page of the bible, as we know the writers were listening to God as they wrote, though each writer is different, so it reads different. God may tell me that He loves me, my way of sharing it is writing a song. God may tell you He loves you, you shout it from the roof tops. The same message, told two different ways. That is how I see these stories in the gospel's. 

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

I believe each book was written by the name of the gospel. Though I am not 100% sure, currently I have  tab open researching it a bit more. Here is a website incase you want to read a bit about the authors of each book, and who they were written for, and what time, etc. 

http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/intros/matthew.cfm

One thing I do know about Matthew, is that he was a tax collector ( dead silence ..... ). 

I love that Jesus didn't go out and find the people, that people loved, to be his disciples. He chose to pick people with all different backgrounds and histories. One disciple he chose, ended up being the one who lied, and sent the Pharisees to take Jesus, and later have him crucified.  I mean...who does that?

When I read Matthew, it seems so well calculated and organized. That every story is well told, and no details are left unsaid. That there are no loose ends, and it's understandable. Then when I read John, it's my kind of writing. A little more descriptive and messy. The author is more poetic and emotional. The stories are told in a different way, or view. 

Each of the authors had a relationship with Jesus too, so as you read you get to know them more, and Jesus more. The thing that carries through is how faithful and real Jesus is. How he loves people, and how he handles situations. That is one thing that remains the same in each book, no matter the author. 

I am thoroughly enjoying taking some time and re reading these and hearing the voices within the stories, and learning more and more. 

It's so great... 

CupCake Time

Alex bought me the cutest apron and cookbook for christmas. I have already been using it with joy. Today I thought I would take clips of what I was doing and put it together for fun. A little taste of my everyday enjoyments. 

Old E-Mails

When I was in India, I had to write once a month to the Director of 3rd year CBC Colorado, since I would be transferring there when I arrived back in the states. I came across the last email I sent him, and thought it would be a neat idea to start posting some neat emails I wrote, or received while I was over seas. So here is little sneak peak into what all happened in 3 months while I was in India. Hope you enjoy reading. P.S. Happy Happy New Year, So happy to be alive and healthy, and growing! 

Hi Barry!

Hope all is going well state side, welcome to November! 

Saturday marked my 3rd month anniversary being in India. I will be leaving the 17th of November and arriving into Colorado the morning of the 18th. David and Judith are preparing for my departure, and wondering how life, with two kids, without me, will look like. ha. Its been a grand adventure, I will be sure to never forget it. I really have grown to be like family with them, and really admire their lives and hearts for serving God. Since the last time I wrote you not much has changed, but I will do my best to update you. 

When I first thought to come to India, in my heart of hearts, I knew it was to help Judith and David however, whenever. 

So in return they could have more time where they wanted to. If that meant they needed more time at the school, I could watch the kids at home. If they needed someone to do praise and worship so they could stay home, then I would do that. and so on. I wanted to be an extra set of hands, so then their ministry could grow, flourish and become stronger, quicker. I realize all these people that are serving God, most of them have the resources, but they don't have all the time. I guess I wanted to give them the gift of time. 

-The first month I was here, because there was only Hannah, I would pop in and out of the school and home. I would do some computer work, and help out here and there. I filled in with the worship team, and tried to give them good materials to work off of. So I filled in the cracks, and got to know the students pretty well. 

-The second month, the baby was born, and Judith's mother arrived. So I actually had more time to help with more office work, and more worship too. I taught two classes, and got to go on a few adventures. I also took turns staying at home, and going out. 

-This month it has just been "us" again, so I got the chance to be at home more, and spend time with the kids, Judith and David. We had two CBC students here to visit from the Belfast school, and I went with them to a local church, and got to play a song, and it ended up being a wonderful time. I also got to sow into a couple here in India, that I met last year, that have really been in a tough situation, and are trusting God. Their story is so amazing. Also I stepped down from helping the worship team, so I could have more time to help Judith and David at home with their girls. It was perfectly timed I felt. I loved being apart of the team, but it wasn't why I came. I could tell my heart was set on helping Judith and David, and the schools worship team is going strong already. 

I just knew that the area Judith and David needed help in, wasn't worship but at home. I then went back to the whole reason I came here more then anything. To help them. So I decided I wanted to give my time in the right area, and its been awesome. A huge blessing for everyone. 

