was pretty legit.
God was so at work on the boardwalk and people came to know Him personally and that is SO exciting and encouraging. But even despite the new brothers and sisters that I have gained, I think I was really encouraged by two things in particular:
1) the prayer we opened the night with. Some students spent a good hour just praying to God for the people on the boardwalk, the students going out and sharing and just praising and thanking God for who He is and what He has done. It was cool to just spend that time talking with God, super encouraging too.
2) the last spiritual conversation that Patrick and I initiated on the boardwalk was pretty sweet. None of the guys had a personal relationship with God (and they still didn't when we were done talking with them) but it was so awesome to see how open and receptive they still were. we had a pretty long conversation with them, and my heart and prayers definitely go out to these three boys. All of them were exploring and desire to have that relationship, but have different 'obstacles' that are holding them back.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as well.
I am super tired but I kind of just wanted to write that out, and hope that you would be praying for them also.
Love and miss you all so much. Even if you don't think it, I definitely think about and pray for you often. Yeah, I don't even specifically know who reads this, but I really do love you and care about you!
Thanks again for all the support and encouragement it means so much to me. I feel so blessed God has provided me with this support. Love, Michelle
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
sweet.
So I most definitely stayed up till almost 4 AM this morning, and had work at 9 AM. I am happy to say that I woke up, felt refreshed and had a good day. It is still going, but it's been super cool and chill, despite chaos of work. Bible Study with my roomies tonight, and I am pretty excited =)
Some things that I have been processing, thinking about or learning:
-I need to learn to accept people's help, even when I don't want it, or necessarily need it.
-Smiling makes me feel better
-Relying on God is hard, but rewarding
-Prayer is so powerful
-Having people to talk to about struggles and trials is such a blessing
-I'm still awkward, in a semi-good way
-I have a hard time being real with some people, and resort to sarcastic dry humor, and I hope that God can work in my heart and change it (not necessarily all of it, because I like joking around, but He knows...)
I still LOVE sleep.
Maybe I can write more later after B-Stud. <333
PS: Killing the Giants Week Update
I have gone out sharing everyday and it's been so cool to see God using so many people in Ocean City. I've heard some amazing stories and conversations that people have had and it's been sweet. It's cool to see how a person that Denny and I had a conversation with, ran into a random friend who had had a conversations with Emily, and then they told there friends and now they all want to check out CRU. It's sweet!
I definitely have seen the enemy try to sway my focus away from Glorifying God and listening to Him and the desires of His heart, but God is one crazy Almighty warrior and it's awesome to know that He is fighting my battles. A talk on David and Goliath on Monday was really encouraging and legit.
I would definitely encourage you to check it out if you feel you are battling a giant or a tough obstacle this week.
Love, Michelle
Some things that I have been processing, thinking about or learning:
-I need to learn to accept people's help, even when I don't want it, or necessarily need it.
-Smiling makes me feel better
-Relying on God is hard, but rewarding
-Prayer is so powerful
-Having people to talk to about struggles and trials is such a blessing
-I'm still awkward, in a semi-good way
-I have a hard time being real with some people, and resort to sarcastic dry humor, and I hope that God can work in my heart and change it (not necessarily all of it, because I like joking around, but He knows...)
I still LOVE sleep.
Maybe I can write more later after B-Stud. <333
PS: Killing the Giants Week Update
I have gone out sharing everyday and it's been so cool to see God using so many people in Ocean City. I've heard some amazing stories and conversations that people have had and it's been sweet. It's cool to see how a person that Denny and I had a conversation with, ran into a random friend who had had a conversations with Emily, and then they told there friends and now they all want to check out CRU. It's sweet!
I definitely have seen the enemy try to sway my focus away from Glorifying God and listening to Him and the desires of His heart, but God is one crazy Almighty warrior and it's awesome to know that He is fighting my battles. A talk on David and Goliath on Monday was really encouraging and legit.
I would definitely encourage you to check it out if you feel you are battling a giant or a tough obstacle this week.
Love, Michelle
Monday, June 14, 2010
prayer.
