Joyful Beginnings!

...yes, this all fit in my suitcase (with a little strategy of course).

And the excitement begins!! I will be departing at 7:35 AM from the Jacksonville airport tomorrow morning. =) Oklahoma, here I come!

Pursuing Excellence -- Not Perfection

If any of you know me well, you would, unfortunately, be quick to describe me as a "perfectionist"... one who does everything in her power to maintain 100% accuracy in all areas. Pretty extreme, but true. Although this can be a positive attribute at times, lately I've realized the negative effects that it is capable of having on my life and mind. Let's just say that this semester I didn't meet my own "personal standards" for academic success. =) lol.

The Lord graciously showed me that my eyes weren't fixed on the right standards... I was simply striving to meet complete perfection (..which is "simply" impossible), rather than giving God my best. ..striving to satisfy self, rather than bringing glory to God! The answer came as I read Philippians 1:9-11:

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and in depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is excellent and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11

My life was revolving around pursuing perfection, rather than EXCELLENCE. As some of you know, I will be leaving for 8 weeks to staff full-time with Worldview Academy. This verse, along with 1 Peter 4:11 have become my theme verses that I will carry close to my heart and treasure throughout the challenges I will face --- reminding me of the goal my eyes should be fixed on:  bringing glory to the One who is worthy of all praise and honor!

As mentioned earlier, God has graciously given me the opportunity to serve as a staff member with an organization called Worldview Academy. Worldview Academy is a leadership camp that encourages students to own a Biblical worldview, training them to become “leaders in grace and in Truth.” Throughout the week, students gain an understanding of servant leadership, learn about apologetics/evangelism, and critically analyze other worldviews while lining it up with the Truth of God’s Word. As a staff member, I will be pouring my life into girls between the ages of 13 and 16 years old. I cannot express to you my joy and excitement of being able to serve the Lord with my summer! Here is where I'll be traveling...

Staff Training              Bartlesville, OK            Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Camp #1                      Bartlesville, OK           Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Camp #2                      Waco, TX                    Baylor University

Camp #3                      Jackson, MS               Belhaven University

Camp #4                      Lakeland, FL               Southeastern University

Camp #5                      Rome, GA                   Berry College

Camp #6                      Winston-Salem, NC    Wake Forest University

Camp #7                      Virginia Beach, VA     Regent University

All of my updates will be found on this website! If you are interested in receiving e-mail updates, simply type your address into the space provided at the top of the page. Your prayers are treasured during this exciting adventure I'll be embarking on this summer!

In the pursuit of excellence...

SDG