Wow... I can't believe school is already back and going full speed again. It feels like just yesterday I was breathing a sigh of relief because summer was finally here and I actually had a several weeks to relax and have fun. Well, as you already know.. those days are already over and once again my life is back into a normal routine.. just about.

My summer was definetely one I will most likely never forget. It wont be remembered because I went to some amazing place, or was involved in some amazing event.. although I did do some cool stuff, but it will be a summer remembered for all the things I learned. The life lessons that will forever stick with me for the rest of my life. God really opened my eyes this summer to so many things I never realized or ever took the time to really look at, or into. He also used tough times to show me things as well.. I didn't understand at the time, nor did I like the fact that God was allowing me to face some of those storms, but now I see why he did and I wouldn't be the person I am now if I wouldn't have faced them.

One storm I went through this summer, probably my biggest, was very tough. On June 15th, my great-grandfather went to be with the Lord. It was a very tough time for my family.. and still has been. He meant so much to us all, especially me. He was always there to listen when I needed someone to talk too, he was always willing to play any game I wanted to play as a kid, even If it did involve me putting curling rollers in his hair. I could go on for days about all the things we did together or the stories he told, etc.. But the main point is he was an amzing godly man and the best grandfather a girl could ever ask for in life. When he went to be with the Lord, I was upset.. but at the same time I was rejoicing. I was so glad to not see him suffer anymore. Through this situation God taught me one valuable lesson. That lesson being this: When times get tough, look to him. He has a plan and a reason for everything he does. Even through the tough times, we should glorify him. Yes, it is so hard to do because it is so tough loosing a loved one.. and Yes, even I struggled with it, but once I was able to let go and just realize that this was all a part of God's plan, I had such a relief. SO, I guess what I am trying to say through all of this is: God uses even our storms and our weakest moments to teach us things. Usually, that is when he get's my attention the most. Somthing I am encouraging myself to do, and I encourage you as well is to look for the positive in things. Look for the things the Lord may be trying to teach you. He is always trying to teach you things you just have to be waiting and open and ready to see or hear what it his he has for you.

Another part of my summer, was my amazing, incredible, unforgettable trip to Mission Fuge at the University of Mobile. God worked in beyond amazing ways during that week at camp.. Not only did he work in me, but he worked in my youth group as well. I was beyond thrilled to witness some of the changes in my fellow brother and sisters lives. God taught me things individually as well, but I will share some of those with you another time. Overall, the trip was great. God broke many people, within our youth group, and out of our youth group as well. He opened our eyes to the fact that it didn't matter what school we went too, but that we are all bonded by one common ground, that being Jesus Christ. Since that trip, we have become a much more unified group and I love it!

During this summer, God placed two incredible people in my life. My youth summer interns. Ashli Blackwell and Ken Delaughter. These two individuals have forever changed my life.. especially Ash. She and I bonded from day one and I thank God for that. This girl is such a godly example and such an inspiration to me. She was always such an encouragement to me and was always there for me, as if she had known me her whole life. I was so sad when these two left to go back to their normal lives in their hometowns, but I thank God that he allowed them the time they shared with us this summer. I know that God is going to continue to use them in incredible ways throughout their lives.

Basically, that was my summer in a nutshell.. I left out some things, but I am going to fill you in on them some other time. As for what is going on now, here it goes. School started last week. Not much to say about that. School is school. After school everyday, I have football practice till about 6.. Then I spend the rest of my evenings doing homework and spending time with family and friends, and the boyfriend. Ryan left for college today, and I am sorta sad.. but at the same time I am so excited for him! This is the start of a new adventure for him and I can't wait to see what all God has in store for him in life and in his baseball career. I can't wait to watch my man play some Co-lin baseball. :)

Well.. Thats about all folks. I well try to keep you updated better this time. Promise. I hope you all have a great rest of the week and remember what you here for.. It's not about you, it's all about HIM. To God be the Glory!

-E