Scrapes on my face are a BLESSING.....INDEED

Scrapes on my face are a BLESSING.....INDEED and a new lesson about myself.

It all started on Friday morning. Before 11:00 am I was just a regular girl in less an hour I would become a girl with scrapes on her face. I went to babysit as usual, went to chapel with Jessica and after this MJ asked us to go to lunch with her but disappeared. We went down the stairs of Scot's Chapel and stopped in the forum to wait and watch the chapel rush disappear. Giving up we walked up the stairs closed to the caf and walked past the doors and that's when I tripped. I don't remember what happened for sure but I remembered that right before it happened I was watching my Children Ministry Majors walk in to the student center.

Jessica got me and help walk a dazed me into the student center straight into the bathroom where I put some cleaned up the freshly skinned forehead and nose. We stopped at the grill for a water bottle and Jessica's food. I had decided I wanted sonic. On the way to my car we found MJ and she came with us. To speed up I got my Sonic and sat while I ate in my spot in the bible building.

I posted this picture on Facebook.



There were a lot of comments and a lot of questions. I went to class that day. My mind was all there but the pain was sharing the its presence. Some people were shocked that I went to class that day. My only explanation is that I really is that I need to be around people. 
The story was that I got in a fight with MJ at least that what was going around the corner. 

Later that day, I checked my Facebook and I saw these comments by family members. Ryan's comments is very much like what my Dad told me any time I got hurt on something. My Dad would pull me on his lap and tell the spot I fell over or "hit shame on it" for let me getting hurt. It was a blessing and a nice blast from the past

When I got back to my apartment. I end up passing out on my couch because I am tired emotionally
and physically.

Fast forward to the next couple days, scrapes on my face are hard to miss people have been asking me what happened.

On Saturday was a family reunion that I did not know about till that morning... "The Watson Family Reunion" MY dad's mom's side. I went and I am glad I went. I spent have the time laughing the time at Bob Bob.

I went to church on Sunday and answered the questions. My favorite response in CHill to my face was, "Whose this boyfriend that I need to talk to?" which I responded to "I don't have one and the concert"

Sunday was also the start of the lectureship. My face end up being a conversation starter with people. I was sitting and walking back forth from the Wishing Well OC booth. In one of my journeys back to my car and my apartment I stopped by the EEM Table because I really love the work that they are doing there. I spoke with him about Ukraine and he asked me about my face. Another thing that stood out to me is, "I saw you before and wondered."

I told him what had happened about how I face planted. I shared a story with him that I once face planted after crossing the road in Gorlovka, Ukraine. However that curb was much larger than the one I tripped over in this case. He told me, "No more face plants." Which I replied to, "I'll try not."

These marks on my face have been giving me a chance to talk to people. It has been a conversation starter in itself. When I was sitting at the Wishing Well booth and people are walking around the booths they may stop look at the merchandise on the table then up at me. The marks on my face were sudden and surprising to the people then they would stop and ask what happened then I would try to turn back to something on the table.

One of the nights I do not remember which night I had unbelievable pain in my knee from the bruise that is on my knee from the fall.

This is the blessing side of it. The reflections will be below after I finish the narrative.

Monday, I woke up with the sniffles and went to babysat for Body and Soul and the Lectureship. I was getting to babysit from 8/9 to 12 pm longer than I done on a Monday morning. I really enjoyed it. I got to see a baby/toddler that I really enjoy however he was slightly fussy.

I went to the caf got my box of food and ate in the bible building. I enjoyed my time with my friends The bible building is my favorite place to be cuddling with my peeps. I am safe. When class time came I went and then enjoyed time outside in the bible corner and got a doughnut. After that I went back to my room curled up on my bed and watched Reign (the CW show).  I stopped to watch Breakfast at Tiffany's for the quiz in History of Motion Pictures. Great movie.

I went to the lectureship that night at 7 pm to listen to Doug Peter speak and the Panel. After that I chatted and took down the Wishing Well booth. I also helped carry things for a friend and traveled back to my apartment. I slept on my couch that night but stayed up watching Reign (addictive).

The next day, Tuesday, I woke up with sniffles again and started my homework but I was exhausted. Trying to move my body off the couch was a long process. I ended up falling back to sleep skipped my first class and I was going to go to my second class.

