Name Change

I decided to change the name of my blog for two reasons; one being that this is my 2nd summer going into Mt. Hermon as a Day Camp counselor (its like book 2 :D) and two being that I have a feeling this summer is going to be way different.

Calling it "Underneath the Redwoods" holds some huge significance. I know I constantly rave about how my life was changed up at Mt. Hermon, but seriously...if you experience Christ in a whole new way, wouldn't you be totally thrilled about it too? Plus, this is my passion. When you're in love, don't you just want to proclaim it on the roof tops? Or be like Buddy the Elf? Any ways, the name is significant because a lot of amazing things happened in Bible Studies with my campers. Christ used me in ways I couldn't imagine. I was humbled. And being underneath those massive redwood trees opened my eyes, awakened my heart and I got to see an intimate side of my Creator. Underneath those redwood trees, summer became a whole new season for me. It continues to be. I met some amazing people and they continue to play huge roles in my life.

This summer, I leave my expectations at the door in order to make room for whatever God wants to reveal to me this year. I have a hope that my relationship with Jesus is going to become even more beautiful. Its not going to be because of what I can do, but because of what He has done and what He is going to do. Because He shines, I come alive.

This summer, I want to reflect Christ to my kids even more. To love them. To goof around with them. To let them be kids! I think I learned way more through the kids than anything. The innocent faith of a child is such a beautiful thing. I want to have a faith like that. If I love these kids so much, I can't imagine how much more God loves them.

I'm aching to be up there, but I know I must continue to persevere and to enjoy being in the place where God has me right now. I am almost a senior. Dang...some of my closest friends are graduating. I have gone through many obstacles this last year (academically, spiritually and socially). I have wandered, returned, then wandered again. I am not perfect. These people God put in my life here are the best friends I have ever had. They have been loyal, patient and true through these confusing, happy and hard times. Not only here, but my best friends back at home have been so wonderful as well. Dang...I love these people! SO much!

Only a couple weeks left! Lets go out with a bang! :)

"When you SHINE, I come ALIVE."