ka-ching

Financial security. Most 19 year-olds have little thought concerning their financial security, I guess I've always been different. It's not that I want to stockpile money & become a millionaire. I want a secure financial future, not the sound of "ka-ching."

I have always been concerned with finances. When I had my first ear surgery at 8, I was concerned that my parents were spending money on me that could be used elsewhere. Each time I received money, whether for my birthday or for Christmas, I would save it away. Crystal would get so frustrated with me because I would talk myself out of buying something I really wanted simply because I didn't want to spend the money. It wasn't that I wanted to hear the ka-ching of my money in my piggy bank, I simply couldn't persuade myself to spend money something I didn't need.

I started working at 16; I was a customer service associate of JCPenney. I immediately began saving 60% of my paycheck for college. Even that did not add up to as much as I would have liked. In the 2 years that I worked at JCPenney, I saved enough money to cover my down payment of college--no more. After writing my first check to Maranatha I didn't have a dime left to my name. I called my mom crying because I couldn't help more with my college bill. It's my education, I want to pay for it.

I tried to solve my financial problems on my own. I have always wanted to be involved in the military, so I considered joining the Air Force ROTC to help pay for college. I struggled all last summer. God showed that it wasn't His will for me, at least not right now. As I entered the fall semester I was worrying about how to pay for college. To me, my future seemed to be crumbling around me; I had forgotten that God is in control.

The Lord is good: He provided me with a job on campus that would put about $100 every month towards my college bill. He also blessed me by granting me a scholarship. After my surgery in January, I again began to worry about how I & my parents were going to afford paying for college. Christ reminded me that He is directing my paths: He rewarded me a $1500 scholarship that will cover my down payment for next fall. I have begun to realize that in Christ, I am financially secure.

Why talk about finances at 19? It's important. "Who you are now is who you are becoming." What a great quote! If I don't save for my future now, I won't save for my future later. This summer in Sunday School my college & career class is studying financial security by studying the book Money, Possessions, & Eternity by Randy Alcorn. My interest was peaked as soon as the teacher mentioned the subject. We are going to by studying how to be financially secure, but more importantly, how use the finances Christ has given us to help those around us.

I have decided that I want to invest in a future of financial security. Security found thru service to Christ. My decision is to save for my future home & family now. It's more than money, it's my future.

blue clear sky

College is over & summer has officially begun. The days between the last day of classes & graduation were wonderful. The semester ended with just as much fun as it began. But today, it wa time to go home.

I have only flown once before--to Orlando in 2000, so I was a little tentative about flying. After a slight hold up (I had to check in an extra bag), Jarid & I loaded American Airline flight 2495 out of O'Hare to Kansas City. The short flight gave me plenty of time to think as I stared out of the window into the blue clear sky. Clouds obstructed my view of cities during the first half of the flight. As I squinted to look out on the bright white clouds that were laid out like a carpet under the plane, I realized the majesty of my God. Each cloud had its own unique texture. What a God! To give such attention to so minute details! As we flew over the Mississippi River, the clouds cleared & I was able to see the cities & farms below. Do you realize how small everything is at 34,000 feet? It put things into perspective.

God thinks about me, a tiny speck on the face of the earth. He not only thinks about me, but also wants a living, vibrant relationship with me. How amazing is it that the God who made the clouds, the sea, the Earth, & the blue clear sky cares about me?

God is so good to me. He cares about every area in my life. For now, I am going to focus on the will of the God who thinks about me & keep dreaming of the things He will bring out of the blue clear sky.

the best of friends 2

Another semester has come and gone. It seems like just a few days ago I was returning to campus & finding myself in the hospital. The last three months have flown by! The people that God has brought into my life have been a blessing; it will be hard to spend three months without them. I have realized that they have become the best of friends. Whether I met them in class, through a friend, or in the dorm, I will truly miss them all.

It's surprising how friendships can be made thru class. School is more than just education in academics, it's social education as well. God has given me some great friends who I just happened to sit by in one of my many classes. Each one of my seat buddies has been an encouragement to me in one way or another. I can't wait to return to college in September & sit by old seat buddies while making new friends at the same time.

Dorm life...wow! I never dreamed that I would have so much fun with girls I had never met before. We played games, laughed, made cookies, watched movies, studied, & played football. Each girl's diverse background just made dorm activities that much more exciting. I'm sad for those graduating or not returning--I'll miss them bunches.

My roommates, whether official or unofficial, this year were awesome. I loved to talk with Bekah about history & the end times. I am so glad that the Lord has provided Bekah with the opportunity of leadership next year. I'll miss rooming with her--she'll have one lucky roommate. Sarah just makes me laugh--all of the time. Whether we were playing games, watching movies, studying, or making cookies for our society, Sarah was sure to keep things light & humorous. Brittney was the quiet one but would always encourage a prank with a smile. I am glad that I will see Britt next year. Lisa aided & abetted Bekah & I in joking with Kim. Lisa joined the room at semester break--a complete shock to the rest of us, but now, we can't imagine Weeks 104 without her. Kim, well...Kim is short. Kim was an awesome PC. She may have been gone most of the time because she was practicing for her senior recital, but she always made time for her roommates & friends. Plus, she was also a tutor. I am so thankful for all of my roommates. I can't wait to see how the Lord will use them in my life & the lives of others in the future.

