Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!!

Well, thanksgiving is right around the corner...what do you think of when you think of Thanksgiving? I immediately think punkin pie! Growing up in Michigan, my Nana use to make the most amazing pie ever. The crust was homemade and always melted in your mouth. We use to pile on the whipped cream and eat every last bit. I seriously would lick the plate clean.



Another tradition at my house for Thanksgiving is the "Thankful Tree". We write something we're thankful for on a leaf and then hang it on the tree. Of course there's the usual: friends, family, a home, food, water, and Jesus. But there's sooo much more we can be thankful for. The fact that you even woke up this morning is a blessing in and of its self. What about living in the U.S., having parents who are truly interested in you and what's goin on in your life, friends who you know will be there for you through thick and thin, and if none of these apply to you remember God loves you soooo much. Words cannot describe how extravagant his love for you is. He sent his son to this earth for you so that you could live an full and eternal life. How awesome is that? So, while your diggin in to that amazing piece of punkin pie remember God loves you and wants you to share his love with all those around you. Now, that's something to be thankful for!

Back To School

Back to school...the three most dreaded words in history. For most kids the sight of school supplies in their local grocery stores makes them scream and run for their lives. Yes, I agree when I saw all the ads, commercials, and posters I did slightly cringe as well. Starting school is always an intimidating time, and for me is sometimes a test of my faith. Yesterday, I found a verse that I found very encouraging and I hope you do to; it is Romans 12:2 which says, "Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will if God." Going back to school can be a little scary and I know for me it's a test of my faith. I seem to get caught up in the drama, clothes, and just, well...school. That is why I want to encourage you to not conform to this world. Don't just go with the flow, go against it; be truly you, an amazing new creation preciously treasured by Christ. Well I hope I've helped you at least a little bit with some of your "back to school jitters", and remember God created you to be you and nothing else. There is no standard we must reach or a group we must get into, you're already God's beloved child and not anyone, not anything could separate you from His unconditional love.

You've Got It All!

Hey there i just wanted to encourage y'all this afternoon. I got an e-mail recently from a guy named Matt Smith. He started Y-LIFE ministries and came on several retreats with my youth group. In the last retreat he taught and in this recent e-mail he brought the same analogy. Imagine your playing go-fish. The idea of the game is that you have the most amount cards so you can get the most sets and win. Well what if you had the whole deck? Why are you still playing? You've already won. When we make the decision to ask God into our hearts and we surrender our lives to Him he gives us everything. He gives us patience, kindness, boldness, joy, anything you could ever imagine! He's given it all to us! So we don't need to ask Him to give us boldness to witness to someone. He's already given it to us we just need to trust that He will provide whatever we need for any situation. This is an amazing truth that I was privileged to hear from Matt and I hope it will also encourage you. Have a great Monday and God bless!