Please, Let That Remain a Dream!

    I had a dream last night...about Colorado. In my dream I arrived in Colorado for my school orientation. Right after orientation we were already planning to leave on a trip away somewhere. As I went to pack I realized that I left ALL of my extra clothes back in Topeka. Eek!! I sure hope that doesn't really happen.
    My nerves are starting to get to me a little. Even though I know I will NOT be changing my mind about attending DLA, I have moments when I think, "I am going to miss _______ so much because I can't see them when I am gone, maybe I shouldn't go." It will be alright, right?! I am going to enjoy myself...I know it!! Plus - I get to take LOTS of pretty pictures of the mountains!!

Help!

  Today I have 42 days left until I leave for Colorado. It is SO amazing how time flies!! To say I am getting excited would be an understatement. I am Very excited! I am also trying to stay focused on the time I have left, and enjoy it, rather than simply focusing on my future. I still have 42 days left. That is plenty of time to enjoy the wonderful 100 degree weather Topeka is deciding to keep all the month of July. :) I have time to swim more, enjoy Orange Leaf (it's DElicious!), and work. I have time to hang out with you!

  I want to share something with you. DLA is a very reasonably priced school for the amount of events/activities/classes/missions trips I will be experiencing throughout the year. However, because of the huge time commitment that DLA is, I won't be working. This means this summer has been my time to work, work, and work to save money for Colorado. I need at least $8000. $5900 of it is for the DLA tuition and the other $2100 is for expenses I know I will have throughout the year. I feel that is on the lower end of the estimate.
  God is doing an awesome job of providing for my funds so far. I have $5500 of my tuition money and about $1000 of my extra expenses. As I finish up working at Billy Vanilly Cupcakes I will have my tuition covered, plus a little more of my expenses. However, I still need at least $1000. I am writing this blog to let you know of my need. If you feel that you would like to help support me on my journey to DLA and around the world, that would be AmAzing! You can either give me a one-time donation, or monthly support. If this is something you would be interested in, please let me know! I just ask, before you make your decision, pray and ask God if it is something you should be doing. If it isn't what you should be doing I would still love for you to be praying for me. This next year is going to be a year of being stretched FAR beyond my current comfort zone.
   Thank you SO much for taking the time to read my blog! I love you very much and I am excited to share with you all the awesome things God is doing in my life.

Letting Go

    Yesterday I went swimming with my sister and her kids and we had a blast!! Zechariah, my 3 1/2 year-old nephew was a little too afraid to get in the water by himself and so I gave him rides around the pool after he hopped on my back. One time my sister told me to let go of him in the water (he had floaties on so he would not go under). Zechariah did not care that he had floaties on, he did not want me to let go of him and so he held on to me as hard as he could when I tried to let go of him. I knew he would be okay, but he couldn't see that.

    When I was journaling last night God brought this scenario with Zechariah back up to me. He told me that He knows what I am capable of, and He does not want me to remain in my comfort zone. He wants to let me go where I think I can't go, because He knows I can do it. God wants me outside of my comfort zone, because the more time I spend outside of it, the stronger I will become. He wants to strengthen me and He wants to do the same for you as well. :) Are you willing to trust Him??