In this time I have been given such a clear picture of what hands on ministry looks like...full time. How it looks like to try to keep a school running, and how to love people while doing it. To be understanding and patient, to trust God, and to keeping moving forward. To never give up, and to always think positive. Believe what God has started, and keep God as the center of what is happening. The number one thing I will remember more then anything is... Let people help you. Be open and available for people to fill your needs, if they are open and wanting to. 

The Forgostons have a strong team running this school, and helping them, and its because they opened their door for it. God said it all along the body is made up of parts, and not just one. I see how much better something can work, when you let people help you. No one is perfect, but with God, it makes it work. 

It has been an incredible time serving the Forgostons, and being apart of the school here. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to be apart of this, and sharing in my stories. I am looking forward to coming back to Colorado, and learning so much more! 

Blessings Always,

Laura

It's a Wonderful Life

I believe that God has made us to be lights in the world, a city on a hill is hard to hide.
He wants the people that believe in Him to stand out. God wants people to be drawn towards Him, by knowing His goodness and mercy through us. God uses us today to reach people, He lives inside of us, not just up in Heaven. Yeah we may not see Him walking around and be able to point and say, " Hey look there's God...sweet!" The reality is that if we have decided to believe in what Jesus did for us, by saving us from a life without real living, then that gave God permission to come and live on the inside of us, guiding an directing us. So then our actions and motives now have a way of being lead by Him, and then in turn people notice something different about you, because the God of the universe is living inside of you, and showing you how to grow, live, and love everyday.

It's starting to get pretty cold here. Winter has decided to come for a visit, and so I have unpacked my winter coat, and thick socks. As I get out of my car, and walk to the front door of my nanny job, I notice every morning, how their grass is growing more and more. I look around at the neighbors around them, and all their grass seems died, and cold. Though I look at theirs and it's flourishing. It's green, and looks as if spring time is happening in their front yard. It amazes me every time.

That is how we should be to other people, flourishing, and alive, even when every thing else seems to be died. It's such an example of how God takes care of His children. He wants us growing and looking good all year round, regardless of what the world seems to encounter. We don't have to experience what everyone else experiences. We can walk in a wonderful, prospering life. God wants other people to see a life outside of their own, that they want to be apart of. That is the GOOD God life.

I thank God every day that I can wake up, and have His wisdom in my heart. His life in my own.
That I can let His light shine through me, by just living a wonderful full life. 

Wasting Time

I see that lately I have been giving updates about things that happen everyday. Which maybe is not the most inspiring blogs you could encounter. So for a little more spice to my normal every day get up, here is some little things to maybe encourage you to keep seeking God, and keeping dreaming big.

I am learning that time spent reading the bible can not be wasted time.
The wonderful thing about reading the bible is that, it gets in your heart, even if it's not stuck in your mind quite yet. That is the way God wanted it to work. At times I read and something goes right to my mind, and I want to share it with a good 300 people, as if I have something worth while to share. Other times I read and I don't get much into my mind, and wonder if I wasn't reading with enough focus, or if I was just  really not getting anything from it.

God promises that His word does something. Even if we don't do anything with it, He says that His word WILL NOT return to Him void, but WILL accomplish what HE pleases. The way he created it to work, is that the words in the bible are life to our bodies, it goes into our hearts and creates life inside of us. Even if we don't see it or feel it. Hope would be without effect if we already had what we hoped for, cause then it no longer would need any hope, because we have it. So I hope that every time I read the word, that something I am reading is getting planted inside of my heart, and slowly is growing, and in a moment I will see that His word really is in me, even when I didn't know it was.

God made it easy for us. He didn't make it so hard as to, that if we don't read it everyday, or memorize it, we won't be saved, or be able to share the truth with other people. He made it simple, and decided that if we opened our hearts to read his word, that is would be placed inside of us. The truth is He wants everyone to know the truth, so he made it easy to have it.

So even in the moments when you feel you could be doing something else, or that what you read was not applicable, the truth is that it doesn't matter what you feel. God promises that His word will not be void. You never waste time, anytime, even for 3 seconds reading the bible. It makes more of a difference then you know.

