....

The girl was on her way out the door to go to class when she turned around to wish good luck to her other two roommates on their afternoon. One of them had an interview at Apple and the other was volunteering at a retirement home for the afternoon. As she turned around to address the two girls, she told the first one, "Knock 'em dead!!" She then turned to the second one and proceeded to open her mouth then quickly closed it when she realized how wrong it sounded to repeat the same phrase. Alternately, she decided to stick with the traditional, "Have a good afternoon!" while she turned and walked out the door laughing to herself.

There you have it - I'm the second girl. I joined a ministry Cornerstone has at a retirement home focusing primarily on people with Alzheimers. Predominantly, the reason why I have a heart for the elderly with Alzheimers is because of my grandmother. My Nonnie just turned 83 yesterday and for the last several months she's been working, caring for one of her closest friends that has been diagnosed with Alzheimers. Her name is Margie and she and Nonnie were best friends for over 60 years and as of this year doesn't remember her. Nonnie is my hero in many ways, but this story especially touched me and encouraged me to join in the ministry

I start this afternoon in about 15 minutes and would really appreciate prayer that God would use me there in powerful ways.

Holy Anguish

On Sunday at Cornerstone we heard an amazing sermon, I just thought I would share it with you.
It's the first one at the top, titled "Holy Anguish"

http://www.cornerstonesimi.com/special/media_player.html

Also, Francis showed this in the middle of his sermon, but apparently it doesn't come up on the podcast so watch it either before or after you watch the sermon. David Wilkerson's sermon called "A Call to Anguish"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGMG_PVaJoI


It was pretty crazy that God brought this message into my life this particular Sunday because I had been struggling with this same thing all weekend at work - In being a good example of Christ to my aunt and the other people working in her restaurant, but I was always too ashamed to bring Him into our conversation whenever I got the chance. Ultimately, God really spoke to me through Francis and David Wilkerson's video clip encouraging my heart to break more toward the unsaved knowing where they are going to spend eternity and making it more urgent to save them from that destiny.

It was really cool after church on Sunday night, a couple of friends, my brother and I all went out to a park and just prayed for a long time - that God would give us the heartache necessary to love others enough to tell them about God. A very cool thing to pray for. Hope this sermon stirs up in each one of you a love for others that is completely and supernaturally God.

Living it up

A week ago today (11-09-09) I arrived in Simi Valley, CA. So much has happened since then, I can't even believe it has been such a short time since I arrived.

• I bought myself a bed.
  
• I went grocery shopping (for myself only!!! who knew I was old/mature enough for this!?!?)
  
• I PASSED my written driving test today. WOOHHOOOOO!!!
  
• I got a job at my aunt's restaurant, the Junkyard Cafe, and I start work in 11 hours from right now. Only for 12 hours a week though. If anyone has a job Monday-Thursday, that would be wondermous for me.
  
• I ordered my brother and me a cell phone service, and 2 free phones come with it. I'll come in the mail early next week.
  
• I attended 3 different classes at EBC. But will only continue with one for this semester, a 4 hour Life of Christ class every Thursday from 6-10 pm.
• I've tasted the rhino. Here.
  
• I've bonded with my 3 roommates and the 2 neighbor guy apartments.
  
• I attended Cornerstone Church for the 2nd time ever.

• And most importantly.... I made friends. Thank you, Jesus!!

I just wanted to write everyone to let you know that I'm so thankful for your prayers, love, and support. This week went extremely smoothly for being "on my own" for the first time ever. I WILL be doing a picture update, someday soon!! I actually haven't even brought out my camera here yet, but I promise to do that sometime! =) God has been so good to me and I'm so thankful He's put me where I am at the moment, I'm loving it here!!