Cup of Thoughts

I got to travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana again for a mission trip! This year 2 new guys came along with us. There were a total of 18 people (adults + kiddos) . We packed everything into our new little trailer Saturday, June 23rd. Came to church Sunday morning and then after my Pastor got finished preaching, we went to eat the meal some of our sweet church family made us. Once we ate, we piled up in the church van and headed north. My youth pastor, LD (Larry David), appointed us to be more accountable on this trip. Which meant that we each had an important role to play. Some of us got bathroom duty, and sous chef, and then some of the veterans in the group were responsible for giving away Bibles and motivating the rest of the group to hand them out (that was me!). That plan turned out really good. Everyone knew what their job was, and whoever was finished with theirs helped the person that wasn't done. We stopped right before Cincinnati for a bathroom break. ...

I'm about to work my last shift at Dinner Bell. Last night it really hit me that all of this was coming to the last page. I've been there since April 2016. Wow. Just thinking back on how much I have truly grown and learned so much because of my first job. I remember my boss now, calling me then, asking if I was interested in working as a hostess. I just got back from our 1st Out West trip. I didn't really have any plans for another job, so I said: "that I'd pray about it." And I did. One evening while I was there with a group in the back, I asked the lady at the counter for an application, which is now a good friend of mine. She is is a recovered addict and is now the manager. I love her sweet soul and passion for Jesus. We've had many heart-to-heart talks over the years and exciting adventures together. My first day, the Owner's sister was working with me and made me a list of all the things I need to do with helpful tips and encouraging...

Worship is such an important necessity in our relationship with Christ. In fact, the Bible actually says that we are commanded to worship the One True God (Exodus 20:4) .  Worshiping God is a way to express our love and reverent adoration.  Sometimes while driving to school I'll crank up the speakers so that I don't have to hear my own voice, and sing the loudest I can with lyrics just for honoring God.  Most of the time when someones mentions ' worship ', or ' worship service ' they're talking about the 15-20 minutes of the choir singing hymns before the preacher gets up to the podium and gives a sermon. Lyrics can be more than just lyrics. Hymnals can become a foundation for your praising. I have to admit, sometimes I just sing because everyone else is. It's easy to get in the motions and get distracted. But when we say the Lord's name and His grace with a voided meaning, isn't it the same as taking His name in vain? Worshiping...