leap of faith.

I have this friend.  Some of you may know him.  His name is Peter.  And one day, (in Matthew 14:22-32) the Lord spoke through Jesus, and told Peter to step out of a boat and walk on water. Through a leap of faith, he walked on the water, but not without stumbling first.  However, despite his stumble, he still defied the laws of nature.

If someone were to ask me to describe my summer working at a Boy Scout Camp, I would have to say:  IT WAS A LEAP OF FAITH. I worked as a whitewater raft guide, on the New River Gorge in Fayetteville, WV.  On the days I wasn’t rafting, I was working at Camp Powhatan in Pulaski, VA.  My employer…the Boy Scouts of America.  Now I myself was never a scout, but I have many friends who were, and my best friend happens to be an Eagle Scout.

I set off not knowing exactly what I would be getting myself into, but that’s what intrigued me!  It was a leap of faith.  For the first time, I was up against something that I had no prior knowledge of.  I spent two weeks at raft guide training, which proved to be the most difficult two weeks of my life, complete with losing 15 pounds.  My fellow trainees and I completed 28 trips in 14 days, along with swift water rescue training and various other certifications.  But I believe the hardest test, was the test against my faith.

During my prior semester in school, my faith grew immensely and I’d like to say that I had done a fairly good job at being an okay example to others who may be struggling with their faith.  However, when you’re forced to live in a 5x6 tent for two weeks, things begin to look pretty dim.  Now I knew I was strong enough to complete the training, but when the physical and mental exhaustion set in, I began to lose faith.  Faith in myself, and faith in God. I knew that He was there watching over me, but I sometimes wondered if He was actually helping me out any. I fought with these thoughts for a couple days and then as the second week drew to an end, I was dealt a huge revelation.

One of my close friends, Grace McAbee, a fellow Halifax native was there training with me.  Now you may be thinking to yourself, “Why on earth would a girl want to put herself in such a tough situation?”  She came because of her own leap of faith.

In order to become a raft guide, you have to pass two tests.  So as Grace began her second test of training, spirits were high.  But as she dropped into the first warm-up rapid of the day, something went wrong.  She lost her brace and slipped out of the raft and into a re-circulating hole.  After being held under for nearly a minute, she finally emerged gasping for breath.  Her face said it all.  The lack of color in her skin, and the short gasps were enough to make even the most experienced guide tremble.

I talked to her later that day, and she had this to say:  “Lamentations 3: 54-58.”

Ok?  I don’t really know where that came from, but I’ll take it. When I got back to my tent, I grabbed my Bible and looked up the passage.

"The waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to be cut off.  I called your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit.  You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.”  You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”  O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life."

What else is there to say?  From the depths of the pit, God called out to Grace and said do not fear; have faith!  Faith is defined as believing in something that cannot necessarily be seen.  Even though I sometimes felt like God wasn’t directly helping me, I soon realized that through Grace’s accident, God was telling me not to worry.  He was there!

Getting the chance to work at Boy Scout camp, gave me the amazing opportunity to meet a lot of great people.  I was privileged to get to teach many scouts, a lot of whom I can still remember their names.  During week two, I met a kid named Knick.  He was the class clown of the troop and by the end of the week, I felt like I had finally gotten across to him.

All week he had been getting picked on by the older guys, so needless to say he didn’t trust them very much.   He was deathly afraid of heights as well.  Now in my program, New River Adventure, we have a two days devoted to Low Cope and High Cope.  Low Cope teaches team-building, while High Cope pushes you to reach and overcome personal goals.  So when our High Cope Day arrived Knick was very apprehensive.  He ended up completing the course fine and had a great rest of the week.

After the closing campfire, we all decided to meet up to say our goodbyes.  We went around the circle and stated our high of the week and what we had learned, everyone except for Knick.  So we all eventually said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.  As I was walking away, Knick walked up to me with tears in his eyes and said: “Phil, thank you.”

“For what?”  I asked him, confused.

“For teaching me how to trust.”

I can honestly say that nothing feels better than hearing someone tell you that you made an impact in their life.

Knick placed his faith in me, and in turn placed his faith in God.  He saw something in me that he found easy to relate to, and I owe this God.  God gave me the opportunity to teach someone younger than me how to have faith in something greater than me.  Knick grew a little closer to God that day, whether he knew it or not.

Now, while Knick’s story will forever remain with me, I have to admit that the pinnacle of my summer came during the final week of camp.  You see I have this new friend.  You don’t know him, but his name is James.  James has cerebral pausey and has never been able to swim, climb stairs without help, or even climb a ladder.

I met James on a Sunday, and by Wednesday, he had made an impact on my life that I will forever carry.  I was working the High Cope course on Wednesday and James and his father had come to give it a try.  While his dad was a little nervous about the course, James jumped right in line.  His only goal was to make to the top of what’s called the Giant’s Ladder.  The Giant’s Ladder is the type of ladder where the rungs get farther and farther apart the high you go.  Now after about 15 minutes, he was 40 feet in the air, having completed his goal.