When the time came around for my second class. I could not get up and moving around my body had it. My body told me, "you have worked us to the core you like to go go go. We can not take anymore" I finally started moving about but slowly when I gave myself time to rest and I went in small little burst. I had to take down the booth because of the end of the conference, pick up a package, and do laundry.

I was walking back from getting my package and I saw the EEM guy again but he was packed up in his car. He drove up to me and rolled down his window and said, "No more face plants." I smiled and replied, "I'll try not to,"then wished him goodbye.

At Wishing Well later that night I got a chair from one of the graduate classrooms. The comfy grey ones that roll so I could move it around in the front of the room. There are parts of the meeting that I were on my feet and I was running into things and almost falling over again. Jessica would say "please don't fall" or "oh your poor knees." I think we accomplished something at the meeting though. I am thankful for them.

Just before Wishing Well, I wrote notes to people in my life telling them things that had been pressed on heart. Even early in that day I was surprised in some of things I wrote as the Holy Spirit took control and worked in my life as she has all week in all these instances of this week and my life as a whole.

The chair that I had taken from one of the graduate classrooms was not taken back by me. I was taken back in it. Philip pushed me in the chair at a running pace back to the classroom to the chair, rightful spot. I got up from the chair and moved to the comfy couch cushion outside the door and waited till the rest came out. I stole Philip's phone and ended up disabling it trying to unlocking it. It was funny watching him freaking out over trying to figure out where he placed it.

And today on Wednesday, a child said my scrape on my face looked like a, "fish."

Reflection Time.... Please listen to this song as you read this section of the blog on repeat if you may.

A few weeks before I face planted into the concrent. I been feeling very alone and dragged down by the devil and his demons. I also felt a little bit forgotten about but that was mostly my fault because I was in my apartment and I never texted any body to do anything. Invitation unfilled or never gotten back to me.  In the same time I have had the Noah Soundtrack in my car playing. This is my favorite song on the album. It is a reminder that my pillow is not just soft as cloud but his arms and his chest as my Father who created me.

Ever since my little trip I have been embraced everywhere I have been with people asking me how I am doing or commenting that my face is doing better. The scrapes on my face gave me an a point to stand out when I feeling very unnoticed. What I am saying is God pushed me over for my face to get scraped and my knees to be bruised. For me to learn a few important lessons.

God tends to do this to me when I have been rushing around do to many things at a time and I am thank for that. He makes that I have to physically slow down with some physical injury. Tuesday was my personal day of slowing down and praying for strength to get through the healing process. I am learning that I cannot expect myself to everything all day after a tramua of tripping over something. Body needs to heal. So I am becoming more stationary and using my mind less than my leg. You could say I am lazy person but I have been hurting this last week with physical pain. God can heel my Physical and Emotional pain for he is my rock. I love my community.

Please pray for me to heal and regain strength and I don't wear myself thin.

To end my long blog here is a passage from Psalm 62:7-9 (NRSV):
"⁷ On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.Selah

⁹ Those of low estate are but a breath,
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath."

Good Night,

Love

Sister Evynn

Year 22

This is the last few minutes of my birthday I write this birthday blog post about family and my hope for this year. I have learned very quickly in this year that I need to around my family. Not just my earthly family but also my spiritual one. 

I have been blessed with a multitude of loved ones and friends people that I can call mine. God is my resting place. This year I want to be immersed in his Holy Spirit and surrounded by the people who love Him as much as I do my brothers and my sisters.

On the last two Monday's View 63 has been incredibly full that it almost feels like a safety hazard.  A comment I have jokingly made both times is that why wouldn't the best place to die be surrounded by your brothers and sisters praising God. It is always is an encouragement to me when I see my friends or people I know at devotionals praising God with me. There is a sense of unity in singing praise to our Lord. There are moments when I can get very claustrophobic but moments like View 63 I am okay with being surround in God's presence.   

