1000 Gifts (10-15)

11. The salvation of my friend, Laura Lynn's mom! She has been praying for her family to come to know the Lord for years. Since becoming LL's friend two years ago I have witnessed her desire and prayed with her. Recently she has felt this peace in her heart about her mom knowing the Lord already and so a few of us started praying for this to be true. Last night I received a text giving us the answer to our prayers! Not only does her mom know the Lord, but her and Laura Lynn are going to begin studying John together. Praise the Lord!

12. After a month and a half of unsettled fear in my heart about my Granny's mysterious vacation in New Jersey, I finally got to talk to her today. I was praying and telling the Lord my worries and concerns with how long she has been gone and not understanding why she would stay away during both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then He told me to call her. And so I did, still doubting she would answer having called many times already. But to my surprise she did! Tears filled my eyes and joy filled my heart as I told her how much I had missed her and caught her up on Encounter and my recent career decisions. When she heard of my decision to apply for full-time staff, she was overcome with excitement and told me how blessed she was to hear her prayers come true. For my entire life she has prayed I would commit my life to full-time ministry for the Lord. This past week specifically she has been in prayer for me constantly. We were both blessed and encouraged by each other's words and seeing God work through her prayers and my life. I'm so thankful to have someone in my life care so much to pray for me like my Granny does! A great example of the power of prayer!

13. Financial Aid refund checks! I received mine today so now I have money for rent for the remainder of my lease, bills, and other expenses.

14. TCTC. Every year thousands of middle and high school students gather in Gatlingburg, TN for Tennessee Christian Teen Convention. Last year I had the privilege of joining my siblings' youth group. This year I decided to be an official volunteer with the conference. Little did I know how much I was getting myself into. This weekend is going to be jam-packed and exhausting, but very rewarding at the same time. I'm thankful for  the opportunity to see young students catch a glimpse of the life Christ has called them to.

15. NERTZ. It's the fastest card game you will ever lay your hands on. I learned this game, like many other card games from my CRU friends. When playing with them, I find myself having trouble keeping up. But there is an advantage to being a knowledgeable college student admidst high schoolers late at night in a cabin when Apples to Apples has run its course. So I taught them this new game and they loved it! They played on teams and I played by myself, giving them more of an advantage. I couldn't help but giggle the entire time as they rushed to get their cards out on the table while I slowly flipped through mine and for the first time both enjoyed a stress-free game of Nertz.