A Love for Missions.

Why just sit around doing nothing when you can't be out experiencing the world and helping the needy. God has called us to go and spread the Gospel to all the world. What better way to start then through missions.

All my life I've always wanted to travel over-seas. It has been such a dream of mine. God has created this beautiful world, so why don't we take advantage of it? Through Liberty University, the Center for Global Engagement is involved with numerous missions trips each year. As I attended a meeting about them, I thought this is the perfect opportunity to follow God's leading. While I was reading the different trips going and watching videos about them as well, one was about Ethiopia. As i was watching the video, I started to tear up. I felt God calling me to go there. So, I prayed about it, talked to my parents, and applied. Soon after I got a call saying I had been accepted! I could not believe it. Right away I called my family to let them know the good news. WOW! 

What stood out to me about Ethiopia was the fact that it is a sports camp. One, I have always wanted to go to Africa. It looks like such a beautiful country. Also, I love kids and sports. I thought, wow what better trip to go on then this? I have such a heart for kids and missions, and I wanted to be able to use that to serve. While we're there we're going to be visiting the capital city, Addis Ababa, for a few days and then go to Camp Langano where we will be hosting a sports camp for the kids. We're also going to be able to do other fun activities with them and teach them about Jesus. This is going to be such an amazing opportunity that I can't believe God is allowing me to go on. Through all of this He has been teaching me a lot about faith and putting all my trust on Him. With the trip, we each have to raise support which our total is $3,150. So far, I'm only about $1,150 in so I still need quite a bit. Our trip is from May 13-27, but we need our amount in by April 16th. It has been quite a struggle raising the money, but I know God will provide. I am praying that God will put a desire to help support the trip. If not, just continue to pray for us. If you would like to donate, you can do so by going to www.liberty.edu/globalteams and click on "Make a donation to a global team." I attached a small PowerPoint with some pictures of Ethiopia and some random facts as well.

 Thanks again. 

What is God calling you to do?

Don't Go To Church; Be The Church

Sing songs, offertory, communion, Sunday school,  dresses, suits, and many others. Those are just few of the things most people think of when they hear "church." I know I'm guilty of that. Why is that? Why do we paint a picture of what church likes in our heads by the do's and don'ts? We often think of church as a place where we go Sunday morning and occasionally Sunday night. We say hi to people, sing a few songs, take part in the offering, listen to a message that go home. Church is so much more than that. 

To be quite honest, I've grown up my whole life going to church and yes 'painting a picture' in my head of what church should be like. But that is wrong. No one should think there is a perfect church because there's no such thing. This semester I'm taking a Church Ministries class, and so far it's been great. My professor told us that 

'CHURCH IS ALL THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS EVERYWHERE'

That is a great reminder to us all. Instead of focusing on church as being a big building that you have to go to on Sundays, instead remember that WE as Christians are the church. We are all followers of Christ who should be fulfilling the Great Commission. Yes, we should be attending a church on Sundays to worship God, don't get my wrong, but I think a lot of us often put too much emphasis on the do's and don'ts as i mentioned earlier, instead of relying on God and worshiping Him. He doesn't care if we are in an empty storehouse or in the middle of the street. All He cares about is our hearts. We can worship Him anywhere and anytime. It isn't just a one-time-meet-together kind of thing. It's a 24/7 commitment to following Christ. He is and should be the most important person in our life. What are we doing to fully commit to Him and give Him our whole self? 

Another thing I know that has begun a big uproar in churches is music. A lot of people focus on staying to the traditional hymns for church. Where those are still good, that shouldn't be your only choice. There are many many other songs and artists who praise God with their worship  and singing. Hymns are good, but when you sing it just because or have no joy what good does that do? It's like another thing on the checklist. Now I'm not bashing hymns whatsoever. I'm saying there is so much more out there where we tend to forget about. God wants us to bring honor to Him by our singing and we can still do that through Contemporary Christian music. God has placed a great talent on many people that sing and produce music that honors Him. We should not be so focused on the music of the church, but rather how we are growing together as a body of believers. If we start to put all our attention on the music, there may be disagreement and maybe even separation. Instead, focus on what will bring a smile to our Lord's face. He loves to see us full of joy and enjoy worshiping Him. 

So, in summary I just wanted to share what's been on my heart and open up all our eyes to what God has instructed for us. He wants us to be growing in Him and bringing others to know Him as well. Instead of bringing others down or judging others by either what they wear or how they sing or whether they put their hands in the air when they're singing, rather focus on our own heart and see whether that would be pleasing to God or not. He wants our sacrifice to Him. Don't shut others out just because they may wear jeans to church, because there is nothing wrong with that. God looks at the heart not the outward appearance. In closing, I read on the back of someone's shirt once that read,

DON'T GO TO CHURCH; BE THE CHURCH.