For example:

I started working in our churches youth group, some day's I don't know if I heard from God about doing it, and other days I really know I did. I don't like that aspect of life, where God lets us think and have our own choices. That way there is room for mistakes, and double checking yourselves. I love that He loved me ( us ) enough to let me choose our choices, but I love the idea of Him doing it all, and I just following a step by step list of to do's. That way I couldn't mess up. It's not that he wanted us to make mistakes, but that he didn't want to keep us from choosing Him on our own, other wise He would have chosen for us to believe in Him. It's just that in giving someone free will there is a chance of mess up. That is why God gave us his word to direct us in our choices that we are making, we have some guidelines that He knows works best, and worst. So it's like a parent giving you advice before you do something. They don't want to tell you what to do, but they want to give you the most information they can, so you can make the right choice on your own. ( That was most definitely a bunny trail).

So about youth...

One Wednesday morning I was reading a bit of the bible, and came across the verse that says, " Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No." It was saying that you shouldn't sweat by heaven or hell, but rather let what you say mean what you say. If you mean what you say, then you don't need to even swear by anything, because your yes will be a yes, and your no will be a no. After I read it I didn't really know how to apply it, and had one of those " I read the bible, but didn't get much from it".

Then I got to youth group that night, was about to leave, a girl from the youth was walking past me, and I just out of no where I ( God moment ) said, " Hey how are you doing?..." She then told me a little  short version of something that was going on, and that verse popped into my head. I felt, to be honest, ridiculous saying it, because I didn't think it applied to what she was sharing. I ignore my thinking, and trusted God knew what was going on with her. So I shared the verse about letting your yes be yes, and she looked at me as if I spoke the magic words. I asked if that helped at all, she said, it was just wanted she needed to hear. I told her, once she has made a choice, to stick with it, and let it be her yes or no.

In that little span of time I saw how God plants words in us, not just for us but to get them to others. He wanted me to read that 1. So he could get it to her, and 2. So that he could show me that I hear from Him. It's a wonderful thing.

So waste your time in reading the bible...it is well worth it! 

Friday's!

So this new blog set up is so much fun. I hope you have an ok time finding your way around.
It pretty much is just my blog in a different view. They show you pictures and you can click on them to get the stories. It makes me look very artistic...

I have been having the most wonderful time this fall being home. For the first time in 3 years I was home for my little brothers birthday. It was so hard being away for them. He turned 21 this year...which pretty much means we all are real "adults". I don't know how much sense that makes, but I'm just going to pretend like I know what being an adult means. I am saving up money, and using a budget, so that is pretty much like being grown up.

That's Alex turning 21 holding an alcoholic beverage. So manly and handsome he is. 

My forever friend, as I call her. Abbie the Parker ( soon to be Coager  in T minus 4 weeks) came to visit me. It was the most fun week of fall. She left on the day we got our first day of snow. We spent the week laughing, eating, watching Isaac and of course taking pictures. She also will be moving to California with her soon to be husband, and I am so thrilled to have more then 5 reasons to go to the beach now. I will miss our hangouts, but I do believe they will be even better. Living in the will of God, is better then living out side of it. So I am excited to see how our friendship will grow from here onwards. I think it was good for us though to get together once more before she changes her last name.

In May I started giving my friend Rachel guitar lessons once a week, and then we decided we wanted to add to lessons, and do something fun every week. I wanted to learn to cook more, and so she and I pick out a new recipe every week, and make lunch together, then finish the day off with our guitar lesson. It has ended up being such an awesome part of my weeks. I have learned to cook all sorts of things, and I am getting more confident in the kitchen...Praise God. The other week we got brave, and decided ( apart from us not knowing 1 thing about the grill ) to grill a pizza. It was amazing. Minus the fact that we burned the bottom...

My super fantastic boyfriend has decided to grow a mullet...need I say more. He is quite the top class kinda guy, that can somehow pull off the dirty mole. Oddly enough I also like the stylish thing he has going on.

























On another note, over the summer I have fallen in love with frozen yogurt. My dearest friends Bre and Andrew, wanted to go, so we coupled up and went for a late night fro yo run. The men try to look as manly as possible while holding Pinkberry...

If you haven't experienced frozen yogurt yet, I would HIGHLY recommend you do.


Last couple updates here...
One: If you haven't stopped by Dillards to look at their over sized, and over priced head bands I would say you are missing out.

Two: This morning I woke up to the most stunning cloud God put in the sky...It was like a rainbow...love that. 

Coffee? Yes please!

