Ephesians 4:2

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love"
How often do I let someone get under my skin. Its not usually that they do something wrong to me. Sometimes its just a personality thing. I get so impatient and my thoughts, and unfortunately sometimes even my actions, are anything but HUMBLE!
American heritage dictionary defines humble as being "marked by meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful".
Hmm ok so when I have a conflict with someone or have been done wrong, I am quite certain that I am not a humble person. Getting anrgy, even if I keep it inside does not show a humble heart. Joining in on the gossip about this "annoying" person ... NOT humble! Thinking I am better ... again no humbleness!
And what about gentleness? "Considerate or kindly in disposition; amiable and tender. Not harsh or severe; mild and soft". How many times do I have gentle thoughts and feelings toward that person? Ha! Its not natural to react this way, to have such feelings for someone who has wronged you or even just someone who annoys you. With Christ though, it is possible! Christ has to mean more to me than the world though! His standards have my standards!

So I have really been struggling with finding my true indentity in Christ! Through my Experiencing God class this week I have been reminded of how much I depend on this world and other people and how little I depend on God. I mean GOD really loves me! all the time! He cares for me and pursues me even when I am not chasing after Him! Psalm 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb". He loves me (and you) so much that HE fashioned every single detail of our lives before we were even born. He made our nose a certain shape, us a certain height, and of course HE gave us our specific personality for His purposes! He made me the way I am ... to prepare me for His plans! How cool is that? Is that amazing! How can I know that and still not feel loved?!? Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well". I really can't seem to grip that truth! No matter how much I hear it or read it, I can't believe it! It comes from a lack of faith is my guess. I want to believe that! I want to walk in victory knowing that God loves the way He made me! Please pray for me to really soak in this scripture, to bury it in my heart, to believe it! God tells me in Proverbs 4: 23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life". I have to let Him purify my thoughts and my mind ... conform it His. I have to take captive each and every negative, feeling sorry for myself, thought immediately! We are warned in 2 corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ". So this is where I have found myself! I will not live in defeat, disbelief, or doubt! I will claim what God has promised!

Wow. I guess an update is needed here! HA! Things have been so insane in my life since I last wrote! So much has happened and I dont even know where to begin.
Graduation went well! All my family got to come and watch then I got to hang out with them all afterwards at a dinner, along with some of my AMAZING Living Hope Family, and some friends! It was a great celebration and such a joy for my family to meet my church family! I love you guys so much and it meant so much to have yall there!
Two more friends have graduated on moved on as well! Best of luck to Robert who got a job and moved to Austin and then Sarah who will be in Louisiana very soon for her job! I pray we will be able to keep in touch! You have been such blessings in my life.
I got a job offer two days before Graduation. I had to go through a lot of background info and wait till the next orientation and training day, so I got 2 weeks off to get things in order, relax, and get prepared for being a grown up, which was really nice. I also got to hang out at the Henry’s house a bit. I was able to love on some kids at VBS this year, which was such a joy! I got to hang out with Staci and her kids and the Smith children at the pool on day and babysit the Marshall children another! It was a blessing to spend some time with the families from church!
I went to Lubbock for the first time (for a wedding). It was a long drive, but was a great road trip with friends.
Then I headed to Clear Lake for 2 weeks of training for my job. Training was long and boring, but it’s over!
There have been some family issues I have had to deal with. I really have had to learn to react in a way that would honor God. This has been an extremely difficult refining process for me. God can do great things through us, IF we let him. For so long I have been in control of my emotions and my reactions. I was encouraged by my Living Hope Family in the pursuit of reacting in love. I have learned so much and am grateful for the emails of encouragement from you guys!
I started the “Experiencing God” class this Summer as well. It is a wonderful class taught by the wonderful Mark Henry! I love the people in the class! The girls had a girl night the other night at Sweet Eugene’s which was pretty cool!
Last week I actually started my job! It was a stressful week and I have been sick as well! I cant believe it is already July! My precious Halei has been away at camp and should be back today! Cant wait!
This is a pretty good update for now! I will try and be more faithful! Hope everyone has an amazing Summer!!!! And if you are in College Station and want to hang out or need me to watch your kids please let me know! I look forward to it!