Reflecting Back.

2013. Come and gone. It's crazy how fast this year flew by. So many memories, good and bad. God put me through trials, but I grew from them. I can not wait to see what He has in store for this next year and many more to come as well.

Where to start. There are just so many memories and good things to reflect upon. For starters, senior year{well most of it}.  Even though it wasn't in 2013, I'll still write about it. In October of 2012, our volleyball team won the cougar classic at my school. It was so exciting. We all played together and worked hard as a team. 

Next, [also relating to volleyball :P] at the end of our season we got to play at NIU for the state tournament. Our first game, we won! Which meant...we were going to the championship game!! Here's a picture to show how excited we were and yes a picture is worth a thousand words.

Our guys also got to go the championship game, and in the end we both got 2nd place. No it wasn't what we were hoping for, but we were still proud of everyone.

 '


  

In the winter, my parents, sister and I went to the beautiful Petrified Springs and walked around, taking pictures, and enjoying God's beautiful creation. Here's a picture that sums it all up. Love this girl:)

Next:: spirit week. WOW! That was a fun week. Loved seeing everyone dressed up and looking like someone they're not. Each day was different, but I think this has to be my favorite. Such a fun crazy class that I had the privilege to be a part of. 

Basketball State tournament. No, I didn't play, but I did get to do stats. I got to watch our teams play hard and finish strong. Again, they didn't get first, but they still had fun being out on the court. Here is our lovely senior class. 

May was full of many exciting memories. Having class outside, walk around Lake Geneva with youth group, adventures with my sister, senior class pictures, eating at Chubby's for the first time, drama production, Jr/Sr Banquet, senior trip, and of course GRADUATION. Here's a few photos to get a glimpse of it all.

::SUMMERTIME::

Hanging with my best friend, cleaning at camp, weddings, Parker was born :), hanging with Carra, going downtown Chicago, eating at RPM, and having fun with my sister.

   During the summer I was praying hard asking God to guide me to the right school. Finally, through circumstances, He led me to Liberty University. I had such a great semester. Made so many new friends, grew in the Lord, and went on many fun adventures. 

 Although there were many fun times and memories, there were also times of grieving. One that I will mention. A man who loved the Lord with all his heart and did everything he could to help others and make them feel welcomed. He was the happiest guy I knew, and although the Lord brought Him home to be with Him, no one will ever forget the impact this man had on everyone.

 And lastly, being home. Yes, college is new, fun, and exciting. But, you get to a point where you just want one thing...TO BE HOME. I could not wait to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's been such a fun and relaxing break so far. Got to be with the whole family which is something to look forward to every year. Mom and I saw the Light Show in Oak Creek, hung out with adorable nephews, went downtown Chicago, and many others.

 I couldn't have asked for a better year. Sure, there were ups and downs, but we all learn from those. I'm so thankful for all my friends and family. They have all made such an impact on my life. I especially want to thank my Lord and Savior. Without Him, I would be nothing. He has gotten me through everything. He brings me through trials to grow through them and learn to trust Him more and more. I can not wait to see what God has in store for this upcoming year.

Goodbye 2013...Hello 2014

Making the Angels Laugh

Why, God? Why did you allow this to happen? What did we ever do to deserve this? I know you have a plan for everything, but I don't understand.

Those are the questions we tend to ask ourselves when something bad happens. When we don't get a good grade on a test, or a friend isn't talking to you, or in this case, a loved one dies. We wonder why a powerful God would allow terrible things like these to happen. I mean He loves us so why would he want us to be sad or upset?

My story today is about a young man who would do anything for someone else. As long as he would see a smile on their face, he would be happy. He always put others first, and served his God with all his heart. This young man was someone who could be your best friend after meeting him once. He may seem a little crazy at first, but once you get to know him you'll be happy you found such an awesome person as he. He made you feel welcome. He always had something to say. He could encourage you with Scripture, or just a random joke. He was certainly a man after God's own heart.

I remember when my mom text me just a week ago saying to pray for Sam cause he is in the ICU with double pneumonia. I'm thinking, what? Are you serious? He has been through so much, why should he have to go through something so serious again? From then on I prayed constantly for him. Every time I had a quiet moment, I would think of him and his wife and family. I did not want anything to happen to him. He was always such a strong fighter. He never gave up. He had cancer, but he embraced it. He didn't let it get him down. Even on his bad days, he found a reason to smile and rejoice. Then, I got the text that he had gone home to be with the Lord. I broke down in tears right then. I couldn't believe that such a strong, loving young man could be gone. Why? I would constantly ask myself that. But then I remember that God is behind all of this and He had it happen for a reason, so we just have to trust in Him. No matter how hard and unfair it may seem, he's in a better place now with no pain whatsoever. I talked to my sister yesterday and she made the comment that "he's probably in heaven right now making the angels laugh." That is so true. He is a crazy guy that loves to be happy and makes others around him happy.