...

This morning I woke up, was so tired that I wondered if I could get my mother to babysit Isaac today, or I could get Isaac to babysit me. I got to their home, and the little guy was still snoozing, which gave me a little bit to wake up. When he woke up, I opened his door, and as he always does...started smiling so big, and peaking through the wooden rails on his little crib. Adorable.

Funny part was I was still so extremely tired. I actually called my mom, and asked if she wanted to come over and just hang out to wake me up a bit. Sadly she was busy, and couldn't come to my rescue.
So I decided to do something I haven't done for like 3 years... have a cup of coffee.

I thought to myself, " I don't have any other option, other then sleeping right now..." So I made a cup of coffee put it in a to go cup, and Isaac and I went out for a walk to a park near by. I started sipping on it, and was wondering what might happen. I just had it black, no milk or sugar...I just needed instant energy. ha.

By the time that we were walking ( and by "we" I mean "I" and pushing him in the worlds coolest stroller of all time joovy) I all of a sudden felt like a normal person. I felt like the sky was more blue, and I was more aware of my surroundings, and was joking around with Isaac as we went along. I wondered why I hadn't drank any coffee before this. All my mornings could be way more exciting! I actually kinda laughed to myself, about how silly it was for me to get so excited about coffee. It was like a magic drink. ha

I took a couple pictures of the cutest kid in the world that I govern for, and me falling in love with coffee. This could be dangerous folks. 

American Missionary "Governess"

Here is the dealio folks. I have come to an incredible conclusion, and want to know what you think about it.

So whenever I have gone overseas to help out with the Forgostons, I really just watched their girls, and then helped out at the school a bit here and there. I didn't go into the streets of Indian and rescue little kids ( hope none are disappointed...) I always thought in my heart that in a way I was. If I was serving the Forgoston's by watching their girls, then they could go to school and teach the students, who then take the word into the streets, and minister to the little kids. So in a way I did... you know?

I guess it is sorta like when you give money to missionaries, they said it is as if you are going. You may not be able to go overseas, but you can give them money to go, and whoever they reach, are always reached by you. I love that whole concept, it is like bringing the whole body of believers together to accomplish something wonderful.

So as I was feeding Isaac this morning, I realized that, I am doing just what I do overseas, I am just in America. I am watching Isaac so Jeff and Autumn can go to school and teach. I also do a little volunteer work for CBC on the side here and there. All that has changed is my location...it is incredible the impact you can have by just living somewhere else...that is it.  For example my sister lives in New Zealand...fancy pants ( I know ). Then if you ask her about it, it is just life, she doesn't think it's that amazing, she has also almost lived there for 7 years, so it is becoming home now to her. She is just working away, and living life. If she was here people wouldn't been as impressed...how funny is that about us humans.

Now living in India did have it's challenges, and sometimes I didn't know what was going on that day. Then again Colorado also has it's challenges too. So I just got really excited this morning, after realizing I Really am doing just what I always have done, just feeling SUPER blessed that God happened to place me back at home for a while to do it! God loves me...it's true. 

Staying in Love

I just finished listening to a 4 part teaching by Andy Stanley, he pastors a church in Georgia called North Point Church. It was the best solid teaching,with points I've never heard addressed.

I really took so much from it, so I wanted to post it so you guys could too.
It's amazing how much the world can influence our relationships, and how it is not what God has in mind.
Jesus was such a clear example of how to treat people, and how to love the right way. Sometimes it can seem contrary to what we have seen or experienced.

A great quote I will remember him saying is " The heart is drawn towards an environment of acceptance."
He made a point to say that, no one really wants to let anyone down, or disappoint anyone, but it happens to all of us. It is in those moments of disappointment that we must choose to believe the best, and have an open door of acceptance that they can walk into. Jesus died for us, when we didn't deserve his acceptance or forgiveness. He also mentioned the verse that says " Do onto others, as you would like them to do unto you." We naturally would want people to accept us, and believe the best in us.

So I hope you get a chance to listen to some or all or the teaching. I put the link to the 4th of a 4 part series he did called " Staying in Love". So feel free to listen to the rest too!

http://www.northpoint.org/messages/staying-in-love

Being a Baby.

and thus begins my year of "new".