I just wanted to ask specifically for people to be praying for:
1. 'The Killing the Giants' week that we are having here in OC
2. All the students here on project, that we can find strength and boldness in the Holy Spirit
3. People on other projects and the steps of faith they are taking
4. A friend of mine that is going through a really rough time
Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement I have been receiving, I am so thankful for it <3
1. 'The Killing the Giants' week that we are having here in OC
2. All the students here on project, that we can find strength and boldness in the Holy Spirit
3. People on other projects and the steps of faith they are taking
4. A friend of mine that is going through a really rough time
Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement I have been receiving, I am so thankful for it <3
oh man.
So it's been a while since I updated, it may be a little scattered. There you go, I gave you a fair warning.
I'll go backwards in time, it might be easier for me...
Last night our project family became complete the last student came. So exciting! I still haven't officially met all the quarter students but I am super excited they are all here and I can't wait for the rest of the summer with them. Yesterday I also went to Sunday School and Church. I came back to the Ambassador ate some lunch. After that we had a beach day/outreach. It was really hard. I wasn't in the best of mood and I was trying to keep an upbeat attitude. Definitely had to rely on the Holy Spirit, and it was sweet because I got to meet some people and exchange a number with a local. After that I took a nap, I wasn't feeling so hot still. After that I woke up and took a walk, just wanted to be alone with God. At 8:00PM clean up started so my impact group dominated that, was able to take a shower and be ready in time for games @ 9:00. I played a game of signs and then got a phone call from someone I care about deeply. I'm still sort of processing the conversation, but I have been praying a lot and it's helping. I also had a lovely phone call with another person I care about deeply and it was really encouraging. THEN I had a phone call with my mom and dad. Which was lovely, to just catch up talk, and get some encouragement from my mom which meant a lot. After that I just chilled and hung out with some people, had some good conversations and went to bed around 2:00. (Kind of late, but my mind was still racing and processing I couldn't get to sleep!)
Saturday 6/12: Saturday checked out some beach, soaked up some vitamin D and played some frisbee. After that Sara, Josh, Phil and I tried monkey bread for the first time. It was delish. Went back and showered (don't know why I would need to say this but I did) We had dinner with our impact groups at 5:00, it was pizza. And then we went on a scavenger hunt and outreach. It was called a 'Taste of Ocean City' it was fun to go out and share and see where people were at, as well as have some fun with my impact group. We had a meeting that kicked off the theme of the week 'Killing the Giants'. It was pretty intense. As a project we set a goal for ourselves to have over 5,000 spiritual conversations this week. Definitely can't do it on our own, but it is so comforting to know that He is with us.
Friday 6/11: SOOOO LEGIT. Trip to New York City!! You should definitely check out the facebook album with the pictures. But the brief summary goes something like this: Drive to New York. Get slightly lost. Check out Times Square! Take subway to Chinatown =). Eat at slightly hole in wall place. Take subway to Central Park. Get amazed with the beauty of Central Park! Play some frisbee. Walk down 5th Ave; see tons of stores and places! Go to Empire State Building. See Times Square at Night. Have LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN. From 1:00pm-11:40pm ish my group dominated New York, it was fun =)!
This is the album : http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234335&id=835352165&l=ccb8ef56a3
Thursday 6/10: I worked. Interesting. I started taking orders through the drive thru, and it is SO hard to hear people. Definitely excited how God provided a job though. Also had a large group meeting at 7:00 which was sweet and my final roomie came! Yay for Shavon!! =)
Wednesday 6/9: WORKED. Had a pretty legit bible study with the action group. WE did a sweet thing to represent how our sins our washed away. We wrote some things that we struggled with believing that we were forgiven, or that we couldn't really forgive ourselves on a coffee filter. Then we put them in a bowl of water and took them out and it was washed clean. It was a neat symbolism.
Tuesday 6/8: Discipleship. Rocked my face. In a good way. Definitely realized that I have been not living to my full potential that God has intended. I want to give all of me to His plan, instead of just part of me. Definitely something that is not easy for me and I am working on but it's been sweet that He has been consistently showing me this.
