until next week!

I realize I haven't posted a good post in a while.  I have been waiting for this week for six months.  On Thursday, I will be headed out for five days to meet my CollegePlus friends.  In person.  The other day, I updated my status on a social network site and said, "I couldn't be more excited!".  I found out today, that wasn't so true.  I think of someone who will be there, or I see pictures of people who will be there, or I see photos of other gatherings that have happened, and I just can't wait!  

 Last week, God gave me a surprise.  I invited Laura (from this post) to come early and come to the gathering.  A couple days later, on Thursday, we got the "yes"!  Instead of waiting until Thursday, now I'm waiting for Wednesday to come.  She also will be staying a few days after the get-together!  I'm so excited!  

 Anyway, I wanted to share a few quotes/Bible verses with you.  These are ones I've found and they've really encouraged me.  This is just to "tide you over" until my super long post comes next week or the week after (I have a feeling it'll take a while to sort through all the photos that will be taken by over 25 people).

^this kind of describes how I feel this week^

Until next week!

   ~Sierra

Looking Ahead...

 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"    

    ~Jeremiah 29:11

Your sister in Christ,

    Sierra

Public Love for Jesus

 I'm sure by now, almost everyone know who Gabby Douglas is.  The 16-year old, two-time gold Olympic medalist gymnast.  But that's not all she is.  And she hasn't been hiding it.  She's a believer.

 It's hard to share your faith.  Especially if it's on [inter]national television.  When Gabby won all-around gold, she publicly gave all the glory to God.  In her words, "It's a win-win situation: all glory goes up to Him, and all the blessings fall down on me."  There may be quite a few Olympians in London this year who are believers.  Maybe even some have publicly made that known -- we just haven't seen it.  But there are definitely some who don't want it known.  They don't want to be judged or to have a stereo-type placed on them.  When asked what motivates her, Gabby said meditating on Scripture -- and that the Bible was very important to her.  This young lady also said her cool-down music playlist includes Christian artist Natalie Grant.

 You can't pin point what you would say in a hypothetical situation.  But I pray and hope that I would trust in God and give Him the glory publicly and not hide what I believe.

 I watched a video of Gabby's pastor interviewing/praying over her before she left for London.  He sent her away with one of my favorite Bible passages.

"You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."   ~Matthew 5:14-16

 She certainly took that Scripture with her in her heart and mind to London.  Congratulations, Gabby, for winning Gold at the Olympics, but most importantly, for unashamedly glorifying our Lord and shining your light for Him.

This week month I'm thankful for... (since I haven't done this in forever, these are going to be from the past month or two):

261. seeing God work in very evident ways

262. having the privilege of staying with my grandpa for a few days

263. God providing me with jobs

264. having the opportunity to co-teach Sunday school this fall

265. rainy days

266. a warm bed

267. air-conditioning

268. my new laptop

269. friends who I get to meet in 3 weeks!  eeek!! :-D

270. getting post cards and letters

271. four Bible verses of the day all surrounding one topic

272. swimming on hot days

273. Toby Mac's new song, Me Without You

274. watching the Olympics

275. shopping with my mom

276. planning this LIVE year

277. comfy socks

278. random discounts at stores

279. shopping with my sister

280. going to the movies with my brother

Love,

  Sierra