I started my nanny job yesterday, and waking up at 6:15 am is more intense then I thought.
I also came to an incredible conclusion... I should say my dad did, and then I thought it was my conclusion.
After an hour or so of hanging with Isaac ( the baby I nanny for ), I ran out of ideas of what to do.
So I put him in the stroller and went for a walk for a little while. I got the idea to call my dad, I knew he would be up. He drives school buses in the morning, so he is up an hour before me!

So I gave him a call as I walked, and talked to him about what to do when I don't know what to do. I kept referring to the situation as " I don't know what else to do with Isaac...", and my dad so perfect said, " Well if he plays by himself, maybe you can find things to do while you watch him." It must have been the way he said it, that my brain fully understood what I had going on. The problem I have is not with Isaac...but...me. Isaac is happy and plays by himself, but I don't know what to do with myself. How backwards is that.

I then had to grow up a little, and say that I was really being the child, and he was being the adult. He is the best kid to watch, super fun and easy to spend time with. He really only cries when you should. If he gets hungry, or tired. We as adult still "cry" about that in a more professional manner though. So I don't blame Isaac for expressing his needs. As adults we just stand around and start making comments out loud to each other like, " man lunch sounds so good right now...". Until everyone gets the idea, and we go. I'm pretty sure if Isaac could talk he would say sometime like that, so he can't...and if I couldn't say anything, I would surely cry as well.

So long story short. Two days in and I have learned more about myself, then I had intended to.
I also get mid-morning naps, that include crazy dreams... I love it. So waking up at 6:15 am is early, but but but, I then get an hour and a half solid ( dream included) nap! AMEN! 

Bee Guards

The other day I was sitting in my lovely homes backyard, and I noticed some bee's flying around.
We have a collection of bee flowers, as I call them. Other people would say we have a garden, but I just say that it's a collection of flowers, that attract the most dangerous species of all time...Bees.

When I was 8 years old I was with a friend, and we both were rolling around in the grass, and I happened to roll over on a bee. I can remember that day so well, and the extreme pain I experienced. I had a deep fear of bee's from that day onward.

Even to this day, I run from bee's, even in front of strangers, who may not know what I am doing. Example: I was waiting for my friends to come to mini golf, and I was sitting outside on a bench, and the golf guy running the place was behind the counter. All of a sudden there was a bee flying around me, and I got up and started running away from it, and making scared noises. I then turned to the guy, and explained to him " I am more scared of bee's then anything...". He didn't have much to say. I was a little embarrassed, but it was hilarious.

This is going somewhere...I promise.

In life we put guards up sometimes, depending on things we have experienced, or things that have hurt us. Even times we don't realize that we have put a guard up, tell someone tells you about it.

When I was sitting in my backyard the other day, as I mentioned, I realized I had a bee guard up. I wasn't relaxed. I sit there, and watch all around making sure one isn't too close, and if one flies by I usually get a little startled. I even go inside sometimes if they are flying around too much. I kinda feel like a security guard for my safety, and it's a really tiring job. I can't just sit around and enjoy the sunshine, because I have to be on my guard, watching and listening for any possible "attack". I am predicting because of a pass bee experience, that all bee's have a secret love to sting people when they aren't watching. That is ridiculous... there is no way a bee would know if you were watching it or not. Bee's can't read my mind, it's as if I think they know I know they are there, and I'm not going to let them get me. I may sound a little nuts... that's fine. haha

The funny part is, the one time I did get stung, the bee didn't even come after me... I rolled over on it. Though I still think that it was all the bee's fault and not mine. I hold a grudge...I admit to it. lol

But see here... I applied this to life and people.

I can put a guard up, and not realize that I am trying to protect myself, because I know what could or has happened before. I assume the person is waiting for me to let my guard down, so they can attack when I am not ready. As if the person is just like everybody else, and everybody else is just like that person. Not very accurate. It takes a lot of your own power and energy to watch their every movement, in case it shows you signs of "attack" or you could say signs of potential heart brake or hurt. Even if in the past you knew someone just like that bee, that never meant to hurt you, but maybe you "rolled over", and they reacted to your decision. Then in their reaction you got hurt too. So then you meet another person, and you keep a watch on them, as if they may turn their back on you. So you only tell them certain things, or only go certain places with them. We put a guard up. Now now now...don't get me wrong. You should always be wise, and use discernment. I wouldn't go into a bee hive and do a dance for them. I know what could make a bee angry, and I wouldn't do that. Same way, I wouldn't go and purposefully invest in someone, and while so knowing they are not safe.