I was praying during one of the songs during View 63 and as the next song began it was Magnificat. It is Mary's Song, mother of Jesus.  Now this song is very special to me and always brings tears to my eyes. On my first trip to Ukraine we sang this song to the women in the churches that we did the ladies day at. It is also Katie Price's favorite song.  So as the rest of the chapel sang the song I prayed a hard for sweet Ukraine. I prayed for all of my loved ones and everything that is going on over there.  Almost time I thought the song was going to end I thought I am not done. The chapel kept on singing.  "My soul magnifies the Lord"  I miss and love my brothers and sisters in that beautiful country. When I was finished with the prayer I finished the last line of the alto part with chapel and the song concluded.

During Women in Mission class on Tuesday, we learned about Resilience from Cherry Hart. She was a beautiful woman who accent was surprising and pleasant to the ears. She was a missionary in South Africa (cool). After her story about a girl and the lesson of the four ways the girl was strong and she pulled them to work in her life. Nancy gave the rest of the class and I a survey of the seven different categorizes that we did in class. I was surprised to see how some of them turned out.  One of the highest one for me was my extended family,  skill, and I forgot the other one at the moment. My extended family one, took me by surprised.

The next thing to happen took me even more by surprise. This had to be a God thing because as I was going to walk out of the doors of the bible building I notice a relative that I knew. My cousin Ryan had come to OC for a meeting.

I got to see him and talk to him before my birthday but also about Wishing Well since our planning meeting was the same night. He also did not know that Wednesday was my birthday (Hahaha :D).

Skip to Wednesday

I slept in enjoyed my last Wednesday without having to work in the mornings before classes but I am excited to start working and see the kids that I babysat last year. However when I finally did feel my phone vibrate I knew there was no turning back on starting the day. When I went to lunch I enjoyed the fact that some of my friends did not know it was my birthday until I told them. It was almost like I had the upper hand at this moment (not a normal reaction). Before I left the lunch table most of my other friends left because of the fact they needed to do homework but I was enjoying being in their presence.

This is my groups descriptions of God

At church on Wednesday while we were singing I prayed a prayer of thanksgiving for the life he has given me and the family that I have to share it with. I have learned while I have been in college that my easiest times to pray is when I have people singing around me. This does not work with a CD of people sing but with real people.
 For an experiment in our discussion at the Gathering. There were four different tables of people.  We had circles at the table and on these circles we had to write descriptions, metaphors, and qualities of God. Each table had some creatives ones my favorite from our table was God is childlike.  We got to sing a little bit more after the discussion and then we got ice cream and cupcakes because people had birthdays in that week.

In the last portion of the evening I got to go to Waffle House with my room mate, Jessica, Mat, and Chloe. I am so blessed in all these families and relationships I have in God. For even Jesus did not even have just one family.  
"Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:33-35
  
The best thing about being spiritual brothers and sisters we will always know each other in heaven. We will be connected together as one big family.  

Thank you brothers and sisters for your birthday wishes they have been a blessing on my life. I hope you have a blessed year and we get to enjoy it praising God together in our time that we share together.

Last Night

Part of this post was written on August 3rd but this was inspired to be posted by the week that I have been having. Last night, I went to the Gathering. This is a new version of Quail Springs Church of Christ's college small group and their Revel. This was the first devo, last night.

On August 3rd this is what I wrote.

"So I did it. I picked up a recesses off the middle of my cup holder. Rolling down my window and handed the candy to the man by 1-40 & Western. I took a different route today because I was early to church.

I am done with the internship at Capitol Hill. And this is my last time before I go home. During the Summer, Averi and I would see the homeless people on the side of the road and talk about giving them something. For a couple weeks the youth group went out in two groups to give out sandwiches to the hungry men and women who stand next to the highway."

That was all of it that I got written. Last night at Gathering Dr. Rix spokes about the Mark 14:3-9.

A couple things... Multiple Spiritual and one random

I had a dream of taking the Capitol Hill kids to Ukraine. 

It was a weird dream. My fellow Interns were with us too and Melia plus one of the guys who drive the van on Sunday and Thursday. It was the strangest things. I also was in one of the worst moods ever.   I do not know exactly where we were it was like a mix between Donetsk and Kiev. We did scavenger  hunts through the town.

Two things I love. Ukraine and Capitol Hill my heart feels a little torn right now with everything happening in Ukraine but I know in my heart that the outcome will be in God's Glory. For people can make their own decisions but God is in control of the battle. For it is his battle. The only news I will read is things that come directly from one of my close friends from Ukraine or someone who has spoken to one of them. The news just breaks my heart but is in my prayers.

