adventures of a westbound traveler: day 3

I wanted to keep up on this every day but I did not have any internet or time. So to update :) I am currently in Springfield, Missouri waiting for my friend Dot to get out of class to come get me! I am really excited to be here so far. First day I spent with my great Aunt and Uncle and it was really good to see them. Then I traveled to my cousin's house in TN and little did I know that she is leaving for Ghana to student teach abroad on Friday! So lucky me I got to see her before she left and it was nice to catch up with her. And tomorrow is my last day on the road!!! Let me tell you, I am more than happy to finally get out of my car and unpack and relax.
I am equally excited to see my friends in CO! My birthday is on Saturday and one of my best friends is planning this thing for me and who ever else we know in CO. I was a little bummed I wouldn't be able to have much for my birthday but hanging out with a bunch of friends I haven't seen in a while I am super pumped!! There is a lot of excitement in this post. I think it is part I have been driving for 3 days straight and haven't had a chance to get my energy out at all. And all the plans and things coming up...and I am rambling. But I guess I should go and continue relaxing before I hit the road again tomorrow morning. Next time you hear from me I will be in the lovely state of COLORADO!

I'm gunna drive

Colorado bound in the a.m. Both nervous and excited for this new adventure! It'll be good ya know?! Getting a change in scenery and getting out on my own....big girl style! Who knew the world would be this scary. I mean I feel like I didn't learn all this in college. I went to my bank yesterday to figure out how to close out my account (because TD Bank, America's most convenient bank, is not out west) Which is kinda a bummer, cause I do like them. Anyways....he was using big words and I got a bit overwhelmed. It is all solved now...in case you were worried.
I texted one of my best friend's today asking if this is what walking by faith feels like. Scary. And she said yes. I am leaving pretty much all I know and heading out to colorado. (don't worry I know people) with no job yet just my stuff, my car, myself and God. I plan on having some good talks with Him along this drive.
So my car is all packed (for the most part) and my tank is full, iPod is just about ready. I got 3 books on tape that will last me the whole trip if I wanted. So I have the Da Vinci Code which kinda freaks me out a little bit. That albino monk whipping himself...*shudders*. But I plan on listening to that through Kansas. Which will be the longest stretch for me. My route will be as follows:

So yea long trip. Each little blue dot is where I am staying each night. My great aunt and uncle the first night. Then a cousin. Then one of my best friends/ roommate from FLI then colorado! So yea long trip ahead of me and I should go to bed soon. Hopefully I can update while I travel but who knows...so until then time to hit the dusty trail! (and my bed)

p.s. friends if you are reading this...I may be calling you along this road trip...since I will have little else to do :) So get ready!

Gym Class

Everyone remembers, either from experience or the stereotypical media portrayals, of picking teams for gym class. I always feel bad for the person who gets picked last. They are always a little athletically challenged and you feel it too. It's a rejection. Seeing all your friends and everyone else get picked before you can make you feel worthless. In my devotion this morning it talked about rejection. 

Rejection is painful. In any situation: rejection from a friend group, sports team, job that you want, someone you like, or sometimes (unfortunately) your own family. Rejection usually then brings every insecurity you have every had in the back of your mind to the front. And at time I know I fall victim to those thoughts and they can be extremely painful.

This all seems very depressing, doesn't it? As corny as this kinda is...there is good news! In 1 Samuel 12:22 it says "The Lord will not abandon His people, because of His great name and because He has determined to make you His own people." 

That is an amazing promise! But think about it...we are human. God created us to be desired and loved but there are times we are rejected and feel left out and worthless. But God will never reject us because He chose us. He wanted us. He didn't feel sorry for us or feel obligated to pick us like the last person in gym class. He chose us because He delights in us. We want to not be rejected and we search everywhere for that. We lower our standards in some instances to look for that one person who will not reject us. 

He is right here! God will not abandon or reject us....ever!! He wants us with Him one day partying up in heaven. And He sees us for who we are. He sees our inner thoughts and dreams that we fear if we let anyone see that side of us they will....reject us. But He sees that and still wants us! How unbelievably amazing is that! Come on now just try and wrap your mind around it?? The King of all kings, Lord of all lords, creator of the entire universe (and that was no small feat) desires us!!

Yeah...seems crazy right? But it is totally true.

Consider your mind....blown!