I guess the thought summed up is that, you can't always protect yourself by putting a guard up. It's exhausting, and at times can steal away the joy of a moment. I can't enjoy the sunshine, cause I know a bee might come flying by. Then sometimes I can't enjoy someones company, because I am wondering when they can say something, or do something that could hurt me.

Instead we have to put our hope and trust in God, and not try to protect ourselves. God wants to be our shield and safety. He wants us to hope in Him, because He will never let us down. If we are more concerned with knowing Him, then we will know when the "bee's" are coming. He will show us. It say's he will lead and guide us into all Truth, and we have to believe He will. When I let God show me things, instead of me trying to figure them out...then I can enjoy the sunshine, and enjoying my friends company.

Lean not unto your OWN understanding, but in ALL your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct your path.

The Ocean & me

I had some time today to read a little... and I came across this verse in Jeremiah, and I kept reading it over. It is a powerful and true thing to say, and that is why I loved it.

" I placed the sand for the boundary of the sea, a perpetual barrier beyond which it cannot pass and by an everlasting ordinance beyond which it cannot go? And though the waves of the sea toss and shake themselves, yet they cannot prevail [ against the feeble grains of sand which God has ordained by nature to be sufficient for His purpose]; through [ the billows] roar, yet they cannot pass over that [barrier]. [ Is not such a God to be reverently feared and worshiped?]

-Jeremiah 5:22

Even though sand is so small by itself, when it is place together it has power. It has the ability to hold the sea. If I were to take a walk along the beach, I could easily bend down and scoop up some sand into my hand. It doesn't have much strength against me picking it up. Though the ocean could sweep me away in an instant, and I had to learn to swim with it, to not be carried away.

The sand overtakes the ocean, and the ocean over takes me. I can't overtake the ocean, but I can overtake the sand. So you would think because I could overtake the sand, that I would be able to over take the ocean... strange how God made the world. Beautiful as all get out, though very complex and simple at the same time.

It took the supernatural power of God to split the ocean in half, so moses could take the people through. Sand doesn't need God's supernatural power, God made sand's job to hold the ocean back. It is truly astounding to me.

This is a Laura thought but:

God didn't want to have a relationship with sand, or the ocean... He wanted to have a relationship with us. There are many things that we have to believe God for, and ask Him about. Moses had to take the rod, and place it in the ocean... he needed God. We were made to need God, He made us that way. " Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." God wants us to believe in Him, and watch Him work in our lives. He loves us.

So even though the sand has so much power over the ocean, we have power over the sand. God made life to have Him be apart of it. In our world. if the sand had power of the ocean, we wouldn't be able to have power over the sand. I love that God makes impossible things happen.

( my friend and I, enjoying Colorado together)

Life is full of adventures, though sometimes you have to look for them.

For the past three year(ish), I have been having quite the adventure. I didn't sit down and think about how to make my life full of excitement, but instead I asked God what He had in mind, and it happened to be on the menu.
I have been jumping around, and doing all sorts of things here and there. Then I pop home, catch up with friends and family, then do it all over again.

( Joy, and I, the Forgoston's were visiting Colorado this summer)

This november will mark a WHOLE year that I have been in America...or really anywhere. The funny part is, it is slightly challenging to stay put. It is as if my body is use to doing something, and if it's not doing what it's use to, then it worries about if it's doing something wrong. I am learning it is not so much the location, but more what you are doing. It doesn't matter if I am across the ocean, or down the street... I just want it to be right where God wants me.

So really I'm learning how to make life an adventure no matter if I am here, or there. Right now in a way it is quite epic of me to stay here, and work a normal job, and make money, and use a budget. I'd say that is something most of my friends already know how to do, and I have yet to learn about many a things like that. When you are away from America, you have to learn different kinds of things like: how to use a map, bobble your head, and figure out different kinds of food brands you've never heard of. So I did learn lots of things, just not lots of things that people know. Does that make sense?

( Hannah, and I this summer )

Without further a do, here is my next escapade.