This is the Party Week/Final Week of my internship at Capitol Hill 

This is a painting that I created.
 The borders is quotes from the other interns.
With Happiness is quotes...
(only missing two in that picture)

I am so glad that I got to experience this and I have found my church home finally in the 3 plus years of going to school at OC. This entire school I have been trying to find a church that has a great kids program and I was totally lost. But I have found it. I am also very happy. This week I have been giving out prints of pictures to some of the kids. Mostly I have been giving out my favorite photos of some of the kids. One of the youth guys told me that on his Facebook photos are one I have tagged him in. That made me smile the moment he said might have not been the best place to say it but it did make me smile.

My fellow interns have been great people to learn off and become friends with. I am sad to split up for the school year but its the path that God lays before us. Each of my fellow interns have been a blessing in my life in different ways. Some of the times I learned the most was from my fellow interns from talking in general to the way they talk to the kids when we are trying to discourage them from doing something. That group is the funniest when we are all hanging out.

It is not just the other interns my bosses have also been a huge blessing in my life and I have learned a lot from them as well. The love that they have for the kids and teens in that church is amazing. I hope to learn more as I continue to attend Capitol Hill. They have made wanted me to a better teacher, be healthier, be a better driver, and grow deeper in my walk with God. 

I have a challenge for myself.

I love giving things to people that I love. However the major flaw in my life is that I suck giving to God on Sunday's in the Contribution. So I have challenged myself and I need your help because I have tried to challenge myself before and failed. 

The Challenge is that I am going to carry change with me on every Sunday to give it to whoever I am sitting around and have a little for me to Give back to God.

I also want to do this to teach other kids to give like my parents taught me how to give but I haven't been doing the best job of it. For its one of things we are supposed to do.

Okay the last thing is completely random

I was looking up information on Tree Nut Allergy and ran into the allergen and College life. The reason I looked up is I have said Tree Nut Allergy. That part of my life kind of suck especially if I wanted to become a health nut. Tree Nuts is in almost everything. 

However I came across this video and I dont know why but it struck me funny. I guess it is because of my lack of dating experience but this was informative, a little awkward, and funny.  Have a watch. 

I really cannot believe this summer is coming to a close. I have so much work to do but then its so hard to pack my things and I leave on Monday for Tulsa. 

I need to go to sleep. Good night, wonderful readers. 

Love in Christ, 

Your sister,

Evynn 

Ain't It Fun

At around 4:30 am I woke up and washed my scalp by myself. This is only because I woke up with my dandruff was being annoying and I could not sleep.

The song above haunted me before the summer began because it was almost exactly what I was going to be away from a ton of people I knew. However the reality is not as bad as it seems but I am not completely on my own yet. My mom still financially supports me.

I have gotten very tired of driving by myself but I embrace it with listening to Air 1 on the radio in my car to keep my spirit up and I am always singing along.

When I am work and the kids are there I never feel alone. I am surrounded by those kids who are my favorite kind of medicine.  I still dislike the song Ain't it Fun but I can enjoy it a little more.

Love, Evynn

P.S. I am never alone with God on my side/

Anxiety beats Fear of Missing OUT

Sometimes I really hate my brain... or is it my heart?!?!?!?!

That part of the body that gives you so much grief when you feel anxiety.  There has handful times on this job where i have felt anxious about doing beforehand but when I do it. I am just fine. A lot of times what drives me is the fear of missing something, an inside joke, a memory, or anything at all. Just for an instance, I never wanted to miss the youth events at church. So this made it difficult to see my grandparents.

However some things will knock out that drive. 

I sometimes consider myself an awkward person. That is not something that I pride myself on and when I get into these awkward moods I try to avoid awkward situations. Example if someone is mad at me I would try avoiding that person. Do not make eye contact with the beast (or the person that dislikes you).  I have personal rules for a reason.

This is especially disconcerting when I am in need of human contact and I am knocked out of that drive. Today, I could have done something with some of my friends but I was thrown off by someone in the same general area. This avoidance was not only for my own well being but the well being of others. However I am regretting the decision because of missing out on that great love ones who were there. 

