Summer Update...take two.

Well summer is half over. Alot has happened since my last post, and yes, I do realize that I still owe a blog that was promised. I'll get to it. But for now, YEC and my birthday.

YEC is the Youth Evangelism Conference. I was blessed to be able to take kids again this year, and it did not disappoint. I love spending time with the Hillcrest youth, and I know each one of them brought something back from the conference. A couple of them had intimate encounters with God, and I was excited to hear about them. Nothing warms my heart like a teenager on fire for the Lord. We also had a treat. We met Jeff Johnson. For those of you who don't know, Jeff is an excellent worship leader and pretty easy on the eyes, if I do say so myself. Katie was beside herself at the chance to meet him, and I was too, truthfully. I hid it, but on the inside I was a 15-year-old girl! We spent a good five minutes in our hotel room jumping up and down because he had told us he was Red Raider. But shhhhh...our little secret! I wish I could spend every moment with those kids. It's then I feel as though I am fufilling God's purpose for my life. We'll see where He takes me, but I'm more than thankful for where He has brought me.

My birthday was July 12! I'm 21 years old! I really wasn't all that excited about the number because I, truthfully, am not overly fond of alcohol. However, I did enjoy a drink for lunch. It was nice, but having my parents and sister there was even better. My parents are too good to me, and that statement was even more true after I received my gift--a Caribbean cruise. I honestly made a fool out of myself shrieking and jumping in the Carino's parking lot, but that kind of excitement can't be contained! I'm so blessed to have parents who care about their children and feel like rewarding us. I did nothing to deserve it, but my parents never ask me to earn their love. I'm so thankful they live their lives in representation of God's love and grace. He never makes me earn His love or grace; He gives it freely. My parents help to me understand this through their unconditional and gifting love. I love to see God's light shining through them separately, but it's overwhelming the way it shines through them as a couple. All I have to say is my husband is going to have some pretty awesome in-laws and my kids some pretty awesome grandparents. Water and Ex-Lax until then! Gotta be slim!

Not much else has happened. I'm in the midst of planning Meredith's bachelorette party, packing for my move, and soon we'll be wedding dress shopping for Danni. Everyone is either getting married or divorced, but I'm content with my singleness until I can be sure to avoid the latter of the previous two groups. God is so good to me, and I don't deserve it. I hope each and every one of you either know Him intimately, or will come to know Him in that way. My greatest prayer is that we welcome Heaven on the earth and leave no corner without the word of God. Our generation can do this because He is on our side.

Love and Peace.

S.