My sister and her OH SO wonderful Mr. Bean, have decided to make their relationship level increase. Increase to the level of matrimony! That will be occurring early next year, and they happen to live at the bottom of the world, in the most beautiful place, that takes 16 hours on a plane, two car rides, one boat trip, and a partridge in a pear tree. I couldn't be more excited, but that means I need to get on my game, and start my saving, and planning of a wonderful day.

There were a few "offers" on the table for me to do things over seas, but I really didn't feel lead to go anywhere. Then I thought a bit about moving to another state, and doing some bible studies, or just seeing what happens when I get there. Then one night I asked God that if he didn't want me to go to another state, that he would show me where to go. That night, I had an AWESOME dream about being somewhere in Asia, still listening, and praying about it. I have a couple ideas in my head, but waiting and using wisdom. I really believe God was showing me things that will happen sometime soon, maybe next year after Jess and Mr. Beans BIG DAY!

So. In the mean time, while I am preparing for anything. I was asked to be ( drum roll please...) a..... NANNY! I am going to be a pro nanny, or I guess I could say I am now, but I don't actually know how I get qualified as a pro nanny.

( this is the little guy I'll be watching this year!)

There is a family here in Colorado, that I lived with in India, they came over at the same time to help the Forgostons. They are also great friends of mine, and I consider them to be my family. They will be busy this year in the morning's leading a new bible college course, and asked if I could watch their little guy in the mornings. At first I told them I couldn't, because I was planning on moving again, and didn't think I'd be staying in Colorado. Then I took a trip to visit my sweet friend Abbie in Oklahoma, and one night her mom sat down with me, and we had a little chat. In someway God really used her to encourage me to stay in Colorado, and nanny. She just said it in such a way, it is as if my heart finally realized... "yes, It's the right thing to do...".

As of this coming August, I will be starting to nanny for them, and doing a little catering on the side still. Hoping to do a girls bible study, for my mom's friends daughters. That is one thing I don't want to stop doing while I am in Colorado, is serving. I want to look at Colorado as my next destination, not as "home". I don't want to get all cozy and forget God has stuff to do through me here.

I guess that is my little update for the year. Until December, I'll be doing that, and then heading to New Zealand for Jessica's wedding! Life is full of so much happiness and adventure, you just have to choose to look at it, and soak it up.

Missing God.

In life there are so many things we truly do not understand until we experience them.

There is a story I read the other day in the bible about this man who was told by God to go into a wilderness. Once he was in the wilderness, God said he would find a well for water, and that birds would bring him meat during the day. So he followed God's idea, and there was the well, and the meat. Then the well dried up...So then God told him to go and find a lady in a town, and ask her to make him some bread. The tricky part was that lady happen to not have any money, and was going to buy enough oil to make her last meal for her son, and then...die. Tragic...but real. So he finds this lady, asks her to make him bread with her last bit of oil...and that he promised God would provided. So she does. shockingly. Then BAM she supernaturally has abundant supply of food! Hooray. Now don't get to excited... The lady's son then all of a sudden..dies! Then the lady tells this fellow that asked her to make him bread, that he put a curse on them. The man took her son, and prayed over him, and laid...over him 3 times, and then. He rose from the died. The final words of the woman are something like, " you truly are a man of God." End of story.

Now that is for sure not the King James version. but but but. It is how I see it going down. After I read that story, I had this passing thought, If I was that guy, I would have for sure thought "I missed God... the lady's kid justdied...??!" The amazing bit is that he really was hearing from God, and doing what God had in mind, but the world still has a part to play inside of God's plan...so sometimes things get a bit messy, but it doesn't mean that God isn't working it all out. You just have to trust that you TRULY heard him clearly, and you know your doing the right thing.

It then reminded me of Belfast. When I went to Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was a good year...but a very very challenging year. I ran into quite a few difficult situations and circumstances, that were out of my control. When I came home, I thought about the amazing people I met, and great things that God did there. Though a small part of me was wondering if I really did hear from God, or if I missed it. Since it was hard, I sorta had the passing thought, that I messed up somehow. Then when I read that story in the bible, I understood.

Even though that guy went to that well, and then it dried up...It didn't mean he heard wrong, it just ment...the well dried up...next.

you know. I am realizing that I was suppose to be in Belfast, but I was expecting perfection because I was in the will of God. Being in the will of God doesn't not mean you live in perfection, and everything goes right. It is that in the mist of living out his will, you have peace, regardless of the outcomes. You trust God is showing you what to do, and He is working out all the kinks.

