NC 2013 {The People}

Wow.

TeenPact National Convention 2013 was amazing.

I learned so much.

I am in awe of what the LORD is doing in my life and in the lives of the people around me.

***

As we were driving home, I asked the people in my car what their favorite memories were from the week.

We very quickly realized we all had said the same thing.

The people.

More specifically, the conversations we had with the people.

We recounted the conversations we had with guys and girls and how it wasn't "weird" to talk about the LORD and what He was doing in our life. Meaning, I could talk to a guy about Christ and nobody would question if we liked each other.

***

I remember talking with Philip, Brenden, Patrick Lee, Jon, and Isaac. All of these guys LOVE the LORD. They are passionate about Christ and desire to honor Him in their every day life. It was evident in their campaigns, conversations, and character. {And I'm now kicking myself for not getting pictures with y'all.}

Guys, it's encouraging to know that there are young men like you out in the world. Know that, as a sister in Christ, I will be praying for you to stand strong in the faith. God is going to do amazing things through you and I am so excited to see it!

As for the girls....Well, it was more crying than actually talking. :)

Ironically, I experienced community on the day we were studying community. {Don't you love how God works?} After listening to Betsy speak about her losing her mom, I just lost it. I quickly made my way back to the gym bathroom. I found myself in a group hug with Laurence, Tori, Mrs. Wilson, and Betsy, herself. We all just stood there and cried–together. Definitely, a God moment.

I also enjoyed the chats I had with Mary Kathryn, Elise, Laurence, Miranda, Sierra, Ms. Debbie, Mrs. Kathryn, and Mrs. Cocks. Just being able to talk with them about life and how the LORD is working in and through us was so encouraging and refreshing!

Again, I enjoyed my time at NC and will forever cherish the friendships I made/cultivated while I was there. 

Look for more posts about my experience in the days to come! 

Why I Laugh {About My Future}

I did it.

I graduated high school on Cinco de Mayo. 

*insert celebration dance* 

I am so thankful for the many years (13!) my parents have sacrificed to educate me. 

While this chapter in my life has closed, I am excited to see where the LORD will lead me in the coming years! 

With that said, here is why I can laugh at the future...

A few weeks ago, as graduation was rapidly approaching, the LORD brought to mind Proverbs 31:25. 

I remember when people would ask me how I felt about my future after high school, (or I would volunteer that information), and I would say, with a smile on my face, "I'm so excited!" or "I can't wait to see where the LORD leads me!" 

And quite frankly, I was (and still am) excited and thrilled. 

You might be thinking, "How can you be excited and not scared about your future, Giann? You're crazy to think that way!"

Well, I would point you to the verse found in Proverbs 31.... "And she laughs without fear of the future." 

"But, how can you laugh at the unknown, Giann? Don't you know it's scary!? How can you be like this? Why aren't you freaking out?!?!" 

Those are all valid questions and concerns you may have for me. 

But, here's the deal. 

I choose not to dwell on the scary. Instead, I choose to dwell on the Sovereign One. 

I choose not to delight in my own self. Instead, I choose to delight in the LORD. 

Most importantly, I choose to remember the promise found in Romans 8:28 
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those called according to his purpose." 

"Okay. Well, I'm still not convinced that you are 100% excited all the time." 

That's great, because I still have my moments when I worry and I fail to place my trust in the LORD! 

It's during those times, though, that the LORD recalls to mind His promises in Scripture. 

"I will never leave nor forsake you."

"The Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go." 

"If God is for us, then who can be against us?" 

So, why not laugh and smile at the future?

I know I will. :) 

When Life Hands You Lemons

{I came across this post I wrote a couple of months ago, but never published. I hope you enjoy it even though it's almost pointless now.}

I'm going to be upfront with you. Today has not been my day.

I was stupid enough to install an Apple update on my phone late last night which resulted in me getting only 4 hours of sleep. And the train sat idle at the station this morning. {Although, I did have a wonderful meeting with my boss.}

Back to today.

Let's be honest, us seniors just want to graduate. We just want to be done with this part of our lives. We want to move on and enter into new a season of life. We are burnt out. And we're sitting here. Waiting. AND NOTHING IS HAPPENING. We blame senioritis. We blame teachers. We blame parents.

When, in reality, we should be blaming ourselves.

Look, you and I are in the same boat, rowing the same current, trying to reach the end goal. But, we sit here, not rowing and, as a result, just drifting. We just expect somebody else to pick up the slack for us and hope we make it to the paradise island.

And that's why we're upset.

I am just ready to be done.

I've been ready.

But, I just sit here in my unproductive state and grumble and complain, asking God how much longer until He leads me to the next season in my life.

We're so focused on the end goal that we miss the opportunities around us.

I realize that I have overlooked certain relationships in my life. And, as a result, I have missed the opportunities to serve others.

We have the option to make the best use of our time these last few months of high school.

So, why don't we....