The past few days have been good days which has been nice, because it's been an up and down semester for me. This weekend I was productive and finished a book for a class, and as a bonus I was able to sit outside, enjoying beautiful weather, while finishing it.
Sunday we had a little different sunday school for the kids I work with at church. Normally the 3rd-5th grade meets together then breaks up into their sunday school classes, but this week they stayed together the whole time and we talked about passover and the crucifixion with them. It was a neat service. I feel like I'm starting to connect more with the kids now, which is nice, but kinda stinks at the same time because I won't be here the next 2 sundays and then I'll only have a couple more sundays left in the semester. I plan on continuing to work with the 3rd-5th graders next semester though.
The "big church" service, as I've grown up calling it, was also good. It was cool that the sermon connected to the sunday school class I went to. Both were talking about commitment. I also was able to meet someone I didn't know in church, and she seemed pretty cool. Hopefully I can get to know her better. We've started sitting with some people who are around our age, to try to meet more people. I'd really like to get to know more people at Highview, especially people my age.
Another positive thing is that I've seen something I've been praying about lately being answered. It's cool because I started praying about it in a different way after we talked about prayer in my spiritual disciplines class. I started praying for God's glory to be shown in the situation and praying specifically for blessings upon someone else, and I'm seeing my prayers answered. It's kinda hard to explain fully because I don't want to go into details, but I think changing the way I was praying has changed my perspective because obviously God hasn't changed. I'm trying to look at things in a new perspective lately. I've been really convicted that I've just had a bitter attitude about a lot of things lately. Anytime I catch myself thinking something negative, I've been immediately trying to turn that thought around and find a way to praise God for whatever it is that I was viewing negatively. It's not always easy, but it does wonders for my attitude and mood.
And to end this post on a final positive note, I get to go home friday, and I'll be home all next week! I'm so excited! I haven't been home all semester and I miss it. It's supposed to get up to 80°, I get to eat crawfish, see my friends and family, eat at one of my favorite restaurants, have a photography day with my parents, play tennis with Bets, see my puppies, rest...yeah I'm pretty excited. :)
Oh and to add one more thing in, I got my camp newsletter the other day which made my day and got me really excited for this summer. I think it's going to be a great summer for my camp. I feel like I have so much I'll be able to share with people this summer because I've been learning so much this semester. I just feel like God is going to move in some awesome ways at camp this summer, and I can't wait to experience it. -Allison-

I have a love-hate relationship with emotions. So glad God is beyond our emotions.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of god, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish ever disobedience, when your obedience is complete." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:4-8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Last night I got to thinking about cynical/pessimistic Christian views of the world. I know people who have this type of view and while I agree with the ideas behind the thoughts, I've come to the conclusion that I don't really agree with the approach. There are horrible things that happen in our world everyday. It is terrible, but maybe I'm just the optimistic type who likes to try to see the beautiful and good things as well. I'm not saying at all to ignore the ugly. But I think both things should point us to God. For example we had a gorgeous day here in Louisville a couple weeks ago on the same day that I heard about hundreds of Christians being killed in an African village. I think it's possible to enjoy the beautiful day and see how that points to God's glory, while also mourning the loss of so many Christians and seeing how that shows how we are totally deprived, awful people who need God. It's hard to explain my thoughts fully here. I was talking to my mom about this just now and she encouraged me. She told me I had a beautiful heart and that I've always tried to see the good in things. I'm glad she understood what I was trying to say. Sorry if this doesn't make total sense. I gave my mom a very specific example that I don't want to share on here, but if you want to talk to me more about it let me know. :) -Allison-

...are frustrating. I hate how my emotions can go from one extreme to the other in a day. They did that yesterday. Ugh. I hate being emotional sometimes. I hate thinking I'm over something, and then realizing I'm not. I know things will get better, and they have been, and that God has great plans for me and isn't surprised by anything in my life, but sometimes my emotions and my head just don't get along. ha
On a better note, I feel like I've been learning so much lately. Things are just clicking in my classes and it's wonderful. I can't quite put into words yet everything I'm learning. I'm just seeing things in new ways. That happens when you start really trying to know God. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. It can be overwhelming.
On another positive note, I've got several friends coming to visit me this week and that makes me really happy. I just wish It wasn't midterm week, but it's ok. I think I'll be able to balance my time. Speaking of balancing time, it's time for some sleep so I can wake up for a full day of studying. Fun stuff.

I'm reading this book for one of my classes, and I absolutely love it. I'd recommend it to anyone whether or not they're considering missions. I just want to quote a paragraph of the book that really stood out to me and spoke to me.

"God teaches us in His Word that we should be wise in our choices and how we invest our lives. However, we should rest in the sure knowledge that He is sovereign over every detail. Proverbs 16:9 teaches, 'The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.' When we need guidance the path of wisdom is to trust Him, not our own devices. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.' The wisdom in God's Word gives great guidance and great peace in the process of seeking His will."

I've been learning what it means to really trust God, so this paragraph just really spoke to me. I love the verses he quoted here. There's not much more I want to say really other than you should read this book. Seriously. -Allison-