" In this world you will have trouble, BUT be of GOOD cheer... I HAVE OVERCOME the world." When the world tries to tell you that you're overcome, you remind them, that God already has overcome, and nothing can beat you out!

I am currently sitting in my second favorite place in the world.
Oklahoma.
Surprising...yes. but but but.
My dearest, sweetest friend Abbie lives here.
I get to see her face, at least once a year... if that. When I do, we have the most fun possible.
She is that kinda friend, you only find ONCE IN A LIFETIME. and I found her.

Its a big deal.
She has red hair. and I have brown.
That's the cool part.

I love the way we don't have to do anything, and seem to still love doing it.
She brings out a piece of me, that only she can. There is a quote I found that is perfectly put.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." - Anais Nin

That is how we are.

On a smaller note. I have discovered a new world... I don't know how to better say it. A world that has a bit of boy in it.
The other week, I was officially asked out to dinner, and I found myself saying yes. Then I happened to find myself in the delightful presence of a handsome lad, and agreeing to " be together".

So I'd say abbie ( abs, as I call her) have a lot of chat about. Or a "new" topic. It's fun how God can make life surprising, right in the middle of what seemed to be quite normal.

So that is a quick update! Hooray for new adventures!

Wedding Time.

I started my new summer job, that I am secretly in love with. If I could marry a job, it would be this one. I get to wear all black, serve people great food, clean up, decorate, laugh, and watch two people get married! a.k.a I'm doing catering!

My first wedding was at the Fine Art Center, and I thought I was working from 3-6pm, turns out that is set up. We were there tell 11:30pm, and my arms almost fell off. I had never held a tray in my life, or served food so fancy. I only dropped one fork during clean up, and managed to keep a smile on my face.

I had to memorize the appetizers and carry them around, and act high class. I laughed as I left the catering room, to go out, they had me repeat what I was holding over and over...and it was more difficult then I imagined. " Bacon wrapped dates, with almond paste"... so many random words put together, that I have to make sound delicious.

The next goal was to carry a bread tray...a huge bread tray. One I felt, was the size of Texas. I had it balanced with one hand under the tray, and then my other hand placing the bread rolls on the salad plates...ha. I should also state there were two different rolls, and sometimes I had to go searching for the preferred roll, and not drop the whole tray on the ground and go hide. I did happen to elbow a Sargent in the head, as I walked pass with my massive tray. No harm done...

In the middle of cleaning up plates, I would talk to the people a tad bit, and ask if they enjoyed the food. Then this lady, turned and said, " You are so sweet, and have the kindest nature, you need to tell your boss for a good tip!". I told her that her saying that to me, meant more then any tip! It was a boost of encouragement!



I have worked a few more event's sense then, and learned more and more. Like: you need really good shoes, and snacks. I worked a wedding the other day, at the most beautiful venue, they had a bluegrass band play the whole night. I was loving that. It was kinda a wooden wedding, the decoration's were so thrifty and outdoors like. We get to set up the decorations, and all! During the wedding we started cleaning glasses, plates, beer bottles, napkins. etc. As I was cleaning up, I started laughing at myself. I noticed I was pointing at bottles across the room, and then going over to them, and checking if they were empty. I would point and say, " there's one..." then I'd go over, like I was going to have a conversation with a empty beer bottle, and take it for a walk to the trash can. Hilarious. I only wonder what the people I work with, think of me.

Then two nights ago I ended up working a wedding of a family friend, and they were all there celebrating. I loved having some familiar faces around as I ran from place to place, looking useful. ha, There are this gigantic tables that we have to roll out, and I'm not quite use to them yet, so as I rolled them, a few times they almost fell over. It was pretty dramatic to say the least...if I could stop and laugh out loud, I would. I try to stay professional. So I would roll the table slowly and carefully until I found a strong person, and give it to them. safety first.

I find a little time for secret dancing. While the guest are away dancing, we go and clear the tables, and I try to get my dancing in there, cause the music is so good, its hard not to do a little gig. We are not suppose to dance I don't think, cause I mean...we aren't invited to the wedding as guests. So it makes sense...




Anywho. That's it for now, I am loving summer,work,friends,yoyogurt,settlers of Catan, and how warm it is outside! God is the best planner around... ask Him to plan your day for you, He has great idea's in mind.