Life of New Adjustments

My parents are moving from my hometown on September 1st. I won't go "home" to Thief River Falls anymore...but since home is where the heart is....it will now be in Spearfish, SD!!
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I just got a new job...working for World Vision!! I'm so excited...because when I chose my major in college--Sociocultural Studies--I said I wanted to do that so I could work "with an organization like World Vision someday". God is good :)
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Nathan leaves North Carolina today! It is crazy that he has been gone for 8 months..and that this time in our relationship is almost over! It will be quite an adjustment going back to having a boyfriend to hang out with again!
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It cannot be said enough...but God is so good!! He has taken such good care of my family and me. Sometimes things don't go quite as we had planned..but looking back those times were vital in the plan to get us to where we are now. It has definitely tested my faith..and therefore made it that much stronger! I just don't know what to do with all the joy and happiness I have knowing that God is real..and He is taking care of me :)

Photo from vi.sualize.us

Not [Just] a Personal Relationship...

What does being a Christian mean? Most first responses that we as Christians usually give is..."Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ". Which is true..but is that really all it is? That sounds pretty self-centered and selfish if you think about it. I have recently been challenged to look again at Scriptures..it is not hard to find a passage dealing with the poor. In fact, there are about 2,000 verses in the Bible that speak of the poor and needy. As Christians we are followers of Christ...He filled His life in helping, healing, and developing relationships with the poor. I remember getting back from Guatemala and feeling almost guilty..for being privileged and having everything I need when I had lived among and been served by those who aren't as fortunate. However, I had to remember what Luke 12:48 says, "..From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." That sounds pretty straightforward to me! Let's delight in the blessings God has given us, but let us in turn share them with others...whether in monetary donations or acts of service.

One cool thing that KTIS--A Christian radio station here in the Twin Cities--is advocating for is the "Drive-thru Difference". Next time you go to Caribou or Mcdonald's drive-thru..pay for the person behind you in line. Its a small thing you can do to really make someone's day!