Monday 6/7: Orientation at Mickey D's. It was short and sweet and I appreciated that. Did not appreciate the grandma pants, however they were black instead of khaki like SFDK's last year so I can survive ;)
The week before that isn't as clear. I think a good way to sum it up would be this; God has definitely been working in my life and others here on project. I am so thankful for everyone He has put here and everything He is providing through this project. It's stretching and so much to process but I am loving it. I miss my friends and family but I am also having the time of my life. I want to just say I am sorry that I cannot talk to everyone each and everyday but I am trying so hard to keep you updated and try to stay updated in your life. Facebook and phone AND letters are probably the best way to keep in touch, or blog. Which I will try to be more consistent in updating.
I LOVE YOU <3
Sweet verse I like.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
<3
I'll go backwards in time, it might be easier for me...
Last night our project family became complete the last student came. So exciting! I still haven't officially met all the quarter students but I am super excited they are all here and I can't wait for the rest of the summer with them. Yesterday I also went to Sunday School and Church. I came back to the Ambassador ate some lunch. After that we had a beach day/outreach. It was really hard. I wasn't in the best of mood and I was trying to keep an upbeat attitude. Definitely had to rely on the Holy Spirit, and it was sweet because I got to meet some people and exchange a number with a local. After that I took a nap, I wasn't feeling so hot still. After that I woke up and took a walk, just wanted to be alone with God. At 8:00PM clean up started so my impact group dominated that, was able to take a shower and be ready in time for games @ 9:00. I played a game of signs and then got a phone call from someone I care about deeply. I'm still sort of processing the conversation, but I have been praying a lot and it's helping. I also had a lovely phone call with another person I care about deeply and it was really encouraging. THEN I had a phone call with my mom and dad. Which was lovely, to just catch up talk, and get some encouragement from my mom which meant a lot. After that I just chilled and hung out with some people, had some good conversations and went to bed around 2:00. (Kind of late, but my mind was still racing and processing I couldn't get to sleep!)
Saturday 6/12: Saturday checked out some beach, soaked up some vitamin D and played some frisbee. After that Sara, Josh, Phil and I tried monkey bread for the first time. It was delish. Went back and showered (don't know why I would need to say this but I did) We had dinner with our impact groups at 5:00, it was pizza. And then we went on a scavenger hunt and outreach. It was called a 'Taste of Ocean City' it was fun to go out and share and see where people were at, as well as have some fun with my impact group. We had a meeting that kicked off the theme of the week 'Killing the Giants'. It was pretty intense. As a project we set a goal for ourselves to have over 5,000 spiritual conversations this week. Definitely can't do it on our own, but it is so comforting to know that He is with us.
Friday 6/11: SOOOO LEGIT. Trip to New York City!! You should definitely check out the facebook album with the pictures. But the brief summary goes something like this: Drive to New York. Get slightly lost. Check out Times Square! Take subway to Chinatown =). Eat at slightly hole in wall place. Take subway to Central Park. Get amazed with the beauty of Central Park! Play some frisbee. Walk down 5th Ave; see tons of stores and places! Go to Empire State Building. See Times Square at Night. Have LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN. From 1:00pm-11:40pm ish my group dominated New York, it was fun =)!
This is the album : http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=234335&id=835352165&l=ccb8ef56a3
Thursday 6/10: I worked. Interesting. I started taking orders through the drive thru, and it is SO hard to hear people. Definitely excited how God provided a job though. Also had a large group meeting at 7:00 which was sweet and my final roomie came! Yay for Shavon!! =)
Wednesday 6/9: WORKED. Had a pretty legit bible study with the action group. WE did a sweet thing to represent how our sins our washed away. We wrote some things that we struggled with believing that we were forgiven, or that we couldn't really forgive ourselves on a coffee filter. Then we put them in a bowl of water and took them out and it was washed clean. It was a neat symbolism.
Tuesday 6/8: Discipleship. Rocked my face. In a good way. Definitely realized that I have been not living to my full potential that God has intended. I want to give all of me to His plan, instead of just part of me. Definitely something that is not easy for me and I am working on but it's been sweet that He has been consistently showing me this.
