Siempre Asombrada

     By now, it's been 5 days since I came to Texas for the first time. I came with my friend Jennifer to spend some time with her and her family. We've been friends for about 3 years now and I had never been in her hometown, so we finally took the opportunity to come down together from Tuscaloosa. There have been many adventures, laughs, and discoveries here in Texas, but one of my favorite things of this trip has been meeting some sweet people.      On Thursday, I got to meet one Jennifer's friends, named Buffy. She is a sweet 90-year-old lady who loves Jesus, people, music, and cats. The two unlikely friends met through the church they go, First Baptist Dallas. We had good conversations, went out to lunch, and went shopping at a craft store. I was inspired by Buffy's sweet appreciation for the ability to go out to enjoy a simple hamburger. She also expressed just how she sees that music is such a gift from the Lord. She played a little bit on piano for us. Even thoug

    During my week at Student Life Camp, I asked God, "What is it that you want me to do right here and now?" I wanted to focus on this when I was unsure what to do with the free space and time that I had. I wanted to make the most of the opportunity I had been given. This reminds me a lot of what I've been very mindful of lately, thanks to a book I just finished reading: living as sent people to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know him.      Through books, conversations, and sermons, I have been amazed and thankful for the way that God brings us into the way he works in the lives of people. He could bring people to salvation on his own, but instead, he chooses to use us. He invites us into the joy of sharing the good news of salvation with the lost. Despite how broken and unskilled we are, he calls us to share our story with those around us with our imperfections and the little skills that we do have. He equips us with his Spirit, as I wrote

     This past week, I took the opportunity to lead a bible study for a group of middle school girls at Student Life Camp, where my youth group form Birmingham was surrounded by God's word and friends at Shocco Springs in Talladega, Alabama. Throughout the week, we discussed the trinity: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Distinct parts. But all one. I have realized that of the three parts of the trinity, the Holy Spirit has been the hardest part for me to understand. But it was amazing to me that I really sensed the Holy Spirit this week, and I also began to have a greater sense of gratitude for the Holy Spirit.      As followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and strengthen us. His power is made perfect in our weakness. This is such comfort to me because there are many times when I see that I can't make it on my own. I am glad that I can depend on Him for confidence in His power. John 16:13 says, "But when he, the Spirit of truth, c