Reflection.

Well, this summer has been the best yet. I was able to enjoy most of my summer serving at the wonderful Fort Wilderness. Beneath the tress and by the water, I became so close with my friends and my Savior. I found myself, and learned who I am in Him. For that I am truly thankful.

Now the time has come, for high school to start..one last time.
Tear..sniff.
Moving on.
As many of you know, ( or maybe our don't) I will be a senior and college decisions seemed fairley easy because that decision was the thing I wanted. Anyway this summer I have been praying along with many others that God would help me search the depths of my soul and soften my heart. And he helped me do just that.

Ill admit, I'm a very stubborn person. When I want something badly enough I do it. If I say I am going to do something I do it. In this case, it was my college decision. I decided that where I wanted to go was where I was going. Period.
I found myself using the excuse, " oh yeah, God definently wants me here. This is it."
Until recently I didn't realize that by justifying that answer using the Lord and "his will"; I was sinning. I was taking something that I wanted so badly and saying that It was okay with God. Because thats what i wanted. I think this example can be applied to many different areas of our everyday lives.
This summer, I definently became completely open to the plans that the Lord truly has for me. Now don't get me wrong, that certain college is still an option but I'm just not sure it's truly right for me yet. We will see in a short time I suppose. College visits are happening...SOON. Yay!

I will be experiencing many lasts, but also soo many beginnings. God has great plans for the year ahead in our lives dear friends, all we have to do is dig into his word and pray for his will and his will only.

So the theme for my senior year became plain and clear.

Let go and Let God.

I don't need to worry about every detail in my future. I need to completely hand my life over to Him. He's got this, trust me. If God is for us, then who could ever stop us right? (Romans 8)

Thanks to everyone who has read my summer blog, I'll be starting a school year one soon.

In Him,
Taler

Thankful

Good morning!
It's been a while, sorry.

Well I am back at the wonderful world of Fort wilderness. The fact that for the next week I was/am able to wake up to the smell and sight of Gods creation is beyond comprehension. I has been waiting two week for this moment.

I have gotten to spend lots of quality time with my camp friends via skype, phone, or face to Face. ( aka In person because theu are still working). Boy did I miss their Lovley souls. This past two weeks, being home in iowa, I have really been learning the value of the word thankful.

To me this summer, being thankful for things has been on my heart and thoughts. First, I need to be thankful for what my heavenly father did for me and every other being on this planet. Our ultimate thankfulness and submission should go to him. He died for us so we could love eternally. Woah, that's crazy.

Second, I need to be completely thankful and humble for things God has given me. This summer I've really been thanking God for every friendship that He has brought into my life. It's not always easy living as a christian back home, when most of the time i walk alone or with a couple others. I'm sure many of you can relate to that by being thankful for my friends, I am able to, with god, not dwell on the fact that I live so far away. In past years it really took a toll on me. But with peace from God, I has a renewed strength for another year.

Third, I am so thankful for my parents. Yes, I admit it, I am a teenager and like to be in control of my life. That's just the way it is. I am thankful for the boundaries and discipline that they have given me in y life this far. ( even when in the moment, I want to scream.) whether they believe it or not, they are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Whatever age you are, I encourage you to thank God for your parents. I know I wouldn'tt be who I am today without my parents. Graduation high school this year and starting a new chapter of my life will be different, but I have TI greatest parents who will always be there no matter what.
So today, thank Christ for what he has done; thank a friend who means a lot to you; and thank your parents or someone who has influenced your life.

Have a spectacular day!

In Christ,
Taler