During this Internship, I have learned how to step out of my shell more and more when it comes to teaching and disciplining. I have also learned a little bit more about how not to make promises.

I still dislike the limelight in front of a ton of people i.e. when singing chicky chicky getting called up to the stage or if I am called up for the front to pray for something. I may try to shrink back or stand beside the stage.

In some cases with people that dislike me tend to glare and gives me more limelight than I want. There has been times when I have been Passive Aggressive and just go and where the dislikers are.

I pray for guidance on these things and pray that I won't let fear or anxiety rule my life for people will not like me in the future. I might have to even work with some.  

In other news I have finished reading my copy of When Helping Hurts. 

So it is up for borrowing if you want to read it. I highly recommended it. It is one that I am going to be reading now and again. Just let me know in the comments below.

Love,
Evynn

Living alone

I am so very tired, emotionally tired of being alone. My job is amazing and I love all my kids. God is teaching me things about myself and life that I want to live. 

But thing I know for sure is I can never live alone or be by myself for a long period of time. I can last longer than I used to but it drains me and I become depressed. Bad things happen when I am alone. 

Examples:

• Summer 2010 death of Timothy McGee, my first car and my impala. Driving the day after I got back from a conifer mission trip. I limped away with a right sprained ankle and several bruises. 
• Fall 2012 A slip down the stairs in the library staircase landing my left in a boot and my right foot majorly bruised and a toe or two broken. 

While reading Gary Chapman 5 love languages, I learned that two of my stronger love languages was quality time and gifts. So I am house sitting/ my temporary roommate is gone. In the time she is gone I have been traveling from house to MRCC to pick up kids then to C'HILL. Feeling in need for human contact like a child again. 

So your thoughts should I live alone?

 

Reflection on Hot water

Before I begin I suggest you go and read my friend's team internship blog about their work in Bulgaria. The link is right here. Bulgaria Mission 2014

During literacy time, my girls and I have been listening to Espranza Rising. A story about a young Mexican girl in who has to flee from Mexico to the US after her father dies during the time from the Depression. 

They have to heat up water for thier baths back and forth they run in the story. When I was in Ukraine the university would only have hot water at certain times. While others part if where we were water was turned off during day. The church where we work would fill the tub before it was cut off. A cup would be filled up to flush down the toilet. 

I am thankful for Living in a country with access to water all day and hot. 

God's Family

God's Family

"4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.  7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. " Ephesians 4:4-7

This verse was in the lesson today for my girls talking about serving THE ONE. It is very hard to get my girls talking they are in that stage between teenage and cuteness where they rather not do anything. I really do love these girls. It is just frustrating when you are trying to work with them. We just make bracelets but I ask them to give the bracelets to others and share. At this moment, I have five bracelets on my two arms from my girls. 

The verse above popped in my head to night after coming back from a "Game Night" at Melia house. We had the current interns with old ones as well. I can say after tonight my emotional love tank is full. It was a great night of fellowship and stories. We never actually played any games but I was laughing so hard I was getting more and more giddy by the end of night.  A common love of the church and the kids at Capitol Hill Church of Christ and God's ownership on our lives. Ephesians 4:4-7 is the perfect example of this family. 

I am becoming more and more shocked at the way God's family moves with you. Almost a year ago, I was surround by my Dramatime family that is made up with kids that I grew up with and I have been watching growing up. A year later I am in a place two hours away from most of them and God's family has still found me. 

i am so blessed by the people I surrounded by everyday. There has been more than one occasion that a few of us have discussed that we seem to be exactly where we are supposed to be. That God is growing us and our spiritual walk. I learn something new everyday from the either the kids or my fellow peers. READ the passage again, "4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.  7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. " Ephesians 4:4-7  We all have a common goal in the Capitol Hill Family to love and protect these kids while teaching them the love that Jesus has shown us.  

This video is something I made for the month of May from our Training and pre-Summer program. Praise God for this family that I love so dear. 

Love,

Evynn

Summer Program on its way.

The older I get the more I want to work with children, non-profit, and with the church. Summer Program has started since I last wrote.

Today is my only day off of the week. For the last two weeks I have been working six days out of the week. Summer Program second week just finished and even with many challenges.

