so much to say, but how to say it?

so i realize i haven't posted since my very first post. i'm going to try to get better at that. 

I've got a lot on my mind as I post from Orlando, Florida.  So far, this trip has been amazing.  We've gotten to have a lot of family time, which is so nice after being away from them for so long.  On Monday we spent the day a Aquatica and the next day at Discovery Cove.  DC was super cool. We got to snorkel with big fish and stingrays that were longer than me! and we all know that I'm not all that short.  Yesterday, Wednesday, we went to Islands of Advernture.  I love the roller coasters-- the dueling dragons/dragon challenge being my favorite, but hulk was very fun as well. =]  and today we took a chill day hanging out at the pools around the hotel.

one thing that's been crazy is that i've been thinking a lot about the things i learned at Camp Marietta, both in the staff training and the actual camp. I hope to tell more about it later but I'll share a few things in this post.  One thing is checking my angles.  Coach always said that when you walk into a room, at least one person will be looking at you....it's true.  Another thing I've been trying to do, ever since camp last year, is not to just walk through life without acknowledging the people I pass.  Sounds easy, I know, but it's actually pretty difficult.  It's so easy to get preoccupied with the things I need to do and completely ignore my surroundings.  But you'd be amazed at how powerful a single smile from a stanger can be.  I found that out after my Pawpaw went to be with the Lord.  It was a simple gesture that let me know that I wasn't alone and invisble in my pain...that someone cared enough to notice me. 

Another Coachism is "what have you done for Me lately?"  Following Christ is not just a one time thing that I can do once every now and then, but it's so much more. Jesus did everything for me; I need to give him all of me. 

One last lesson I'll share tonight is one that came from our camp theme this past summer-- NO OFF-SEASON.   Basically that meant that there is never a time when we are not following Christ with christian soldier status.  and we always need to be prepared to proclaim the message a Christ no matter what season we find ourselves in.  I can go so much deeper here, but for now I'll keep it short.  However, what stuck out to me is that though we may go through different seasons (stormy, warm. etc.), my God will never change.  He stays the same and will faithfully lead me through every one of them.

After I got home from our end of the summer staff hang out day, my sister and I found out that our 12 yr old cousin went to be with Jesus. She had been fighting a brain tumor and had been in a coma since April 24th.  In many ways, my life came to a stop. we were leaving to come to FL the next morning (that's where I am now), and I really didn't want to come. But since we would be gone, our house could be used for some of her parents family, so we came.  Though we've been having a great time down here, our hearts and prayers have been back at home with Kellie's family.  I still don't understand why her life was so short down here, but I do know that my God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  I also know God has a plan that I cannot even begin to understand.  He has promised in Isaiah 43 to walk through these tough times with me, and in Isaiah 41:13 he promises to take hold of my right hand and tells me not to fear because He WILL help me.  I may not understand what God's doing, but I'm willing to trust Him.  He's been faithful before, and He'll be faithful now.  May He get all the glory.