TeenPact Staff Training 2014 {Memories}

// bubble vests // troll 2 // IronBat // Chick-fi-la in the rotunda of the OK State Capitol // Jazz hands // I am 19 going on 17 // Do you need service? // sassy walk // ESTJ // starbucks instant coffee // Oceans // mistake skits // special relationships emphasis in said skits // the PD panel // conversations in the car // "You're one blessed man!" // tricia // going through capitol security 4 times // delayed flights // jordan's lobbyist field experience // talking into bethany's phone because I have an accent // red pants // rachael // heart to heart talks // leading rendezvous // aaron's (and danny's) representative dance // the bill skit // frozen armadillo // babies in the airport // bella teaching me and brady about coffee // THOSE DELTA COOKIES // the $400 Coca-Cola  // soul sisters // airport selfies // Leninade // It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Teenpact // personality types // mountain top  experience // Louisiana people // thimble // drinks from mrs. seldenrust // privacy versus security // tomato juice // learning so much spiritually // Justin, Jessica & Anna // Shica // the smolder // fireplaces // paige // worship //

TeenPact Staff Training 2014 {Mountain Top}

We all have our mountain tops; the places where we go to for refuge, refreshment, and restitution. 

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel, once again, to my mountaintop – TeenPact. 

Over the past 3 years, TeenPact has served as my safe place, my refuge, my escape from the valley. 

I don't know where I would be in life if it wasn't for this ministry. 

The way God has orchestrated my valleys to coincide with TeenPact events is even more proof that God is indeed inherently sovereign. 

This week was no different. 

After walking the last 6 months alone with the LORD, it was so nice to walk into the doors of the lodge and be greeted by familiar faces. 

It was so refreshing to sit down and talk with people face to face. Never have I realized the importance of IRL* conversations until this past week.

Honestly, I wish this girl lived closer. {Hashtag: Soul Sisters}

And maybe him, too.  

and this girl.
Maybe we could travel to a foreign country together someday? 

Worshipping with other like-minded believers on the mountaintop praising the LORD for what He has done in my life is an incredible experience that brings me to the point of tears. 

Worshipping God on the mountaintop doesn't mean I don't worship Him in the valley. 

Worshipping God on the mountaintop allows me to have a different perspective on my situation happening in the valley. 

I'm still worshipping the same God, just in a different setting. 

So, today, as the sun sets behind me, I am thankful for my mountaintop experience this past week.

"You bring me up here on the mountain//For me to rest and learn and grow//I see the truth up on the mountain//And I carry it to the world far below

So as I go down to the valley knowing that You will go with me//This is my prayer, Lord, help me to remember what you showed me//Up on the mountain"

{Steven Curtis Chapman - The Mountain}

*In real life 

A Look Back {2013 Edition}

I shared on Twitter & Instagram my top 2013 moments and thought I would recap my year on my blog, too!

Who's ready??

January:

          • Passion 2013 - Even though I was super sick with the flu, I still had a great time worshipping Jesus with some sweet friends of mine.

         • Snow!

February:

         • When I Played the Paparazzi  - one of my favorite highlights of the year. {Side note: Any guy that wishes to propose to me, must not only talk to my dad, but also Justin.}

March:

        • Wanted: Husband who can Cook - the title says it all.
 
        • Secret Church 2013 -

"If we are going to be excited about anything, shouldn't be our spiritual lives? Is there anything more inspiring, more exciting, more lovable and desirable in Heaven or on Earth than the Gospel of Jesus Christ? We should be utterly humbled that we are not more emotionally affected than we are." 

–– Jonathan Edwards

April:

         • Nothing to report here. It was the month I was scrambling to finish Highschool.

May:

        • After 13 years, I graduated on Cinco de Mayo.

        • National Convention 2013 - loved the people, small group , & public speaking!

June & July:

       • I recommended relationship books to Disney Princesses.
   
       • I turned 19.

       • I shared 25 Random Facts About Myself.

August:

       • I told people Why I don't have a Best Friend - by far the post with the most hits in the past year.

       • I surprised my friend for her birthday.

       • I shared How to Stop Playing the Game of Comparison

       • I told Real Truths about myself - Let me know if you want an encore!

September & October:

       • My friend moved across the world - Update: She's coming back for a couple of months. 

       • I shared my view on Relationships with Guys - Part 1, 2, & 3

November:

       • I confessed to committing emotional adultery.

       • Thanksgiving 2013

December: 

      • I had 4 people Guest Post/Collab with me - Allison, Kelli, Waverly, & Robin.

      • I made a decision that affected my future - currently seeking God on what to do next.

      • I shared my heart on why Social Media is important to Christians.


2013 was a year that taught me several lessons and allowed me to grow in my relationship with Christ and develop friendships that have blessed me over the past year! I look forward to what the LORD has in store for me in 2014!