Your Love is Strong.

Hey everyone, so sorry it's been a long while. These past couple of weeks have been quite different and pretty difficult. But, despite all that's happened, God has done amazing things in my life and in the lives of those around me.

So, to catch you up a bit, two weeks ago I got laid off from my job at American Vintage. WHAT. Yeah, it was pretty shocking. Just when I felt that I was settled in and getting used to my schedule, I was back to square one. I had been through the whole job struggle before, so I knew somewhat how to deal with it, yet I really didn't feel like going through it again! The words to Jon Foreman's Your Love is Strong kept playing through my head:

"I look out the window, the birds are composing.
Not a note is out of tune or out of place.
I look at the meadow and stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day.

So why do I worry? Why do I freak out?

God knows what I need, You know what I need.

Your love is, Your love is
Your love is strong.

Two things you told me; that you are strong
And you love me, yes you love me.

Your love is strong."

Even though I had no idea how it would play out, I knew that I had to trust that God knows what I need. The day I found out about my job I went and applied at a grocery store called Boulineaus. I wasn't sure if I was being lazy or if I just knew that God would provide, but I didn't do much besides that. Three days later I had an interview at Boulineaus and got hired! I now work in the Dairy Hut with some really kind people and get to eat all the food I want while I work! (Which is also a really bad thing since it's hotdogs and icecream...oops! Sorry..:)

On my second day on the job I was feeling good and feeling filled with the Spirit. I felt Him telling me to talk to my coworker, Megan, about Christ. I asked her about her background, and she told me how she knows she needs to have God first in her life, but in order to do that she needs to find a church and be baptized. I explained to her that it's not at all about going to church or being good enough. Because we were extremely slow that day I actually got to share the Knowing God Personally booklet (the gospel) with her! We were interrupted a few times by customers and were a little rushed, so afterwards I was feeling a little discouraged and like she didn't fully understand. I thoughy, "Maybe somehow some Cru people will share with her on the beach? But that's pretty far fetched..." Well, that very night was outreach, and after going out sharing we came back and told our stories. Karen, Cole, and Casey had gone to the park nearby and met a guy and his girlfriend. In typical God sovereignty, it so happened to be my coworker and her boyfriend. Yeah! They went through the gospel with them and Megan's boyfriend actually ended up recieving Christ with them. The next day at work Megan told me that she had prayed to recieve Christ the night before as well. God is so cool!!!!! I had a little freakout, well, okay, a large freakout when I found this out. Why do I doubt God?! He took me from a workplace with people whose hearts were hardened to a workplace where the gospel is ready to be received. This is all God and nothing of me, and that's why it's so wonderful!

Another thing that has been a change is that my Bible study leader, Mandy, asked me to take over when she left (which was last Saturday). This is both exciting and challenging. Exciting because it is a chance to be stretched and grow in new ways and to get experience leading a study (I will be leading a freshman study this fall as well). Challenging, though, because it is an extra ~8 hours per eek commitment as I prepare the study and disciple women. It is also a challenge because I am no better or different than the girls in my study and am learning just as much as them. I am so enjoying getting to know all four of the girls better; they all have such beautiful hearts for the Lord.

Also, a sidenote, I am having so much fun! The beach is incredible. I mean, not to brag, but I live in a pretty sweet place! We had a community night at the beach last Saturday and did a slip n' slide into the ocean and took fun photos! I don't think I'll ever be able to fully appreciate living in such a gorgeous place!I have enjoyed exploring the many places around North Myrtle Beach as well! In an outdoor mall called Broadway at the Beach (which is like a mini Wisconsin Dells) some friends and I found the jackpot!

The most significant thing in my life right now is that my Grandpa Jon passed away this past Tuesday morning. Something that was really special was that I had called my grandparents about a week ago to catch up with them. I was talking with my Grandma Joan, and during our conversation my grandpa called for her. She went over to see what he needed, and when she returned she said, "I told your grandpa that I was talking to you and he told me to tell you that he loves you." I immediately started crying, supposing that he knew his time was coming. I didn't expect it when it came, though, and I am heartbroken that my grandpa is gone. This is the first grandparent that I have lost, and I never really thought it would happen. When you're young it feels like everyone is invincible, and for a while that's how it seemed. Death is something I've always been aware of, but it doesn't feel real until it comes, and even when it comes, I can't understand it.

The most joyful part of this sad occurence is that my Grandpa Jon knew and loved Jesus. While death can feel like the most separating and destructive thing, I also remember that this life is only a mist compared to the everlasting, beautiful, perfect life we will enjoy with Jesus and everyone else who loved Him. I can't wait to praise Him all together!

Please pray for my coworkers, that their hearts would be open to the gospel. Please pray for my Grandma Joan, who is very confused and overwhelmed by my Grandpa's death. Please also pray for the rest of my family, as well as for my travels as I will be flying back for the funeral this next week.

A song we sang at our weekly meeting is powerful and beautiful. I can't wait to sing it to Jesus some day. (You should look it up: Great I Am: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5CWGi82N7k) 

                        I wanna to be close, close to your side,

So heaven is real and death is a lie.

I wanna hear voices of angels above singing as one:

Hallelujah, Holy Holy, God almighty, Great I am

Who is worthy, none beside Thee, God Almighty,

Great I Am.

The mountains shake before Him, the demons run and flee

At the mention of the name, King of Majesty!

There is no power in hell or any who can stand

Before the power and the presence of the Great I am,

The Great I am, The Great I am!

 No matter what, God is still good.