Wow...

That’s the best way to sum up the last week of my life. Sharptop Cove was INCREDIBLE. They weren’t kidding when they said it would be the best week of your life.

It was a long bus ride there, but the fun began the moment we stepped off the bus. All sorts of fun events happened throughout the week: a muddy, nighttime obstacle course, a volleyball tournament where everyone dressed up in wild costumes, the Pool Olympics, the rodeo, cabin challenge, 1890s hoe-down, hike to the top of SharpTop Mountain, the banquet, and a huge last dinner feast. During our hours of free time we ventured to the slide, zipline, swing, frisbee golf, repelling wall, quantum leap, high ropes course, bead barn, and just hanging out by the pool. There was SO much that happened all week--I could go on for days sharing about our sweet time going crazy and having a blast together.

But most importantly our high school friends, over 400 in all, got to see a glimpse of Christ for who he is and heard the gospel in a new and real way. 16 kids from Pitt County came home from camp making commitments to Christ, including one of my girls! I feel that there is nothing more beautiful in the entire universe than watching someone come from death in sin to life in Christ. Amen for the great things Christ did at camp this past week. I have to say it was one of the most physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining things I’ve been through, but also one of the most fun and thrilling weeks of my life. It was absolutely amazing to grow closer and be encouraged by the other wonderful Pitt County leaders, getting to know my high school friends on a deeper level, and experiencing all sorts of pure joy all week long. It’s bittersweet to be home because it’s hard to leave such a beautiful, holy place, but it’s also good to be back in my own bed. I’m slowly but surely catching up on the lost energy from the past week.

This week it’s back to work a bit and getting in a ton of physical therapy observation hours. Welcome back to the real world…

Btw, anyone a Carolina Hurricanes fan? I got to watch Rod Brind’Amour, Chad LaRose, and Shane Willis workout while I was observing physical therapy this morning. Pretty cool. Too bad I’m not much of a hockey fan.

<3

Relax

Sunday I was able to go to church for the first time in weeks. In Sunday school we talked about Creationism. It saddens me that the world believes the lie of evolution, that all beautiful things that we see were evolved from a random formulated chemical combustion. Where is the purpose of life then? How do you account for the fine-tuned intricacy of the human body or unique properties of nature or the emotions that plague our souls from day to day? Caused by randomness with no plan or designer. It just happened by chance. Now, I'm no scholar but I still cannot find the truth in such a belief. Creationism is shoved aside because people are unwilling to face a Creator and are only left to cling to such false truths. This week I've truly been able to look at the world in new eyes and newfound purpose in my daily living. It was a refreshing morning for my soul.

Sunday night we were able to celebrate Lacey's birthday at Chili's. We humiliated her by having the staff sing to her and as a result got free sweet shots. Awesome. I'm so blessed that Lacey has been my bestest best sister best friend for 12 of her beautiful years of life. We were SO cool back in elementary school, let me tell you. Haha. After dinner, Lacey, Laur, and I went to the Line's house in the middle of freaking nowhere for the night, where Quinny had been house sitting all week. We watched the Disney Channel, Harry Potter, then got a little freaked out from the complete silence around the house before we went to bed. Good times. In the morning, Quinny had errands to run, so Laur, Lace, and I got breakfast. Breakfast always makes me happy and is by far my favorite meal of the day.

Monday I had the whole day off, so I was fairly productive in cleaning and read a whole lot. I made plans to eat delicious salad at Jason's Deli with my lovely friend, Corinne, who I hadn't seen in forever. We had a lovely long talk catching up on our lives from the past year. I love being home for the summer and getting a chance to catch up with old friends.

It must be the Lord's blessing that I'm not working much this week. Typically I'd wish to have more hours, but this week I'm certainly going to need the rest. Pitt County Young Life is heading to SharpTop Cove in Georgia next week! I'm SO excited about it. I know we're going to have a blast at there and watch God do amazing things...if it crosses your mind, pray for Pitt County leaders and kids next week. I really cannot believe how fast the summer is flying! I thought camp would never get here, but we'll be going next week, and in just over a month and I'll be moving into my beautiful townhouse with three lovely roommates! It's been nice to relax and take some time for myself and friends instead of working constantly. I often need to remind myself there's more to life than work and success. Mmm, oh life.

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
~Psalm 19:1

Freedom

I can't say many interesting things have happened this week. Today is even July 4th and I'll be working two shifts totaling 11 hours (time and a half!). Although there will be no big celebration, I bought some sparklers and I'm pretty excited about them.

Earlier this week I got to hang out with my beautiful friend, Heather, and my lovely sister, Laur. We had plans to cook and watch a movie, but we ended up deciding on Subway and chatting at Starbucks instead. I love hanging out with everyone but it's always a pleasure to get in some girl time.

Our internet was down for a few days, leading me to do more productive things. So, in all my free time I've been pouring through pioneer-time Christian romance novels. Lame to some, but I find them rather enthralling. Unlike the sex-driven secular novels, these men faithfully and honorably pursue their women. The couples seek the Lord to guide their hearts and their relationships. It's a beautiful thing, really, especially in comparison to all the broken relationships we see around us today.

Anyway, it's funny how they can be such an encouragement to my heart. Oftentimes they are laden with scripture. One novel lead me to this verse that has been imprinted on my mind all week:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him
and he will make your paths straight."
~Proverbs 3:5

I have a lot on my heart right now, but not quite sure how to share just yet. I'll let the words speak for themselves, which is probably better than anything I could say...

I think I might go read some, then take a nap before I'm back to work again....Happy July 4th!