I've been contemplating, and praying, since God has laid it on my heart to start a blog. So here it is, and here it goes...
I am 18, and I may not have much wisdom, but I have knowledge, and, much like Solomon, I pray that I grow in wisdom, and learn. I love to have fun! But I understand the importance of a time to work, and a time to play. I love my parents and siblings. I have a fair-sized family, who are supportive, and amazing. My youngest sister Courtney, who is 12, is a constant source of a good laugh in our house. Shaina, who's 16, is always up for hard work, or fun, whichever comes her way first. My stepbrother, Jeremy, is 3 months older than me, also 18, (and never let me forgets it) and goes to college in Houston, near where my dad and stepmom live. My stepsister, Nikki, is the oldest, (my stepdad's daughter) and independent. My mom, Sandie (it feels weird to even call her that while typing) works at a college, and my stepdad, Michael, owns a welding company. My stepmom, Laura, and my dad, Mike, both have worked in the import/export business. My mom's brother, Uncle Jimmy, has been in the military since before I was born, and his beautiful family all live in Washington State. :( It seems far away, but they say "absence makes the heart grow fonder." Hopefully he moves back to Texas soon. :) I pray for each one of them. I love them, and I lay them at His feet.
I have the most awesome youth group, and church family, in the WHOLE world. We have a blast together, and there is rarely ever "drama" because we are a family, knit together by God, always ready to accept, welcome, and encourage new people in our fun and learning. :) I love them, I pray for them, and I lay them at His feet.
I have been blessed with the most amazing mentors in my life. My mom, for starters, taught me about God from a young age, raised 3 kids, went back to school, works at a college, and she is an amazing example a Proverbs 31 woman if I've ever met one! Another one is my Nana. She's got such a simple, trusting faith, that there is no questioning that she loves the Lord, she instills it in others around her. My Papa is a rock. He never ceases to astonish us with his understanding of the word. Last, but not least, is Lisa. She owns her own photography business, has 3 truely awesome kids, a beautiful family, and though she has been through some trials, she has always put her full trust in God. To hear her heart is to hear something truely lovely. I love them so much! I lay them at His feet.
You may ask, what do you mean, you lay them at His feet? It means, that I know they are His. He has placed them in my life, and allowed me to treasure the moments I'm given with them. I'm praying for them constantly, like Paul, and asking the Lord to keep watch over them. To show them His way for each of them, to hold them close, and love them like only He can.
So, at night, as I lay down to sleep, I count my many blessings. My family, our house, our health, my church family, my friends, my mentors, my boyfriend :), and most of all, my lovely Savior. He was beaten and died on the cross for MY sins. I did nothing and can never do anything to deserve what He did for me. I am really unworthy, but because of His amazing, unending, unfailing love, I am saved, and forgiven. Washed clean, and made new again. When things worry me, scare me, make me falter in my step, or waiver from the path, you know what I do? I lay it all at His feet. He takes care of everything.