 Though we don't understand it, God does. The first sentence in my devotions read this: Come to me when you are hurting, and I will soothe your pain. WOW! God you always place just the exact words that I/we need for that moment. You are so amazing. We all need to constantly be reminded of that. When we are hurting and need encouragement, go to God and His Word. I promise you, you will find the love and encouragement that you need.

God, you have a perfect plan for our lives. We need to be faithful to you. I pray that through all this, others will see what a testimony he had and lived, and through it come to know you as their personal Savior. I believe it will happen. Sam had a strength and love for others that you wanted to follow after. So, this was part of God's plan for His life.

No, I didn't know him super well, but I knew enough to know that he was someone very special. Bettie and Libassi family, my prayers go out to you. Sam, you will greatly be missed. Enjoy being in God's presence, and keep making those angels laugh:)

Enjoying Worship.

Worshiping is not just a one time thing that happens at church. You should be worshiping everyday. The question sometimes is how?

God wants us to honor Him everyday, and one way of doing that is through worshiping. Some think you just need to go to church on Sundays, and maybe Wednesdays too, and you're set. That's not true. Yes, you should be going to church, but it doesn't stop there. You can worship in the car, your room, even in class. God wants us to be praising His name and bringing glory to Him. 

Another argument is whether or not that's an appropriate way to worship. No, He doesn't want us to be kneeling in the middle of the building, praising so loudly just so you can get attention from other people. If you want to do that, but not mean it in any attention drawing way, then go for it. God just wants us to praise Him for who He is. Some may argue that putting your arms in the air, or waving them is a sign to draw people to yourself. That is absolutely not true. I've grown up going to churches where people didn't do that. I never really thought it was wrong; I was just never taught why you should or shouldn't do it. I've learned over the past week and a half that people are just so excited about glorifying and singing to God that they raise their arms to show it. You should be delighting in Him and singing to bring praise to His name. If you feel led to raise your arms or sway or whatever type of gesture, go ahead. If you're excited about your God and want to show Him that, go ahead. No one will judge you. Why should we anyways? Isn't God the final and only Judge? We all make mistakes, and no one is perfect. 

I'm proud to say that I am excited about going to Convocation, aka chapel, every other day because I get to praise MY God and be with thousands of other people who are doing the same. Those are the most amazing mornings. I look forward to standing, singing to God, and praising with other Christians. The music is uplifting and powerful I can't even begin to explain. Our God's love for us is so big you can't even put it into words. Even when you do, you can't fathom it all. He is great and worthy to be praised. You know when you hear a message or song and it brings tears to your eyes? Pretty sure that's happened almost every time I've been at Convo{and that's only been a handful of times}. In just 1 day, over 100 ,maybe 200 I don't know, people accepted Christ. Isn't that amazing? Doesn't that bring joy to your heart? I know it did to me. I almost started crying just watching so many people make their way to the front of the building, wanting to accept Christ. That was from just hearing 1 man speak. Imagine what could happen if there were 5 of us? 10? 20? God could do wonders. That all happened in a chapel service...where we were worshiping God..singing praise to Him...joining with other Christians. It's just so incredible what's been happening here at Liberty.

So, I know everyone has his own opinion on worship and how you should. Remember this though, God doesn't care how, or what you say, or where you're at. He just wants you to go to Him. He's there for us each day, every day, ever minute and second of the day. He NEVER leaves us nor forsakes us. Isn't that great to know? You could be all alone and lost in the midst of 10,000 people...but God is with you. So you're not alone. He wants you to sing to Him and worship Him. He wants you to grow in Him through His Word.

 No matter what it takes, be willing to sacrifice anything to live a life with Christ. It's so worth it all.

Thankfulness Put Into Words.

Remember that first time you go to youth group as a teen and you're like scared to death? Ya I remember that. I was one of 'those'. Remember thinking, "Oh I hope I make friends and that my youth leaders are nice." Well, from the first time I went to youth group at UGBC the youth leaders made me feel right at home. They were so welcoming. 

I remember the first night at youth group(ya I know I pretty much repeated myself there), people were calling the youth leaders Randy and Beth. I'm thinking like wow that's different. That must mean their pretty close and comfortable with that. 

That's for sure!

They would make you feel comfortable, welcomed, and make you laugh. When you need someone to talk to, they always make time for you. Whether it's 5 minutes or an hour. You can email [facebook/text] them for anything, and they'll be there to answer you and show you kindness. I remember numerous times where I may be down about something or whatever and by the end of Wednesday night my mood would totally be changed. They always have a smile on their face. Randy would most always have some sort of story or something to make you laugh/smile.