Three portions to the Summer Program:

• Building relationships
• Van Driving/ 
• Teaching on average four to six girls during the Summer Program
• Field Trips

The great thing about teach and van driving that is I have chances to build relationships with different kids. 

In the last two weeks I have been driving kids in vans, teaching, learning, building in relationships. Every day when I get back I am ready to fall asleep. 

Last Friday we were at the water park with the elementary and High school. After we dropped off the elementary and the high school went swimming. I went to get to know some of the youth group and I had a lot of fun. Right before I left a water bottle was poured on my head. I went from the pool party to MRCC where my really good friend was getting married. I got there early because I needed to be changed and put the clothes in my car. The reason I got there early was I was asked to take pictures at the wedding. 

This Friday we went to the zoo with the Pre-K and we end up with only four kids and we had a lot of fun. One of the girls bigger sister came with and I walked around with them. By the end I was giving my camera to the girl to keep her moving and happy. I love her so much. She rides my van and is a ray of sunshine until you make her mad. 

My computer is about to die but Children gain access to the kingdom before you and me. I hope you enjoyed this blog.

In Christ love, 

Evynn 

   Alexander

God protect these hearts

This is the group of girls from Saturday adventure.

Written on May 28th,

Why is it that evil things seems so great?  I mean some say that the "gang" is their family. I mean come on. Gangs have better  family system than the church. Gangs?! What is the world coming to??? 

Over the last few days the devotional thoughts have been great at work. Both Girls who gave the lessons used videos to push their testimony further home. For us to be a family we have to be real with each other.  

Meredith talked about Barabus the "killer" the crowd set free and sent Jesus to the cross. However the video points out that the crowd did not set him free but GOD. John 3:16

Blake devotion did not stick out to me as much but the change she has made in herself with a new routine. She has started training herself to read the bible and run before work in the mornings. A devotion in word starting a lifestyle take much discipline. 

At work this afternoon we listen, asked questions, and were fascinated by two of the police officers who watch the building in the times we fellowship in praise. They were making us aware of some of the things we may come in contact with. Even with some of the things are horrifying it was interesting to listen to. 

After work I finished with work. I sat down in the middle of the hallway at MRCC's Summit building.  I was determined to finish the chapter I was in When Helping Hurts .  A section of the chapter makes my heart drop as it tells of a child being dropped by the older children  for not stealing them candy. The disregard for human life is heart breaking. Yet is a reality for some people but it doesn't make it right.  

I pray for wisdom that God will use me and renew me for things I will face. I pray for protection for the kids and members and God will speak through me. For I am his and his alone. 

God protect these hearts,

Evynn

An ice skating adventure

Saturday, I met Matt and Blake,  my fellow intern,  at the van at 10:15 to start the adventure.  Goal of the day: Girls day skating and eat lunch. 

By the time we picked up all the girls we got to the skating rink at 12:30. The rink is cold speaking from some who wore a tank top. (To clarify: I did not know we were going ice skating). 

Ice skating was very out of everyone comfort zone. Blake used to ice skate more when she was younger.  After I put on my skates I was scared of skating like some of the girls. I would step on the ice and hang by the door. Then I caught myself I shouldn't be afraid. I prayed for strength and protection not to get hurt.  Starting with taking a step by step, a lady told me to stretch my arms for it will help the balance of the body. 

I use this to push off once more. I make it a fourth of the way and sat by Mae (I shortened her name) . She going to be one of my girls this summer. A girl of very few words and is slightly shy. She had made it to this bench with the help of Blake until she fell and decide to take a break. Her and I made a promise to get out of our comfort zones after talking for a little bit. 

We got back on the ice. She clung to the wall sliding a little bit ahead, so scared of falling.  I fell shortly after we started back out.  As the afternoon went on the girls got these skating walkers, they looked like the "old" people walkers. (I may have one in my lifetime lol). By the end I only got off once because I was cold. My goal was to stay on as long as there were girls were on. Only a few girls beat me, Mae being one. 

I borrowed Mae walker as she started working her own legs holding on when needed and we went around. As we were talking I did not even notice her let going and lasting longer and longer.  (Determination when you get things right about wanting to get better). Mae enjoyed skating when she got used to it and didn't want to leave.  

