Face it, don't Fear it.

Have you ever been in a storm? Winds blowing, rain pouring, lightening striking? Its scary, huh? Especially if your alone. I hate storms and the fact of being alone during one. Recently, I have been battling a personal battle, a storm in my own life. Im not here to complain about the storm one bit, but rather to thank the Lord for it. Even though its tough, and some days I think I may never make it to the next, at the end of the day I can still thank him for it. I am only 16, but in my opinion I have learned so much already. Some I have learned from others or my mentors, but most I have learned through my own personal experiences. Storms in my life are what have made me who I am.

SO, with that being said I want to encourage you with this: (Btw, I have to remind myself these things too, because I tend to forget sometimes) Face your storms head on. Hold your head high and keep in the back of your mind that most likely God is teaching you something through this, and chiseling you into a better person, someone more like HIM. I encourage you to find someone who can walk with you through your storms and remind you that everything is gonna be okay. That in itself, has helped me so so so much. I have been truly blessed with two woman who hold me accountable and help me through so much. I dont know what I would do without my Mom, and Mandy (My momma #2). These ladies are inspirational, godly woman who truly show God's love towards others.I love them unconditionally and can never thank God enough for them. Also, your friends who can hold you accountable are amazing as well. I have three awesome friends, Beth, Erin and Abby! Love them so much and the best part about them is that being closer to the same age we sometimes face the same storms and can walk with each other through them, fighting the same fight. Lastly, I want to remind you this: Your BEST FRIEND through a storm in the Lord. You can always rest and find peace in him. Your going to think you can't, but you can. I promise you it is there, and always is.. Hold you head up, look to the Lord, and rest in him. Storms come and go, just remember they are shaping us into people more like him. And I don't know about you, but I want with my whole heart and soul to be more and more like him everyday. LOVE YOU!

The Real Me

When I started this blog, my intentions were not to make myself look good. At all. If people think thats what this blog is all about then I will delete it right now. My purpose of this blog was to share my experiences and lessons learned, hoping that maybe they would impact your life. I want to be nothing but honest on this blog. Thats why I am about to share with you about who I am. The real me.

Im not perfect. I never will be. I make mistakes constantly. I sin everyday. I dont always follow the Lord or his will for my life. I am not always the best of a friend, nor the best sister to my siblings. I am not always the best daughter for my parents. Thats me. I get angry, I have a temper, I scream and yell sometimes. I cry. I complain. I argue. Thats me. I gossip. I lie. I cheat. Thats me. I have drank. I have bullied. I have disobyed. Thats me. I am a sinner. I am no different from anyone else.

But, I am forgiven. Forgiven from those mistakes I make daily. I have been saved by grace. I am now a child of Gods. He walks with my daily and helps me through struggles. He helps me make the right decisions.. but sometimes my earthly flesh gets the best of me. All I am wants his will for my life. I love him unconditionally. Thats me. I want to do mission work. I want to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Thats me. I want to be an example to others. I want others to see him through me and want what I have. I want him to use me. Thats me.

The Lord has made me who I am. I take no credit for it at all. I just want you to know though, and never forget.. I am not perfect. I never will be. I am just Erin. This is the Real Me.

One day at a time.

Today I was sitting in my room. It was really quiet, only because I was the only one in the house. As I sat there I began really thinking about my future. (I seem to do that a lot lately) Where will I be in 10 years? Will I be married? Will I have a job? My own house? Kids? Along with these questions, come other questions such as.. Will my husband want to have kids too? Will he want to do mission work like me? Will I get a good job somewhere? Oh, and so many more...

Finally after thinking about all this for a while, something hit me. As I was reading through scripture I remembered a passage in Jeremiah.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

God has a plan for me. Yes, I know that. I have heard that over and over. But, I never ever sat down and actually thought it through. GOD, the mighty ruler and Lord over the whole universe has a special plan for me. For my life. His plan is nothing but of good. All things a part of that plan to give him the glory and honor. I want nothing more than to live my life fully devoted to him. Pleasing and honoring him in everything. Every word from my lips, every move I make, every thought I think, every breath I take. All for the glory of God.

God knows the answers to all those questions I had. They may not be the way I want them, but the way HE wants them answered. If God is truly calling me to missions, than he will send me the right spouse who has a heart for missions too. Maybe he wont send me a spouse at all. Maybe his will for my life is to be single my whole life. Thats just something I will have to accept because He has a purpose for that. Kids, we will see. A job, a house, etc.. He knows.

Now, what do I do until then? I wait. I live life now as full as possible. I want to live his will for my life out everyday. Take life one day at a time. The Lord has a plan and in his time what he wants for me will happen. I can't worry about the future now. I know I serve a loving God and I trust him with my life fully. I am so blessed now with what the Lord has already blessed me with. I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned out for the rest of my time here on this earth. Meanwhile.. I will wait. I will take life One day at a time....

Living Life.

"Life is not a race – but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say “thank you”, “I love you”, and “great job” to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental – search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself – plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment."

As I was sitting at a good friend's house today, I saw a picture in her house with this quote on it. I read the quote once, then twice, and then a third time. This quote really hit home with me. I just love it.. Why? Because every bit of it is so true. Its the way I want to live my life.. May all I do in this life of mine, be done for the glory of the Lord.

Closing Doors.

Wow. Its crazy how much can change in one day. But ya know.. I am actually not complaining. Today God closed a door in my life that I was not expecting him to close. Yes, I was shocked. Definetely took me by surprise. But, I am not upset. I know God has a reason for closing this door.. and It is all for his good. God sometimes closes doors in our lives that may be getting in the way of us living for him completely, or that may be getting in the middle of our relationship with him. And you know, I dont blame him for that one bit. When we have a relationship with a friend for example, we do not want anything or anyone else keeping us from being the best of friends. Same goes with God. he wants all of us. Not just some of us, but ALL. I am so thankful that God has allowed me to take this situation and look at the positive in it. I can't explain exactly why this happened, probably never will, but I can rejoice in the fact that God knew that this was a door in my life that needed to be closed so that I could better live my life for him and witness to others. And I want nothing more in my life than to be that. Whatever his will is for my life is what I want to follow. You know, they always say.. "When God closes one door, he opens another." I cant wait to see what doors God is getting ready to open in my life. Thank you Lord for always showing me what is best for me.

-E

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

I love you, Lord.

Tomorrow is Easter.. The day my Father, my best friend, my hero, my savior, my everything, conquered this world. He did it. He rose from the grave three days after he was scorned, beaten, and hung on a cross to die for me and you, for everyone. That blows my mind.. He gave up his life to save mine. He gave up his sinless life, for my sinful one. Lord, I stand in awe of you. I mess up everyday, everyday.. But by your grace I am saved. What is better than that? We look all around trying to find love from someone, a girl or a boy, anybody who will love us.. But the truth is, we have someone right here who loves us more than anyone does or ever will. He loves us no matter what mistakes me have made, no matter how big or small, he loves us. He died for us. He rose for us. He is RISEN!

Lord, your so powerful and I'm so powerless. You overcame the world. I now know I can do anything because of your strength within me. Thats why I chose you. I chose to live my life for you, everyday, to the best of my ability. Whatever your will, Lord..I follow. Thank you for sacrificing you life for me..I will never be able to express how thankful I am. I love you, Lord.