Hey Ya'll

In just 5 short days, I will have only a month left here in Concord, NC. Wow, I can not believe how fast this time is going. God has blessed me with incredible people here. The youth are great here. They have a lot of potential going for them. I pray that they go after Gods will for their lives.

I am doing good and I am very grateful for all the prayers and messages that you have sent me on facebook or email. Encouragement is definitely needed in this ministry. I am still looking and waiting on where God is gonna lead me next, is it staying here and continuing to work with the youth or is it pack up, go home, and find something there. Please pray for me as I make these decisions. Nothing is certain yet.

I really like it here however, I have spent way to much money here. Maurices is my favorite hang out spot YIKES! Amanda Mc reminded me that if I used my credit card for gasoline purchases I would get 5% cash back, so guess what I've been using :) Don't worry, I am careful!

We had a scavenger hunt at the local mall last Thursday. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and I have been asked to plan another one. Gosh, it was so much fun planning it. Thank you Hannah for helping me out! July 27th, My new friend Jennifer and I have planned a trip to Carowinds. I have never been, so I am really looking forward to it.

David K was here last month. It was so good to see a familiar face! I just love that man to death! Luke, Brandon R, Erin (I think), Billy, and Hannah are coming up Aug 1-2nd to lead worship. Ron (The music minister here) told me today that it was a youth Sunday and I get to plan the whole service..uh-oh, that is never good. :) Hmm, need a speaker or just do praise and worship or you know I could show a Louie Giglio clip...Ahh, what do you all think?

Well I am going to go now, I will try and keep you all posted on everything! Love and Miss you all!

Oh if you read this before July 17th..make sure you wish my Pappaw and Mammaw (Paul and Helen) a HAPPY 50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

Update...

Wow, I can't even believe that it has already been one full week since I started this new journey in North Carolina and let me tell you, it has not been a bed of roses. Keep in mind though it hasn't been as bad and that saying goes either.

I left Greeneville last Wednesday after visiting over at the camp. They were about to start Teen Camp (which I hate I missed out on), while there Josh told me of a story about a pilot. He said they had the three strikes your out rule..which basically means if three bad things happen to you before you are expected to fly an aircraft you are supposed to take the day off. I just laughed at the story, like I usually do when Josh tells stories and thought nothing else of it. However on my way to NC that changed. As I was actually going the speed limit down the interstate, I noticed I was hearing a noise coming from my drivers side window. I had all the windows rolled up and had the AC running. As I looked over, I saw that my rain guard was flapping in the wind. I rolled down the window a little bit (golly, it was hot that day) and held on to it until I could get to a heavy populated exit. I was scared ok! Anyways, I finally pulled over and taped my rainguard to my window/door with electrical tape. And this is what it looks like...

I have turned into a huge perfectionist in the past few months, so I am hoping that you can hardly tell that the electrical tape is on there. :) So that was my STRIKE ONE!

Wednesday Night went really well, I was really excited about the turn out. I talked about Jeremiah 29:11 and how God has a purpose for each of us. Afterwards we went to Taco Bell, that is where the youth and some of the adults always go on Wednesdays. Lucky for me, I am never gonna get rid of Mexican food..woo-hoo!

Hmm, as the weekend rolled around, I worked on my Sunday School lesson. I was really pleased with the topic. "Silence" However, I was not able to use it, but I can use it some other time. They introduced me infront of the church Sunday morning. It made me feel really welcome there. You gotta love Pastor McCaw..He is just great!

Sunday afternoon we went to a place called Happy Lake. Here are some pictures from it. I even had one of the youth get hurt on the trip playing water basketball..which I quickly learned I AM NOT GOOD AT!

Sunday Night service we watched Fireproof..All I say about that is SIMPLY AMAZING!!

Monday rolls around, I wanna see some sights..so I am sure you can only imagine where they take me..Yes, to the Dale Earnhardt Statue. Here are some pictures from that.

Well that is about all the time I have to write today..I am sorry its taking me so long to post.

North Carolina Bound

As most of you all know, I will be heading to North Carolina in a few weeks to a City called Concord. It is really close to Charlotte. In Concord, I will be Branchview First Church of God's Youth Pastor "Intern." I am really excited about this opportunity and experience that I will get. Some of you may asking how I got the position, well here is how:

In late September early October, the church that I attend now were invited to Branchview as part of a LIVE weekend team. Five of us made the journey to this City. While there, I worked with the youth and leaders and became pretty attached to them. I even kept in touch with some of them there. Later on in February, March I received a phone call from my friend Jen, who asked if I would be interested in a postion there as the Youth Pastor "Intern." My heart immediately started pounding, I wasn't sure if I was excited or upset or what. I said, "let me pray about it." I prayed about it and gave them an answer of Yes, I would love to do that! As days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months the time has finally come, where in just a few short weeks, I will be heading to North Carolina all by myself to lead these Youth (with the help of the leaders there.)

I am making this blog so that I can keep you all updated on how I am doing in North Carolina. Thanks again for all your prayers through the years!