Sunday, at church the text that we were in was John 15. John 15:4, "4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me."  My definition of Abiding: means in him growing, loving, asking guidance, trying to match up with his plans,  and ask for his strength. Answering his call when we don't know what to do. Abiding in the Holy Spirit. 

Another verse that popped out at me, verse 13 and 14, "13 No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. "  This summer, I am getting out of my head and just focus on what I am and Who I am and just focusing on these relationships with these sweet kids. 

God is Good. The t-shirts are getting made. 8 more days to buy one and help the work that God is doing in Capitol Hill. An Alta Design orginal ($20 dollars + 5 shipping and handling) You dont have to buy but think about it. 

Pray for God to use me in his work. May the Lord bless you and Keep you. 
Good Day, 

Evynn Alexander

PS. I am thankful and proud for anyone who serves thier country in support of thier national freedom. Happy Memorial Day think about and pray for who you know in the military. 

Goals for the summer

T-shirt The link beside takes you to a booster for raising money for my internship this summer. The design is amazing.  You can see them on the right and the left. Designed by Hailey Keele. (My best friend from elementary and beyond till heaven may we party.)

I love my job

Right now I am only training but I have a pretty cool job. I am getting paid to build relationships with the other interns and our bosses.  While we also learning about the environment we are going to be working with. 

The people I work with are godly christians young ladies and "men" (I am just joking) along with Melia, Amanda, and Matt (the best bosses).  I will tell stories a little further down however I need follow the title of the blog. 

My Goals for the Summer

• Connect with the kids
• Learn to Trust God 
• Let him have control 
• Face my Fears
• Talking in front of people
• Being in charge
• Driving a ton of people
• Being alone and teaching
• Losing Weight
• I have done yoga two nights in a row (ow! I may feel that in the morning)
• Make lasting relationships with Brothers and Sisters

Fear Conquering Stories

Over the last few days we have been doing drive training for the 15 passenger vans. The insurance has a policy of being 21 to drive the vans. This was something told me in the interview and I was less than thrilled. 

So when Matt asked me to drive, yesterday, the bus full of the rest of the interns.  Before I stepped into the driver seat I prayed and asked for strength and you know what (???) driving was not so bad. I had a great navigator thou.

Today we were driving on the highway.  It was all well and good. Part of me drove slower than the speed limit because of nerves and because sometimes I can have a lead foot (it may in the genes (just kidding)).  Two moments while I was on the highway Matt changed the location of where we're driving (slightly frustrating but more practice).  When we finally got to our destination it was Sonic so that was a fun bonding experience. 

Tomorrow, I have to give a short devo for the group before our training.  I am a little nervous but I think I am going to let God teach me as I talk. For my voice is his.

Good night guys,
Evynn
P. S.  Another Tshirt link below. The booster ends June 2nd and shirts are $20 with a $5 shipping fee. Don't make any excuses three have been bought already! Buy one for your family if it is getting shipped to the same place for only 5. God is Good, He will provide. Love you all.
You know you love God's Mission! Please by a shirt! Love Evynn 

When things just click

School over.... 

Summer to do list:

1. Read five books
1. When Helping hurts  (Class)
2. To live in Peace (Class)
3. 5 Love languages of Children (Class)
4. Blue Covent (Personal Interest)
5. Crazy Love (Small group)

+++++++++ Moving on to some thoughts ++++++++++++++

I started my summer Job well we are in training at the moment. This is a very fun experience at the moment getting to know everyone that I am going to be working with this summer. I am an intern at Capitol Hill Church of Christ along with some other cool cats.

Yesterday, I had a moment when things just clicked together. You know that minute when things you are learning in your personal time with God meets you and just clicks.  From the book I am reading, morning devotional, to small group that night.

I got to work early yesterday, not much early but enough to start working on reflective questions in Chapter 1 of Helping Hurts and the Initial Thoughts of Chapter 2. I did not completely finish before we circled up for devotion. Amanda was doing it and she gave us time to reflect on the Glory of God. 

