I am thankful for...technology??

Never really thought I would ever say that. See I am not really a technology person. I have an old flip phone (to save money) but I really do like it. It's cool to flip it open when someone calls! And I am getting off topic.
I have never been a tech savy person...unless you ask my mom because she is pretty bad. But I started hating texting in college and although it does come in handy and I see the point of it I would so much rather talk in person or on the phone with someone. Plus I have seen through experience that people hide behind texting and it is easy to do too. I must admit I have done it in the past. But I have gotten to the point where if I wouldn't say it in person I won't say it over text.
I still have difficulty with computers sometimes. I am scared one day they will take over the world in some jobs where I would much rather have a person to talk to. But this post is about why I am thankful about technology rather than bashing it.
I see the need for technology. But I also feel like the culture has become to rely on it too much and if something like a revolution (like the tv show where they lose all electricity) happened I am not sure if people would know how to have conversations face to face. But on this Thanksgiving a few days ago I got a chance to really appreciate the technology we have.
See I just moved from NJ to Colorado and this was the first Thanksgiving I have been away from home. It was different and I loved it. I had dinner at my best friends house with her family and then we went for a hike in Red Rock park. (gotta love Colorado!)
My town has a HUGE rival football game on Thanksgiving day that has been part of the tradition for hundreds of years. One year it was on ESPN. It's kinda a big deal. Like huge deal. The whole town goes. That takes up most of the morning. Then I have dinner with my mom's side of the family then we go to my uncle's house on my dad's side where there is craziness!!!! My dad is one of seven boys and usually five of them make it. This year it was six and all my cousins were there. My brother calls me and I hear about 20 people talking at once and he tells me to get on skype. (such a great invention)
So in the long run I got a chance to skype my family on Thanksgiving. I was funny to see some of my aunts and uncles pass by the computer and look over and see me and be sort of startled. Everyone was yelling my name and I got to see my parents too. It was so great to see everyone!! My grandma was not sure if she liked it or not which was pretty entertaining.
So yes, as much as I would rather be in person with people I do understand the need for technology and so grateful for it this Thanksgiving. Now I can't wait to get home and see my whole family for Christmas. Who knows maybe in a few years I can appear in like a hologram form!

"...to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

I know I have already done a post on friends a while back but I needed to update and the past few days I have just really been blessed by my friends. The other day I had one of those days where God just wanted to teach me some things. So that night I had a chance to just journal and talk to Him and I felt very convicted. At that same time one of my best friends and roommates from FLI texted me and asked me what's up so I told her I was learning some stuff. And although it was late she called me just to pray with me. It was so great to hear her voice (cause she lives in California) and great to catch up on life. We shared our highs and lows and just talked.
Just before that I was thinking how different my life would have been if I never went to FLI. How my friendship would be with my friends from college and how different I would be. But then I never would have met my friends I have now. Ones who will call in the middle of the night to pray with me. I never would have learned how to be a better friend to be that phone call they place when they need to talk.
Today I just found out my grandpa died last night. I am so glad he is not in pain anymore but He fell away from Christ when my uncle got muscular dystrophy as a young boy. Last time I saw him I gave him a hug and kiss and told him I was praying for him. He had cancer and lost all use of his left arm. It's really hard being this far away and I am not sure if I will be going home or not yet. My best friend out here, when I texted her to say I may not be able to hang out this week, called and told me she is coming up and bringing any comfort food. It made me feel so great to have a friend who would drop everything to come up and see me during this. 
Reminds me of the verse my good friend wrote in a letter for me: 
John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Ok I guess that's about it. 

makin my daddy proud

I am now a full time working woman. That sounds really weird to say. I am working at the camp I worked at this summer. A position opened up so I am now maintenance assistant. Its hard work but I have learned a lot so far. I have learned to drive stick (with steering on the right side), to split wood, tricks to painting, and a bunch of other stuff with working with tools and fixing things around camp. I am also learning that there is always something to do and always something to fix. It can be quite tiring every day. And although it's not what I want to do and it can be hard at times, I am learning a lot and I will be able to say one day, "I worked as a maintenance assistant at a camp. I didn't like it but I stuck with it and learned a lot." So I am reminding myself of that.
Other things that make it hard is the fact I am just on camp all the time. I am far from my friends and don't get to see them much. And me as an extrovert working a lot by myself is tough. I was talking to my dad on the phone last week and he was telling me a story about when I was little.
 "You used to be so shy and get anxious whenever you were without us. And now you are out in Colorado shooting guns and on your own. " It made me smile when he started to laugh to himself and I could just feel how proud he is of me...coming out here and working hard even though it's not what I want to do. But knowing my dad is proud of me makes it a bit easier.
Another reason my dad is great...I was skyping my family today (which was so great to see them!) and my mom and sister are talking to me and my dad is in the background dancing and making weird faces at me. No matter the situation he can always make me laugh and I hope I can continue to work hard and make him proud of me.

Why do you believe?

The other night I had a conversation with a friend about faith. He was telling me he was starting to doubt and he wasn't sure if God was there for him. He then followed that with, "Why do you believe?" 
Here is how I responded: 

because He has shown me himself in so many ways that make no sense, like through my first relationship he carried me the whole way through.
coming out here to FLI...was just amazing. He showed me my strengths and where He wants me and what passions He has given me.
In the little things with the friends and family he has blessed me with.
In just looking back to where my storms were and seeing that He was there the entire time even when I felt nothing

there are times I wonder where He is and why I am going through something, like now, but even in this time of doubt I have to remember all the times He brought me through before and know He is going to do it again

That is why I believe

After responding...I just felt this wash of peace and happiness surround me. I have no idea where I am going next. There are times I feel so incredibly alone but it is in those moments when I am not. He has been there through it all and He will continue to do that. And He will do that because, it's so simple, He loves me. After my reason why I believe, my friend asked, "then why doubt?" Excellent question! I have no idea why I doubt...because I am human and I give into my insecurities of not being able to do it on my own. But the truth is I don't have to. My all time favorite artist is Britt Nicole. Her songs just speak so much truth into my life and I can relate to pretty much all of them in some way. I sent these lyrics to a friend the other day. It's from the song 'Straight for your heart.' 

He has made some big promises for us and He will never let us down.

You don’t have to walk this road alone
I’ll hold you, hold you
You don’t have to live this life alone
I know you, know you

Hidden in the tunnel
I’ll be there
Even when you can’t fly
I’ll be there

Westward bound...

So I meant to post this a while ago! It has been a crazy month out here...so this is really delayed BUT here ya go...a video of my trip out west. I will try and be more proactive about posting from here on out.

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!