Monday 6/7: Orientation at Mickey D's. It was short and sweet and I appreciated that. Did not appreciate the grandma pants, however they were black instead of khaki like SFDK's last year so I can survive ;)
The week before that isn't as clear. I think a good way to sum it up would be this; God has definitely been working in my life and others here on project. I am so thankful for everyone He has put here and everything He is providing through this project. It's stretching and so much to process but I am loving it. I miss my friends and family but I am also having the time of my life. I want to just say I am sorry that I cannot talk to everyone each and everyday but I am trying so hard to keep you updated and try to stay updated in your life. Facebook and phone AND letters are probably the best way to keep in touch, or blog. Which I will try to be more consistent in updating.
I LOVE YOU <3
Sweet verse I like.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
<3
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
random things you may or may not know about ocean city, new jersey
pretty redic and awesome all at once =) SOOOO I thought I would share.
1) WaWa really is amazing, and their pineapple is quite delish.
2) West Coast beaches ARE better than this beach. However, this boardwalk is pretty legit.
3) Polish Water Ice = AHHHHHMAZING.
4) People honk and continue to drive instead of yielding to pedestrians
5) The humidity pees your pants for you [Project informed me of this, hasn't happened yet, but.. who knows? haah]
6) It is illegal to pump your own gas in the state of New Jersey.
7) You answer ' how you doin'? ' with ' how you doin'? ' . NO JOKE people do this.
8) If you don't recycle, you're breaking the law.
9) There aren't as many Snookie's as I thought there would be
10) and I have yet to see someone who is comparable to 'the Situation'.
So those are the first ten random things that came to mind but there is so much more that goes with the east coast OC. It's insane. But instead of trying to remember them all I am going to go sit out on the porch and read some.
Wishing you a lovely day filled with blessings <3
1) WaWa really is amazing, and their pineapple is quite delish.
2) West Coast beaches ARE better than this beach. However, this boardwalk is pretty legit.
3) Polish Water Ice = AHHHHHMAZING.
4) People honk and continue to drive instead of yielding to pedestrians
5) The humidity pees your pants for you [Project informed me of this, hasn't happened yet, but.. who knows? haah]
6) It is illegal to pump your own gas in the state of New Jersey.
7) You answer ' how you doin'? ' with ' how you doin'? ' . NO JOKE people do this.
8) If you don't recycle, you're breaking the law.
9) There aren't as many Snookie's as I thought there would be
10) and I have yet to see someone who is comparable to 'the Situation'.
So those are the first ten random things that came to mind but there is so much more that goes with the east coast OC. It's insane. But instead of trying to remember them all I am going to go sit out on the porch and read some.
Wishing you a lovely day filled with blessings <3
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
june 1, 2010
So since my last update a lot has happened. God is definitely stirring hearts in Ocean City, and it is so cool to see!
Since the week we have been here, over 35 people have come to know Christ. It wrecks my mind to think about people who haven't even had the chance to hear the gospel or gotten the opportunity to know who Jesus is. But it is so encouraging to see God using the students and staff on project to reach out to people. It's also awesome to see relationships forming as a result of this, and the investment people are putting into complete strangers lives as a result of the Holy Spirit.
God has also been showing me a lot about serving others. Living with 110 people definitely provides the opportunity to serve others. I have seen sooooo many different examples of this, from lending or sharing things, to the amazing staff that has been doing so much in so many different ways for all of the students on project.
Something else that I am taken aback by is how brotherly the boys here on project have been. I am definitely not use to it, but it is so sweet. As a rule on project girls can't go alone anywhere without a boy after dark - just for safety reasons. And the boys definitely make sure that the rule is stuck with, no matter what the distance or amount of girls in the group is. It's something I'm not used to and was kind of offended about at first, but I've come to see it as something sweet and can appreciate. (They do tons of other stuff to, the point I wanted to make is just that it's cool to see the community really treat each other like brothers and sisters in Christ).