Most of my waking moments were spent with friends I met thru Jarid. They are no longer just "Jarid's friends," nor am I just "Jarid's sister." They have become my friends. We have had a lot of fun together, but it's more than just that. They have moved beyond friends, they are family.

Tim has become my third brother. I value his opinion, love to joke with him (& he loves to make me blush & honk), & he is a great study buddy. Though we think differently...a LOT differently...I am thankful & cherish the conversations that we've had. Thru Tim I have learned to think a little more realistically. Granted, I won't give up my dreams, but he has reminded me to keep at least one foot firmly planted on the ground.

Kris has become my sister--my crazy sister. With Kris I can be hyper or on cloud 9 & she joins me. All too often we are told we are immature, but hey, you only live life once! Kris is also a great listener. She values everything I have to say before making suggestions. She helps me think thru (& sometimes helps me forget) situations that have come up in my life. We have a lot of fun together: skating, bowling, driving around drinking energy drinks...but, the times I cherish most are the times when we are hanging out doing nothing & just talk. I have learned so much from her this year & will miss her during the summer.

There are so many more friends that I could mention. Friends that have been there for me thru thick & thin. Friends that know more about me than they want to know. I have had fun with each of my new friends: ice skating, roller-skating, bowling, shopping, birthday parties, & skiing. I will never forget the fun times that the Lord has given me this semester, but more importantly, I won't forget the friends that He brought into my life. They have been the best of friends. I will miss all of them terribly over the summer, but am excited to see how God will continue to use them in my future.

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better? Because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

~Wicked

little april shower

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to an awesome thunderstorm? For me, this doesn't happen very often, but at 3 o'clock this morning I woke up to the loud rumblings of a little April shower.

I used to be terrified of thunderstorms. I would run to Mom's room or climb up to Crys' bed to sleep with her. Funny how things change. Now, I love watching thunderstorms with Dad. When thunderstorms come across the summer sky, Dad & I walk outside to enjoy the beauty & majesty of God's power. I love waking up to the bright flashes and low rumblings, they now give me comfort. Why the change? I know the power source behind the big storm. The same God that controls the lightning that streaks across the sky controls my life.

Thunderstorms are more than low rumbles of thunder and bright flashes of lightning--there's rain. As I lay in my bed thinking about the awesome show of God's power I thought about the thunderstorms that God has placed in my life. Trials. Trials can create loud noises and bright distractions from my focus on the Lord, but if I focus on the power behind me, focus on the showers of blessing in my life, I won't have to fear life's thunderstorms.

A friend & I took a walk downtown today. It was beautiful! After we had run our errands & were on our way back we were caught in a little April shower. I loved it! The opportunity to dance in the rain. As we walked back to campus, I was remined that just as I was enjoying the rain during the thunderstorm, I can look for & enjoy the showers of blessing in the midst of trials.

following the leader 2

Isn't it amazing how God catches our attention? In numerous ways He has shown me that He is in control of my life. Yet, I still struggle in following the Leader.

God is vary gracious. In the past couple of weeks God has given me undeserved and unwarrented grace. He shows His grace in the people and things He has allowed to enter my life.

He has given me friends. I don't deserve the amazing friends that God has given me. Friends who are willing to listen to me ramble and contemplate the happenings of my life. Friends who encourage me to keep dreaming or to grow closer to Christ. God brings these friends from all over! Some I met thru Jarid, some thru attending church at Windsor, & some thru my involvement in the college play. Talks that may seem unimportant and insignificant to my friends have ment alot to me. God has allowed me to learn so much about Him thru the conversations that I have had with the friends that He brought into my life.

He has given me . . . school? As weird as that sounds, I have learned so much about myself & about God while at school. I have learned that I can be one of the most proud individuals you will ever meet. I am so thankful (now) of the times when God has removed my talent and caused me to fail so I could remember Who is in control. God has really shown His grace to me in my speech class. I thought speech was going to be a cake walk, yet it is the class that I am constantly behind in. God has shown me that He gave me the talent to speak & that I am a lazy person. Yet, He gave me a gracious teacher who worked with me to catch up during my busy schedule--grace undeserved.

Finally, God has given me DREAMS. Sometimes I wish I did not dream. I tend to dream too big too fast, which means I sometimes fall hard. This semester God has shown me that He has given me those dreams. Yes, I need to control & not desire to make the dream come true thru my own strength, but He has given me the dream for a reason. Everyone should dream. Dreams give us hope to a future that sometimes seems bleak. Dreams are God's gracious way of showing us a glimpse of the future that He holds for us. It is true that sometimes dreams change. I believe that, if I am living life in Christ, that each time my dreams change, they change for the better.

