next semester

So, I just decided I'm going to register for the next level sign language class in the fall. I really love ASL, so I figured it won't hurt to learn more. Who knows, maybe God will use me to start a Deaf ministry at CrossWay, or something like that. I think that would be cool, 'cause Deaf people are the most unreached by the gospel. I can't wait to see what God has for me in the future with sign language! :)

On another note, I'm sad that summer's almost here, 'cause that means M28 is over for a while. I already miss the college students, 'cause we had our last meeting of the year 2 weeks ago. Oh well, at least I have it to look forward to in the fall. Can't wait!

pictures from the church picnic

As promised, here are some pictures from the church picnic yesterday. :)

Becca

Emily, Jonathan, and Andrew - M28'ers

Emily (love that girl!)

Melissa (love her too!)

volleyball

Ultimate frisbee

ducks in the petting zoo. :)

hayride!

Wes and his friends

Becca, Hannah, and me

Samantha, Olivia, and Emily

Rebekah and Hannah

picnic

The church picnic yesterday was lots of fun! :) I'll post some pictures later.

this was fun :)

Rules:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search (http://www.flickr.com/).
b. Using ONLY the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Mosaic Maker. Change rows to 4 and columns to 4 (http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php).
d. Save the image and post it!

Questions. }
1. What is your name? Emily
2. What is your favorite food? salad
3. What is your hometown? Charlotte, NC
4. What is your favorite color? purple
5. What is your favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice
6. What is your favorite drink? water
7. What is your dream vacation? Hawaii
8. What is your favorite dessert? cake
9. What is one word to describe yourself? happy
10. How are you feeling right now? normal
11. What do you love most in the world? family and friends
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? undecided
13. Favorite Hobby? photography
14. What kind of books do you like? classic books
15. What’s your favorite sport? football
16.Where do you work? Chick-fil-A

thank you, Jesus!

Praise be to God, He restored my joy in Him! :)
I was completely over-reacting to my circumstances at work, and as a result I made myself miserable. But as I listened to the song "It is Well With My Soul", I heard the line, "Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul!' " That's when God showed me how foolish I was, and that it really doesn't matter what I'm going through since I belong to Christ. I may not thoroughly enjoy work, but I can rejoice in the fact that my soul is right with God. He is the only thing truly worth rejoicing in anyway!
So, thanks to everyone who prayed for me. God definitely heard and answered them. :)

Just a few things I love about Anna

• she has a passion for the Lord. Anna so obviously loves God above everything else. She worships without worrying about what others might think of her. She loves to talk about God and what He's been showing her. I love our conversations on the way to and from M28 every Wednesday. Keep loving the Lord!
• she never complains. Sure, she might say she's exhausted, but she doesn't let that affect her mood. She's still as joyful as ever. :)
• she's smart. She gets A's in every class, and she knows a lot more than I do. She really gets into her school, studying hard and trying to understand what she's learning.
  
• she really cares about others. Whenever anyone is having a hard time with something, she listens, and she sympathizes with others when they are sad. I feel like I can tell her anything.
• she bakes the most delicious bread.
• she is humble. She's not afraid to ask for advice. She always seeks to draw attention away from herself.
• she is my sister. :)

Happy 18th birthday, Anna!

Psalm 126:3

I've been struggling lately to find joy in the Lord and not my circumstances. My job is getting wearisome for me, but I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's because I always do the same thing there. Whatever the reason, I wish I could do something different. And I really want to get serious about college, but I have no idea what classes to take or anything.

I don't know why I'm not content with my life right now. I mean, God has done some amazing things in my life recently, so I should be rejoicing in that, but I'm not.

Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."

I want this verse to be true to me. I want to be so filled with joy in what the Lord has done that it doesn't matter what my circumstances are.

Please be praying for me.

pictures of Spring

thanks, Emily! :)

The Motions
by Matthew West

This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break
At least I'll be feeling something

'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole live asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions?

No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something

'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole live asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions?

Take me all the way
(Take me all the way)
Take me all the way
('Cause I don't wanna go through the motions)
Take me all the way
(Lord, I'm finally feeling something real)
Take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole live asking
What if I had given everything
Instead of going through the motions?

Take me all the way
(Take me all the way)
Take me all the way
(I don't wanna go, I don't wanna go)
Take me all the way
(Through the motions)
Take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions

what song is this?

I heard this song on the radio, but I can't remember what it's called. I think the chorus goes something like this:

I don't want to go through the motions
I don't want to go one more day
Without Your all-consuming passion inside of me

Then something like: What if I had given everything instead of going through the motions

Does anyone have any idea what this song is? 'Cause I'd like to look up the lyrics, but I have no idea what the song is called or who wrote it. Anyone heard it before?

Arts Festival

here are some pictures from the amazing Arts Festival Saturday night. :)

I thought this sign was cool.

This skit was really good.

McKenzie has a sweet voice.

Bethany's voice is amazing.

Christelle and Nathaniel were very entertaining.

These girls danced so pretty.

A.M.P. was amazing! All the guys are so talented!

my week so far

Wow, I've been busy lately.

Sunday after church, Christianne and I went with Mom to take Ben to a party at the Stumbo's farm. We girls went shopping while the party was going on (we didn't find anything), then came back for a pot-luck dinner. Here are a few pictures:

Patches and Penny

Madeline!


Christianne riding Bella

Monday I worked 9-4, then went to Christina's bridal shower. That was really fun, 'cause I got to talk with all the girls and watch Christina open her gifts. I'm so excited for her! :)

Tuesday I worked 7-4, then went to ASL class.

Wednesday I worked 8:30-4, then went to the M28 BIG meeting. I had so much fun talking in groups of guys and girls. I've never really done that before, but I like it. Guys make groups more interesting with their humor. :)

Today I'm not working, so I get to relax until my ASL class. This morning Anna and I went shopping at Target and Old Navy. It was fun, escpecially because I actually found a few things. I got a new skirt and flip-flops at Old Navy, and capris and a shirt at Target. I love finding new clothes.

I can't believe tomorrow's Friday again already!