I haven't posted a blog in quite some time, for numerous reasons, most of which involve my crazy, hectic schedule and the inability to stop my body and mind from running a hundred miles an hour. Nevertheless, I somehow found a little bit of time on this beautiful Friday afternoon, UGA-USC eve, to just stop and write.
As most of you know, I just began my sophomore year at the University of Georgia. My freshman year was a bit of a whirlwind; from clubs, to classes, to new friends, to limitless dining hall meals, I got really caught up in so many things. I went home a lot and saw my parents nearly every weekend, limiting my weekend stays in my new town. Therefore, I neglected to get involved in a church. Sure, I visited a church and a campus ministry a few times, but the commitment just wasn't there. I was so concerned with being "comfortable", that is, being close to what had been the norm for the past eighteen years. This year, I vowed to make a change.
The week my roommate, Holly, and I moved into our new apartment, we decided to make a difference in our routine. Amidst all of the other crazy obligations, we promised each other that we would find a church home. That Sunday, Holly and I visited Athens Church. I had heard of the church before, but had never visited. Honestly, I did not expect much. I knew that many college students frequented AC, but I was not sure if it was the church for me. So I went, somewhat hesitant. An hour later, I was hooked. Four hours later, I was returning to the church to sign up to volunteer in the children's ministry. An hour after that, I committed to being trained to be a small group lead for a group of girls every Sunday. I repeat, every Sunday. This meant not going home often, waking up early on Sunday mornings to beat my girls to our classroom, and putting myself fully under the guidance of God. I have never been a small group leader for any group, much less a group of fourth grade girls. I was extremely nervous; I had no idea what to expect.
Then, I walked into UpStreet, AC's children's ministry. The floor, painted like a road that ran through a hallway that was styled after my new town that I loved so much. From the miniature Sanford Stadium scoreboard to the quaintly painted downtown cafes, I felt at home in this new environment. I knew I couldn't stay away.
My experience didn't stop there. Along with attending my new church, Holly and I decided to attend Wesley, a huge ministry at UGA. Being from small-town Rome, I had rarely witnessed such a large amount of believers in one room. Every week, we are welcomed inside the doors to take part in my favorite experience. Before now, I had never been a fan of worship for some reason. But now, as my roots grow deeper in Wesley and AC, I have a new love for worshipping my Savior.
I have always heard about the importance of finding a church. The importance of finding a place to gather with fellow believers. The importance of taking just a while out of your schedule to praise God. Before this year, I had heard these things, but was struggling to grasp just how pertinent they are. Though I miss home, I am comfortable. Unlike last year, I have a church. I have a place to gather with my fellow believers and best friends. I take time to praise God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon me. Unlike last year, I am not putting myself first. This year, I am stepping out boldly into my new town to make Jesus' name known through my leadership of ten to fifteen elementary school girls.
This wasn't my typical blog. I didn't share an inspiring story or even reference a Bible verse. This, however, was rejoicing in Christ for helping me find a home in Athens. This was a moment for me to share what God is doing in my life, and for the opportunity to ask for your prayers as I grow deeper involved and lead my small group of young girls.
As always, I really appreciate the love and support that you all back home send to me in Athens. I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me when I receive cards, Facebook messages, texts, or even just a simple "like" on a blog post. Once again, I ask for your prayers as I take on this next stage of my life. I myself am praying that God will use me to impact someone's life.
Thank you all again for your unconditional love and support. Be sure to check on my mom and dad every once in a while...they aren't quite used to this change in my staying in Athens quite yet. :)
Much love from Athens to wherever you all are. You guys are the best.
(Here's a link to Athens Church's website. Take a look at the awesome place that God has led me to!)
http://www.athenschurch.com
As most of you know, I just began my sophomore year at the University of Georgia. My freshman year was a bit of a whirlwind; from clubs, to classes, to new friends, to limitless dining hall meals, I got really caught up in so many things. I went home a lot and saw my parents nearly every weekend, limiting my weekend stays in my new town. Therefore, I neglected to get involved in a church. Sure, I visited a church and a campus ministry a few times, but the commitment just wasn't there. I was so concerned with being "comfortable", that is, being close to what had been the norm for the past eighteen years. This year, I vowed to make a change.
The week my roommate, Holly, and I moved into our new apartment, we decided to make a difference in our routine. Amidst all of the other crazy obligations, we promised each other that we would find a church home. That Sunday, Holly and I visited Athens Church. I had heard of the church before, but had never visited. Honestly, I did not expect much. I knew that many college students frequented AC, but I was not sure if it was the church for me. So I went, somewhat hesitant. An hour later, I was hooked. Four hours later, I was returning to the church to sign up to volunteer in the children's ministry. An hour after that, I committed to being trained to be a small group lead for a group of girls every Sunday. I repeat, every Sunday. This meant not going home often, waking up early on Sunday mornings to beat my girls to our classroom, and putting myself fully under the guidance of God. I have never been a small group leader for any group, much less a group of fourth grade girls. I was extremely nervous; I had no idea what to expect.
Then, I walked into UpStreet, AC's children's ministry. The floor, painted like a road that ran through a hallway that was styled after my new town that I loved so much. From the miniature Sanford Stadium scoreboard to the quaintly painted downtown cafes, I felt at home in this new environment. I knew I couldn't stay away.
My experience didn't stop there. Along with attending my new church, Holly and I decided to attend Wesley, a huge ministry at UGA. Being from small-town Rome, I had rarely witnessed such a large amount of believers in one room. Every week, we are welcomed inside the doors to take part in my favorite experience. Before now, I had never been a fan of worship for some reason. But now, as my roots grow deeper in Wesley and AC, I have a new love for worshipping my Savior.
I have always heard about the importance of finding a church. The importance of finding a place to gather with fellow believers. The importance of taking just a while out of your schedule to praise God. Before this year, I had heard these things, but was struggling to grasp just how pertinent they are. Though I miss home, I am comfortable. Unlike last year, I have a church. I have a place to gather with my fellow believers and best friends. I take time to praise God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon me. Unlike last year, I am not putting myself first. This year, I am stepping out boldly into my new town to make Jesus' name known through my leadership of ten to fifteen elementary school girls.
This wasn't my typical blog. I didn't share an inspiring story or even reference a Bible verse. This, however, was rejoicing in Christ for helping me find a home in Athens. This was a moment for me to share what God is doing in my life, and for the opportunity to ask for your prayers as I grow deeper involved and lead my small group of young girls.
As always, I really appreciate the love and support that you all back home send to me in Athens. I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me when I receive cards, Facebook messages, texts, or even just a simple "like" on a blog post. Once again, I ask for your prayers as I take on this next stage of my life. I myself am praying that God will use me to impact someone's life.
Thank you all again for your unconditional love and support. Be sure to check on my mom and dad every once in a while...they aren't quite used to this change in my staying in Athens quite yet. :)
Much love from Athens to wherever you all are. You guys are the best.
(Here's a link to Athens Church's website. Take a look at the awesome place that God has led me to!)
http://www.athenschurch.com