Esther

So tonight I studied the book of Esther and it was so empowering! It made me crave an opportunity to prove my faith. I've always wanted a true test of my faith; not just a really bad week or a fight with a friend. A true test. Then it got me thinking...what would I do if I was truly tested? I would like to think that I would be Esther and stand for what I believe in and go against the odds...heck, for her it was against the law. Sadly, there are too many times in my past to count that I've gone against my faith..gone with what the crowd wants. I just hope that sometime, in the future, whenever my faith is truly put to the test that I pass with flying colors. I have a God whose love is SO unfathomable for me and who loves me regardless. Let's hope I'm strong like my good friend Esther and surpass my expectations.
Something else that is quite interesting about this book, and why it's not printed in every Bible, is that it's the ONLY book in the Bible that never mentions God, Worship, Prayer, OR Sacrifice. Whoever wrote this book is believed to have used that as a means of directing the readers attention to the fact that it is GOD who controls and directs all the seemingly insignificant coincidences that make up that plot of the book and the issue of deliverance of the jews. Sometimes it's so crazy to me that God is everywhere...he is everyone and everything I look at and observe. It's so crazy that at times I forget it and then He always has a funny way to bring it back into light.."Hey, Emma! I'm right here, and I'm STILL Great!" I just pray that one day, especially the day that I'm tested, I have the strength to stand up for my beliefs...regardless of what the crowd is doing!

What Gives you Strength in your faith? I want to challenge you to seriously think about this question. Not what gives you strength at school and in your relationships with your friends...what gives you strength in your faith? What would your response be to a serious test of your faith (like the possibility of death)? What gives you that CONSTANT assurance that God is everywhere? Think about it, and you might be surprised at your answer.

Much Love,
Emma

Weekly (uh, monthly?) update

You would think that being on summer break, I would have plenty of time to blog. Wrong. Anyways here's whats been happening...

After many weeks of preparation, doctor's appointments, and hope, Monday is the true beginning of the battle. Me-ma (my grandmother) is starting chemotherapy on Monday. As said by my mama "This will be the most difficult part of the journey." Up until the past few weeks, I've never truly known my grandmothers strength. Like I said in a previous blog post, our family has never really had to deal with this first hand, so I guess I've never had to see her strength be tested. But looking back on the last few months, as she's begun this battle with her cancer, I finally realized how crazy strong she is!

I will surely keep everyone updated but as of now, I just wanted to ask y'all to keep her and my family in your prayers!

Some of my "summer to-do list" points are being fulfilled! Chad and I attended Newspring's membership class and officially became members. I am SO excited. Furthermore, I'm getting baptized this Sunday. Originally, I didn't really know how to feel about it. Didn't I get baptized as a baby? Being Methodist, the idea of submerging myself in a pool of water in front of hundreds of people not only terrifies me, but makes me highly uncomfortable. But, then again, Christ died on a cross for me. My comfort, or His kingdom? (thanks, pastor Perry) I just consider it kind of the finishing mark of re-committing my life to Christ. After all, the Bible does tell us that after commitment, baptism is the next step. After getting over the original uneasy feeling, I can't wait for it. Like, just getting cleaned of everything and coming out a new person? That's a lot to swallow. Let's just pray I don't slip in front of everyone or something...I would do that.

Along with said membership, Chad and I decided to volunteer with the Fuse Student Ministry this summer and are going to observe tomorrow night in order to feel it all out. SO PUMPED.

I guess along with fulfilling the whole volunteering point of my list, this also fulfills staying strong in my faith. which leads me to...

Crazy Love. It's a book by Francis Chan and I can honestly tell you it's been so influential in my life lately. It basically talks about God's unfathomable love for us and how the American church has pretty much turned into something far from what the Bible tells us it should be. If you haven't read it PLEASE do. It is so amazing and will truly change your outlook about your faith and how you live life. No doubt.

I finally met the family I'm babysitting for this summer and I start June 7th. Although two 6-year olds and a 9 year old is going to be a handful, they're a fun group of kids and I honestly can't wait. Don't get me wrong, hanging out with my boyfriend and friends has been SO nice, I have been getting pretty bored lately. Having no money can be a problem. Let's hope the next few weeks go by a little quick like.

Chad finally found a job (after searching for months)...and FINALLY got texting back! Welcome to the 20th century! Anyone heading to Jiffy Lube in Florence give him a shout. no, seriously. Oh, and since you begged....Hey Dad. (there's your shoutout) Thanks for some awesome dinner tonight.

That's all that's been going on here lately, although I'll be sure to keep you updated if anything else happens. (Hoping to conquer this skiing thing sometime soon.)

Happy Summer!

Much Love,

Emma

Summer Goal List

So, out of pure boredom, I present to you my random list of things I will accomplish this summer:

1) i WILL learn to waterski. Or hey, I'm going to atleast attempt. This could get ugly

2) Start volunteering more; Habitat for Humanity, Animal Shelter, Medical Clinic...there are so many people in Darlington that need so much help. I'm so blessed so I think it's time for me to start giving back to a community that's given to me for so long.

3) Become a volunteer at Newspring; I just love that place so much!!

4) Continue to grow stronger in my faith; Being away from my PC bubble will be a little difficult, but with a little prayer and a lot of scripture, my walk with Christ will continue to persist...while hopefully bringing others along for the ride as well.

5) Get over appearances; whatever, so obviously I'm not going to be the skinniest girl on the beach. whatever. God doesn't care what I look like.

6) Go running more; As much as I hate to admit it, I really do get a little enjoyment out of running...after I'm finished. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Get my lazy rear end into shape all the while having more time to clear my head.

7) Start planning for next year; Sophomore class president, bluefish, and ADPi? Next year could get interesting. Let the planning and brainstorming commence...

8) Commit more time to being with my grandmother: I went and visited her and Papa the other day when I got home and it made me realize just how fast things change. I really need to buckle down and spend more time with her. Even though it's hard to see her sick, I don't want to have any regrets.

9) I will start saving. Money is tight...especially as a college student. I'm going to make the best out of what I get paid this summer, and glorify God with all of it. Which leads me to Titheing. God, I really need to do better. And I will; starting now.

10) Make it one to remember: Call me cliche, whatever. This year has truly made me realize how fast time flies, so I don't want to look back and realize that I had any time that went to waste. Here's to a summer full of worship, fellowship, volunteering, lake weekends, beach weekends, time with my family and boyfriend, and preparing for next year.

Something tells me that this summer is going to fly by and before i know it, I'll be moving into Clinton 3rd. I will make the best of it.

Good luck to everyone still in exams. Y'all stay safe!
Much Love,
Emma