So as much as God has been showing me, something I really want to work on this summer is what He is telling me, or teaching me in my quiet times. And so one of the things recently that I think He has revealed to me is pretty sweet, and I thought I would share it. [ with probably five people who will read this. hah, and myself for future reference]
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
I can't say that I rejoice in my sufferings consistently, or often, but it is something that I am going to try to remind myself daily. I think that if I were to approach a trial I am facing, or a struggle, with this scripture in mind my entire outlook on life would be completely different. I want to be a follower of Christ who is thankful for my sufferings, and see them as blessings. I know that this is going to be challenge, but I know by leaning on Christ He will help me. Prayers would be appreciated and helpful as well. In addition to this scripture I remind myself that God has transformed me the most when I am broken and lost. When things are going bad, or tough it is the times that He redeems me and is glorified. (His glory and what I am learning about that is a whole other post;] )
Well I am definitely at the point of rambling so I am going to wrap it up with a quick prayer.
Dear Heaven Father,
Thank you that you are not a God that is concerned about the words in my prayer but the attitude of my heart. I want to thank you so much for providing this opportunity for me. I am so blessed to be able to be here and I thank you so much for all of the people who helped support me financially and prayerfully. The support of my family has been incredible and I thank you so much for that. Please Lord bless my family and friends as I am away from this summer. You know what is going on in the hearts and minds and I just pray that would would surround them with your love and compassion and that they may find comfort in you. I also pray that you can help relationships stay strong, and in tact. Thank you again for the amazing experiences I am having in Ocean City. I am so thankful for all of the people here and I know it is all because of you. Thank you.
I pray all of these things in you perfect and holy name, Amen.
Since the week we have been here, over 35 people have come to know Christ. It wrecks my mind to think about people who haven't even had the chance to hear the gospel or gotten the opportunity to know who Jesus is. But it is so encouraging to see God using the students and staff on project to reach out to people. It's also awesome to see relationships forming as a result of this, and the investment people are putting into complete strangers lives as a result of the Holy Spirit.
God has also been showing me a lot about serving others. Living with 110 people definitely provides the opportunity to serve others. I have seen sooooo many different examples of this, from lending or sharing things, to the amazing staff that has been doing so much in so many different ways for all of the students on project.
Something else that I am taken aback by is how brotherly the boys here on project have been. I am definitely not use to it, but it is so sweet. As a rule on project girls can't go alone anywhere without a boy after dark - just for safety reasons. And the boys definitely make sure that the rule is stuck with, no matter what the distance or amount of girls in the group is. It's something I'm not used to and was kind of offended about at first, but I've come to see it as something sweet and can appreciate. (They do tons of other stuff to, the point I wanted to make is just that it's cool to see the community really treat each other like brothers and sisters in Christ).
So as much as God has been showing me, something I really want to work on this summer is what He is telling me, or teaching me in my quiet times. And so one of the things recently that I think He has revealed to me is pretty sweet, and I thought I would share it. [ with probably five people who will read this. hah, and myself for future reference]
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
I can't say that I rejoice in my sufferings consistently, or often, but it is something that I am going to try to remind myself daily. I think that if I were to approach a trial I am facing, or a struggle, with this scripture in mind my entire outlook on life would be completely different. I want to be a follower of Christ who is thankful for my sufferings, and see them as blessings. I know that this is going to be challenge, but I know by leaning on Christ He will help me. Prayers would be appreciated and helpful as well. In addition to this scripture I remind myself that God has transformed me the most when I am broken and lost. When things are going bad, or tough it is the times that He redeems me and is glorified. (His glory and what I am learning about that is a whole other post;] )
Well I am definitely at the point of rambling so I am going to wrap it up with a quick prayer.
Dear Heaven Father,
Thank you that you are not a God that is concerned about the words in my prayer but the attitude of my heart. I want to thank you so much for providing this opportunity for me. I am so blessed to be able to be here and I thank you so much for all of the people who helped support me financially and prayerfully. The support of my family has been incredible and I thank you so much for that. Please Lord bless my family and friends as I am away from this summer. You know what is going on in the hearts and minds and I just pray that would would surround them with your love and compassion and that they may find comfort in you. I also pray that you can help relationships stay strong, and in tact. Thank you again for the amazing experiences I am having in Ocean City. I am so thankful for all of the people here and I know it is all because of you. Thank you.
I pray all of these things in you perfect and holy name, Amen.
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