I sat back down at my couch and worked on the questions again and when I was finished I read Exodus 21-22. These verses I highlighted because they jumped out at me. "But if the servant declares, ;I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl.  Then he will be his servant for life. " Exodus 21:5-6

I have always sang the song:

"Pierce my ear, O Lord my God.

        Take me to your door this day.

        For I will serve no other God.

        Lord I'm here to stay. 

     For you have paid the price for me;

        With Your blood you ransomed me.

        Now I will serve you eternally.

        Lord I'm here to stay."

It caught me by suprise to be sitting and reading then finding the verse that is the rule for Israelites. If they decide, choose to stay the master would pierce his ear. What else can say Glory to God. 

There is so much about the amazingness of the Glory of OUR God. IT is for US to decide if we want to get closer to see the Glory of God as the Holy Spirit reveals it to us. This is what I believe. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit just as he spoke to the others. 

Easter thoughts

Psalm 22 

A piece of artwork I finished 

Someone pointed out that Matthew and Mark tells a story of the crucifixion with lines from this Psalm. I grew up reciting the 23rd psalm that my father taught me. In my little bible I have written my dad's name in the margin to remember. 

This month has many of days of remembrance from April 19th the OKC bombing, this was the first anniversary of the  Boston marathon bombing and of course Easter Sunday. The day that Jesus conquered death. Easter Sunday in class some ask a question was asked about Jesus death (I don't remember what it was) but the response pulled the class over to Psalm 22.

"1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,

so far from my cries of anguish?

2My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,

by night, but I find no rest. 

16Dogs surround me,

a pack of villains encircles me;

they pierce my hands and my feet.

17All my bones are on display;

people stare and gloat over me.

18They divide my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.

22I will declare your name to my people;

in the assembly I will praise you.

23You who fear the Lord, praise him!

All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!

Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!

24For he has not despised or scorned

the suffering of the afflicted one;

he has not hidden his face from him

but has listened to his cry for help.

25From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows."  Psalms 22:1-2, 16-18, 22-25

We followed along as he read it. Laments turns into remembrance the asking of why are you doing this to me into remembrance that he is "I am." 

Some asked about Psalm 22:24, how does God a not turned away and just listen. An image popped in my head the scene in Noah of the screams of the people hang on for dear life as the water brush the side of their bodies. The image of Noah's family begging to let them in. I can imagine of God doing the same thing the love he has for his son, Jesus and listening to his moans as he hangs on the cross. 

This was going to be my Easter post but life just got away from me.  So better late than never. The crucifixion was suffering for God and Jesus to give us reconciliations and  new life a second chance of living. We are descendants of Abraham, descendants of Seth,  and descendants of Adam. 

God is everywhere... Can you see him? My study of Noah part 1

April 16, 2014
I went to see Noah today....alone.

I took off after Greek class headed to the AMC theater in Qual Spring Mall . I got there at 2:45 for a 3:05 showing. I bought my ticket and headed to the theater. When I got in there I was the only one there, I found my spot, sat, and grabbed my bible.

I read the story of Noah while I was waiting. Right before the movie game I prayed to see God's work through this movie. I prayed for inspiration to get the story he wanted us to read. Here is things I noticed that was highlighted in the movie.


"3When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth. 6When Seth had lived 105 years, he became the father of Enosh. 9When Enosh had lived 90 years, he became the father of Kenan.12When Kenan had lived 70 years, he became the father of Mahalalel. 15When Mahalalel had lived 65 years, he became the father of Jared. 18When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch. 





21When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.


25When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. 28When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son. 29 He named him Noah and said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.” 32After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth." (Genesis 5:3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21-24, 25, 28-29, 32) (NIV)
Then I read the story of the flood and saw something I never saw before. 
5The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." Genesis 6:4-8 (NIV)
In the beginning of Noah my heart ached because the destruction of earth do to man. God sends a dream to Noah that he going to flood the earth. Noah is the only one he speaks to but in short dreams. Noah is from the line of Seth.  
The movie plays with this feeling rivarly between Cain and his youngest brother Seth. Seth line took care of the earth and the animals that God gave Adam and Eve as thier job in watching and protecting the earth and the animals. 




"4The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.




To me Noah was a story of mercy and a call to believers in protecting the poor and innocent.  

I am going to try to write more later but I am uber busy. 

Love, Evynn