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

Praying for Ukraine shirt.

This is a really important cause to me. I believe that to support something is to think about it, support it, and talk about it. In buying a shirt you get to think about every time you put it on, show your support, and have a conversation starter ready. 

The money from this shirt goes to the churches in Ukraine that my home church has supported for years. The shirts are 15 a piece and a 5 shipping fee. I am not asking you to buy but pray and take a look. I also hope you will share this with your friends and family. The campaign is open til Saturday. 

This is the back

I have high hopes that God will work through this. Because what is happening makes me hurt physically and emotionally. Please consider and share.

This is the front and the summary

Here is the Link: https://www.booster.com/pray

--

Your Sister,
Evynn Alexander

Thirst: What makes you mad?

Family, 

We all thirst for something. Everyone does. We thirst for something to drink, thirst for something more. Relationships: this thirst can cause us problems.

A question was brought up to me in bible class. The question was: what makes you mad? Let me clarify what injustice or fact makes you mad at as Christian? My answer popped into my head silently saying "Thirst." 

Seven or so years ago the water crisis in other part of the world like Africa and Philippines was told to me. A growing thirst that the only quench by unclean water. That gives the people diseases. The only water source  for all the supply for everything. A THIRST for water. 

Four years ago in June will be the anniversary of going to Ukraine. Now a there is a thirst. A thirst for hope, for love, and spiritual growth. 

The first week of my first year there was some baptism.  A thirst to be saved. On both sides a thirst for Relationship with someone. Isaiah 41:17-18, 

"When the poor and needy seek water,

    and there is none,

    and their tongue is parched with thirst,

I the Lord will answer them,

    I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

18 

I will open rivers on the bare heights,

    and fountains in the midst of the valleys;

I will make the wilderness a pool of water,

    and the dry land springs of water."

Verse 17 states the need and in verse 18 God fullfills it.  

We all thirst. I sometimes imagine myself at the well. When Jesus confronted that Samaritan woman. I am the Samaritan woman. Yearning thirst for that living water. Everlasting taste of this water.  Now I can't turn back. I thirst to learn more about people and love people as Jesus loved me. 

For those who thirst anger me the fact there are so many thirsty.  The children thirsty pains me. "27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27 

One horrible thing that I don't know how to change it.  I leave my heart everywhere. We could have never spoken but I know you  through someone else. This has my heart so it gets crushed so easily. However we are meant to love one another. 

Even Israel were called in Deuteronomy 10:17-18 "17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, 18 who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing." To love the strangers and needy. 

We are supposed to fill a need we see among our brothers and sisters. The world is thirsty may we not invite them to drink.  

Even if we see a need in the world should strive to fill the thirst.  Cause to get you rilled up or mad. I understand your things but John 4. Really calls to my heart. Ever since, Sunday I am finding new verse that confirming a thirst/want. 

Let us thirst together in a family and body. For let us be how Paul said to the Corinthian church, "10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day." 1 Corinthians 4:10-13 

For we are one body and let our thirst be know and strive for everlasting well JESUS prepared for us. To quench this thirst. 


Love, 
Your sister through Christ, 

Evynn