End of Summer wrap-up

I am sure that I am not the only one who is asking the question, "Where did this summer go?" It seems like only yesterday it was the end of April, and I was finishing up my finals, anxiously awaiting summer. Summer officially ended for me last Thursday when classes started back up for the fall semester at Rhodes State College.

This Summer was a season of growth and trusting God for what is next in my life. I pretty much had my entire summer planned out. I had this huge bucket list of things that I wanted to accomplish and experience this Summer, but God had other plans since I was unable to check off most of what was on my bucket list. But with that being said, their was nothing boring about my summer. I spent Sunday afternoons after church at my grandparents, on their farm. I spent 3 weeks at Lakeside as a camp counselor. I spent time with my friends. I went to concerts with my best friend, and I got to meet COLTON DIXON!! My favorite part of Summer though, was probably spending the day in Cincinnati with my youth group, helping Pastor Todd with his first ever Vacation Bible School.

This Summer I've learned that as I get older it's okay to NOT have hundreds of friends. All you really need are a few good friends that you know you can always trust and count on. I can happily say that God has blessed me with a few amazing friends that I know I can always count on. These are friends that I consider lifelong friends. Friends who are willing to lift me up in prayer when I need it, hold me accountable, and build me up.

As this Summer comes to an end, I have realized that I am not the same person I was at the beginning of the Summer. Back then, I was afraid of change. I've since learned that change is a necessary part of life. If we want to grow in our walk with Christ, then change is necessary. The saying is true "If you continue to do what you've always done, you will continue to get what you've always got" As fall approaches, I am ready for all the changes that come with it.

If there is anything that I have learned this Summer, it's that I want less Courtney, and more Jesus in my life. I am ready to go out and make a difference for Christ. I've realized that there are so many people who do not know Jesus. Wherever God sends me this fall, I'm ready! Let's do this! Game on!

"Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"--Hebrews12:1-3 the message

An open letter to the teens I serve=)

Way back when I was in high school, God told me that I would be working with middle and high school students when I was "older". In high school I didn't know exactly what that looked like, and to be honest, I still do not know exactly where God is going to lead me, but that is the beauty of trusting Him.

In the last 4 years, God has brought some amazing teenagers into my life.

My prayer for you guys is that you would continue to trust in God with everything that you have, and continue to trust Him with every aspect of your lives.God already has every detail of your lives under control.  I pray that you would continue to seek God in everything that you do, and that you would continue to grow in your Faith. Nothing makes me more happier than seeing you guys continue to grow in your walk with Christ.

I pray that you guys would trust me enough to come to me when you are facing difficult situations. I want you all to know how much I love you and I will never judge you. After all, none of us are perfect. We all sin. And I am not claiming to be perfect. It was not that long ago that I was in your shoes, walking the halls of my high school.

When you feel that I am being too hard on you, it's not because I am being mean or don't like you, It's because I love you and I know that you can do better. I want to push you to do your very best. After all, Jesus gave His very best for us when He died on the cross for us.So shouldn't we strive to do/be our very best for Jesus?

Middle school and high school can be tough at times. It's during those years that you are trying to figure out who you are. Remember that you are a child of the ONE true KING! God loves you so much, no matter what it is that you have done, will do, or are facing right now! Nothing we do can ever separate us from the love of God!

I pray that as this school year begins that you would all make good decisions. You all have the power to impact your school in a positive way for Jesus. Continue to walk with Christ and be a light for others.

I pray that your fire for Jesus does not die out. Let's keep those flames burning bright. I am so excited for what this school year is going to bring. I'm even more excited to watch you all discover Jesus in different and new ways. I love you guys so much and am constantly praying for you all. Remember, we are FAMILY!!