The Last Frontier

This past March, I had the opportunity to go to Anchorage, Alaska on a mission trip over my spring break. When people find out I went to Alaska, they typically ask 2 questions: 1, “Why did you choose to fly all the way to Alaska for your first plane ride?” And secondly, “Why would you want to go someplace cold during spring break instead of somewhere warm?” Well, I’m not sure I really know the answers to either of those questions yet! While in Alaska, we worked with a soup kitchen. The Downtown Soup Kitchen is a Christian run, non-profit soup kitchen that makes 40 gallons of soup each day, 5 times a week. Most of the clients are Alaskan natives who are either homeless or just don’t have a lot of extra money for lunch. During our time there, we would eat lunch with the clients each day – a lunch consisting of soup, a sandwich –such as tuna, chicken, or ham salad – and some dessert. The Soup Kitchen doesn’t have enough places to eat inside, so they set up picnic tables outside to eat on. This meant we ate outside in 28 degree weather each day while we visited with the clients!

Our main project for the week was to completely redo the interior of a shower house the soup kitchen owns. The shower house is just a normal house that they bought to provide a shower to 5 clients 2 times a week. The clients also get their clothes washed for free; while they are waiting for their clothes to dry, the staff member prays with them and counsels them. When we got there, the walls were white and there were towels for curtains. We were given $1500 and 3 days to renovate the bland house into colorful one. We picked out all the paint and painted every room, bought new decorations, found another couch for free, and transformed the shower house into a place with cheerful, homey atmosphere. The staff members loved our work and couldn’t wait to show it off to the clients.

You can’t go on a mission trip and not be changed in at least one way. One thing that I gained from the trip was deeper friendships with my team members. I had several of my friends go on the trip with me, so it was fun to see them outside of the school atmosphere and spend time together. Secondly, I now have a greater sensitivity for the poor. I have never seen so many people looking so lost and hungry – physically and spiritually. Lastly, I have come to appreciate God’s creation so much more! Alaska is beautiful; you can’t go there and look at the mountains without seeing that there is a Creator. They are so majestic and the pictures that I took do not even come close to showing their splendor!

Obviously you do not have to go to Alaska to find homeless people who are in need of physical materials, love, and spiritual help. I challenge each of you to take some time out of your busy schedule to show love and concern for the poor right where you are. Show your children how to give by taking them to volunteer in a soup kitchen once a month or on holidays. Support the City Rescue Mission. There are many men and women out there who are so lost and hopeless. Don’t let your busy schedule keep you from sharing the hope that you have found.

A Father's Day Note (a day late)

It’s Father’s Day. The day you are to honor the men in your life. And today’s the first time in my life that I have no one to buy a card for. You know this day will come – when you won’t have a father, grandfather, or husband to honor…you just never think that it will be when you are in your early twenties. So…since there was no card to buy today, I thought I’d write a quick tribute/things I’ve learned in the past two months since watching my dad suffer in the hospital and then losing him.

My dad was a great man. In the letter I wrote for his funeral, I shared my thoughts on some of the things that made Dad “Dad”. I want to challenge all of you who are honoring your father today – enjoy those little annoying habits that he does now. I know when my dad was still on Earth, I would just roll my eyes at some of the silly quirks he did – how he could find the sweets wherever he went, pick up a conversation with just about anyone and leave my mom and I waiting for him, somehow manage to make annoying noises with his utensils while eating dinner just to be “annoying”, or repeat stories several times…a habit that drove me crazy! He would never remember that he told us, but Mom and I would just sit at the dinner table and joke about how his memory must be going-along with his hearing…..this could go on several days until finally he came up with a new story to tell. Now that he’s gone, I find that I miss some of the things I found annoying before. So the next time you find yourself rolling your eyes or getting annoyed with your parents over the little things, remember that they won’t be here on this earth forever. Treasure those moments.

I’ve had several life lessons learned since my dad has been in the hospital and then went home to be with the Lord. First, nothing will ever prepare you for the loss of one of your parents – no matter how old you are. Even though you know they won’t always be here for you on earth, somehow…you just aren’t prepared. But I think that is also true for any death – no matter who it is. Just remember to enjoy your time with them now – even if they can drive you crazy at times. Secondly, you will find out who truly cares about you when you go through a tragedy. Unfortunately, you can’t expect all of your friends to be there for you in the hard times – it’s in these moments where you find who are your true friends. But you can be a friend at all times (Proverbs 17:17) – be there to support your friend no matter what they are going through…and no matter “how stressed” you feel over the little things in life, such as homework, work, or relationships. I’ve also learned that many people are very uncomfortable talking about a tragic situation. If a friend is going through a tragic situation, I encourage you to address the situation – acknowledge it – when you see your friend. Don’t just ignore it-that hurts. But don’t talk about it for awhile, unless your friend keeps the conversation going – it can make things awkward. Sometimes it’s good to talk about the trial, but other times, the person going through the situation just want life to feel “normal”. Fourthly, it’s ok to show emotion. It’s ok as a Christian to let others know that you’re not ok, that your heart is breaking. Emotions are real – and can be very dangerous if not acted on appropriately. Run to your Father who is holding His arms out to you. I don’t know how unbelievers even get through tough situations - - I had/have a God who I can go to with my fears and tears, but I still felt lost; I can’t imagine the despair a nonbeliever feels. Lastly, our God is a God of promise. He has promised to be with us always – in our delight and in our despair, to answer when we call for Him, and to have a purpose for everything that happens in life. Don’t give up on Him. At times, He may be the only One who truly knows your heart, your thoughts, and your pain.

My amazing best friend of 15 years introduced me to the song “Always” by Building 429 – the chorus and last verse really spoke to me. I’m going to leave you with the lyrics - as my hope that you will find encouragement and truth in them – whether you are loving life or feel like your world is falling apart. Hold on. There’s hope. God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.

~~~
Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been

Maybe you’re fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in

But if you’re crying out for mercy, if there’s no hope left at all

If you’ve given everything you’ve got and you’re still about to fall

Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause

I believe always, always

Our Savior never fails

Even when all hope is gone

God knows our pain and his promise remains

He will be with you always

~~~

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! Hope you’re singing your heart out and bringing much joy to others up there! :) I love you!

Quick First Post

Well...it's that time. Time to create a blog.

But this isn't just any type of blog. It's one that I hope to use to minister to others - to my readers - through my life experience.

Life is hard. It's rough. It hurts at times. And yet, there are also moments of great joy, delight, and excitement. But through it all - we have a God who is standing right beside us, holding us and everything that happens in His hands.

I hope that through my scribbles, you will be able to see the hand of God in my life, recognize the hand of God in your life, and then turn to help others catch a glimpse of the hand of God in their life.

Stay posted! :)