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.