I am not perfect. I fail so much, I often wonder why God is so gracious to me. All that He has & will give to me in life is undeserved. But, each time I notice God's grace, I am reminded that I fail & I strive to change so that I can please my Father. God is gracious!

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

a whole new world--pygmalion

The Lord has given me opportunities I never expected to have this year. In December, I tried out for Maranatha's presentation of Pygmalion. I never expected more than experiencing my first college play. Before Christmas break Mrs. Morris announced the cast list--I was a walk on. I was disappointed at first but the Lord showed me that He was in control. Instead of thinking of what God did not give me, I focused on the opportunity He had given me to learn.

When I returned for second semester, God surprised me. A member of the cast did not return. Mrs. Morris offered me her part--Clara Enysford-Hill. God is so good! He gave me the desire of my heart after I submitted to the position He had placed me in.

When the curtain drew Thursday thru Saturday, the months of practice were put to the test to sold out audiences. The adrenaline rushed as I walked to the front of the stage with Liz Collard my mouth opened and I heard a voice say, "I'm getting chilled to the bone..." The play had officially begun! Each performance ran smoothly; mistakes only noticeable to Mrs. Morris and the cast.

While not on stage, the cast enjoyed each others' company. Bananas, pretzels, & candy were shared as those off stage talked on their cell phones or did homework. The quiet time was great for catching up on homework, but I was also able to talk with new friends.

Mom drove up for the play. I was so excited! I had been missing my best friend & enjoyed the time that Jarid & I were able to spend with her. I also introduced her to everyone that I knew on campus. Mom met & talked with Mrs. Morris--this was the first play that I have been in that she has been able to be part of the audience, not the stage crew.

The play was a success. My feelings now that it is over are bittersweet. I'm sad that I won't be spending time with new friends & I'm sad that the productions are over. On the positive side, I now have 7-10 every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday open again. More time for studying & hanging out with friends.

I love acting & am so thankful for the opportunity that the Lord opened for me this year. I can't wait to see how He is going to fine tune the talent that He has given me. I know I don't sing well, but I know He is going to use The Music Man to grow me next year.

Pictures of the play can be found at www.mbbc.edu/page.aspx?m=3091

strangers like me

40 college students, a director and his son, a preacher, and a bus driver--this is Chambers Tour 2008. At 8 am on Saturday, March 8th we packed our suitcases under the bus and headed out for our two week tour from Illinois to Maine. It was an exciting trip filled with laughs, music (lots & lots of music), long bus rides, and relaxing walks. We were able to visit new places, experience new tastes, and meet new faces. But I had one thing in common with each family I met: we were all Christians. They are strangers like me.

Every night for 14 nights I stayed with a different family from a different state. In two weeks time I stayed in 8 different states: Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and Illinois. Each house was fun and a special blessing. I enjoyed everything about staying with these fellow believers in Christ: whether it was playing a family game, talking with the family about their involvement in the local church & responding to their questions about our ministry, playing with the dogs, watching a movie, or holding a miniature music concert.

Not only was I staying in the homes of people who I never met, but also was staying with different girls in the choir each night and during the long bus rides during the day our seats were assigned so we could get to know other students in the choir. Each day we were asked a "getting to know you" question that we were to discuss with your seat partner. Some of the questions were: What is your dream date? How do you like your pork chops cooked? What was your favorite childhood story? What dream or nightmare do you remember being scared of as a child? It was a fun way to learn some interesting & weird facts about others on tour.

While staying with strangers like me all across the North East, I was able to visit places I have always wanted to visit. While in New York we drove up to Niagara Falls and walked over into Canada--I have now crossed both of the USA's borders! On St. Patrick's Day we visited the most photographed lighthouse in the world in Portland, ME. While in Massachusetts we visited Boston. Sadly, I was not able to visit Harvard, but I was able to see many of the historical landmarks in Boston. It was cool to see buildings over two hundred years old surrounded by 20th Century glass skyscrapers. While in Boston we visited the famous Mike's Bakery, and yes, it lives up to its name. Before our last concert in Romeoville, IL, we were able to explore Chicago for 2 hours. This was my third visit to the Windy City, my first when I was 9 months old and my second in late February. Jarid and I and 5 guys ate dinner at Pizano's--possibly the best pizza I have had in my life.

The Lord used more than the people that I met or got to know better over tour in my life. Each night before our concert Dr. Ledge encouraged us to think about the words of each song as we ministered to the church. Those words really spoke to me and I believe I understand more about Christ's love for me.

I can't wait to go on another tour, but for now I am glad to be back at college. But I will always look forward to the opportunities that God will give me to meet more strangers like me.