There are numerous memories I have of them giving encouragement. For one, It was freshman year, and we were working at a camp as our youth work missions trip. At first it was really hard because I grew up going to Camp Calvary in PA all my life, and having my best friends there, and when I was at a different camp with different people it was so hard. I remember just sitting at the table crying, and Beth came over asking what was wrong and just sat down for awhile talking to me. It totally helped. I was able to let it all out and later talk to God about it asking for strength to get through it. It was such an encouraging moment.

Another one happened a few summers ago. I was really discouraged about something, and both Randy and Beth pulled me aside asking what was up and telling me it was okay. I was probably being stubborn thinking no I'll be ok don't worry about me. But no, they sat down with me for the longest time praying with me and showing me a passage of scripture that has been such an encouragement to me since that night.

Philippians 4:6-7(NIV) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

It was such a blessing and encouragement to me. They told me everything would be alright and God is in control of all that happens. It was just a huge moment in my life that I would never forget.

I read in a devotional book a few years ago that mentioned it's a good thing to have a woman who is older than you to be like a mentor. Someone that you can go to and get advice on stuff or just to talk to. If you ever need someone, Beth is the one to go to. She is great to talk to. She will be there to not only listen, but also give advice when needed. She can make you laugh when you least expect it. The best time is when you're in her car with the sun roof open, music blaring, and singing on the top of your lungs late at night. OR having people hanging out of every door and window in her car driving through a camp. Oh but don't ask how to spell 'birthday'....she may forget the "r". :) Either way, she's such a fun person to be with. Such a good godly woman to be encouraged by.

Randy, well if you love fishing he's the one to fish with. He's pretty good...so I heard. He's also very competitive. Apples to Apples, card games..ya it's very entertaining when you play with him. Don't even get started on Duck Dynasty. CRAZY. But with that said, he is a very encouraging godly youth leader. I don't know how he finds time to not only work 5 days a week, but then each Wednesday come speak to us teens. It's crazy. I've had numerous times where that night he spoke on something, and it's exactly what I needed to hear. He is just such a fun leader. Also, another great example to follow.

We do have other leaders who have been very encouraging and fun. Those 2 are the main ones who I wanted to point out that have made such a huge impact on my life and for that I am forever grateful.

Thank You so much not only Randy and Beth, but also Bryan, Sarah, Steve, Ashley, and Dave. You guys have been so encouraging over the years. I will truly miss you. God has blessed me as well as the other teens with such great leaders as you guys. Thank You again.

Sisters? Forever Friends.

   So, as August has quickly approached that means my sister will be coming home in a few days. She's been away in China for a month doing what and being where she loves. I've missed her. It gets lonely and quiet at night. You know, parents get tired from working so they go to bed early. Then I'm up. By myself. Wishing Jamie would be home soon to talk to, watch movies, or fall asleep on the couch. Anyways, I'm excited to have her home. After all she is my [only] sister:) We always have fun together. Ya we have our ups and downs but doesn't everyone? No family is perfect. We love doing many things together. Shopping. Taking pictures. Playing piano. Watching movies/television. Eating. Talking. Photoshoots. Laughing. Being quirky. Wearing each others clothes. Ya etc. I love her. God has blessed me with a loving, fun, caring, awesome sister.  I know I'll always have her as she reminded me once, "You know Jess, with friends you know they can come and go, but with me you have a friend for life. We're stuck together as family forever."

Here's some random pics of us growing up together:)

aren't we just so adorable?

always got each other's backs.

 playing piano together.and matching together.

ha this picture always makes me laugh. like I said, we got each other's backs.

camping.another thing we love doing together[as a family].

Rainforest Cafe's AMAZING volcano chocolate dessert!

our first photoshoot together.

3-in-1.Florida.New Years.Christmas Eve.

our annual Thanksgiving mirror pictures.first year.

ya....crazy hair.crazy jewelry.crazy pictures.

annual Christmas day walk. 3 years in a row.

Birthday photoshoot. it was a freezing November day so we were literally wearing gloves between each picture. but we still enjoyed it.

Summer photoshoot. beautiful day for pictures.

most amazing trip to Arizona. love this state. went to awesome Mimi's Cafe. showing sisterly love here.

attractive..lovin this Michigan trip with the family.

again, another photoshoot. can you tell we like taking them?

 4th year in a row Christmas walk. we love to be colorful.

Jr/Sr Banquet: Senior Year. yes we wanted to match.yes i love her.

GRADUATION. we have gone through lots together.

Thanks Jamie for being an awesome sister. God has blessed me greatly. You really are such a fun older sister. It's been fun seeing us grow up and closer together. I LOVE YOU.