With a smile on his face, he continued on with the course, much to everyone’s surprise.  Pushing through a few slips here and there, James managed to make it all the way to what’s called “The Leap of Faith” (it’s two platforms about 3 ½ feet apart that you have to jump across).  This is the sixth element of the course.  He looked down at me, with his eyes wide and full of excitement, and a huge grin on his face, and asked, “You got me?”

“Yes,” I replied.

He then responded with, “You sure you got me?”

I think James embodies the way Christians view God.  We want to do so many adventurous things, and we set these lofty goals for ourselves, and yet we always have trouble trusting.  We come to the edge of some mountain in life, and we ask, “You got me?”  “Are you sure you got me?”

The answer is, YES!  He’s got us!  Most Christians are so afraid of what someone is going to think of them that they can’t just trust…they can’t jump!  Sure, we go to church every Sunday and occasionally we say a prayer or two for someone in need.  But how far from that do we actually go?  How much more are we really willing to put out there?

My guess is that we’d all love to do more than we do, but it’s just not convenient with our schedules.  Or maybe our excuse is, “Well so-and-so isn’t doing it, so why should I?”  When God puts us in challenging situations, we cower away with our tails tucked between our legs.  But why?  Because we’re far too afraid, and comfortable with our lives, to trust that God knows what He’s doing.

After about three minutes of going back and forth with James, I finally looked up at him and asked, “James, do you trust me?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you trust that God is gonna keep you safe?”

“Yes.”

“Alright then, what’s there to be afraid of?”

And he jumped.  It only took him about two seconds to make it to the other side, but for everyone watching, time seemed to stand still (as cliché as it sounds).  It was a once in a lifetime moment that I will never forget.  I tear up now just thinking about it.  Even though James didn’t complete the entire course, it doesn’t matter.  He accomplished his goal and then some.  James taught me something that day that I didn’t learn from reading about Peter in the Bible.

He took a leap of faith that day, and it’s one that I think we all can learn from.  It’s not about whether you guide rafts through class V rapids, teach kids about team-building, or sell hamburgers at McDonalds.  It’s all about taking an adventure.  Setting a goal and reaching it.  Like Peter walking on water, or Knick trusting his fellow scouts, or James climbing a ladder, it’s about confronting a challenging situation and putting trust in the Lord.

So the next time you find yourself on the edge of a high cliff, or at the head of an unmarked trail, will you choose to turn and go the other way, or take a leap of faith?

ode to the nice guys.

The following post was written for the Wharton Undergraduate Journal.

This is a tribute to the nice guys. The nice guys that finish last, that never become more than friends, that endure hours of whining and bitching about what assholes guys are, while disproving the very point. This is dedicated to those guys who always provide a shoulder to lean on but restrain themselves to tentative hugs, those guys who hold open doors and give reassuring pats on the back and sit patiently outside the changing room at department stores. This is in honor of the guys that obligingly reiterate how cute/beautiful/smart/funny/sexy their female friends are at the appropriate moment, because they know most girls need that litany of support. This is in honor of the guys with open minds, with laid-back attitudes, with honest concern. This is in honor of the guys who respect a girl’s every facet, from her privacy to her theology to her clothing style.

This is for the guys who escort their drunk, bewildered female friends back from parties and never take advantage once they’re at her door, for the guys who accompany girls to bars as buffers against the rest of the creepy male population, for the guys who know a girl is fishing for compliments but give them out anyway, for the guys who always play by the rules in a game where the rules favor cheaters, for the guys who are accredited as boyfriend material but somehow don’t end up being boyfriends, for all the nice guys who are overlooked, underestimated, and unappreciated, for all the nice guys who are manipulated, misled, and unjustly abandoned, this is for you.

This is for that time she left 40 urgent messages on your cell phone, and when you called her back, she spent three hours painstakingly dissecting two sentences her boyfriend said to her over dinner. And even though you thought her boyfriend was a chump and a jerk, you assured her that it was all ok and she shouldn’t worry about it. This is for that time she interrupted the best killing spree you’d ever orchestrated in COD to rant about a rumor that romantically linked her and the guy she thinks is the most repulsive person in the world. And even though you thought it was immature and you had nothing against the guy, you paused the game for two hours and helped her concoct a counter-rumor to spread around the floor. This is also for that time she didn’t have a date, so after numerous vows that there was nothing “serious” between the two of you, she dragged you to a party where you knew nobody, the beer was awful, and she flirted shamelessly with you, justifying each fit of reckless teasing by announcing to everyone: “oh, but we’re just friends!” And even though you were invited purely as a symbolic warm body for her ego, you went anyways. Because you’re nice like that.

The nice guys don’t often get credit where credit is due. And perhaps more disturbing, the nice guys don’t seem to get laid as often as they should. And I wish I could logically explain this trend, but I can’t. From what I have observed on campus and what I have learned from talking to friends at other schools and in the workplace, the only conclusion I can form is that many girls are just illogical, manipulative bitches. Many of them claim they just want to date a nice guy, but when presented with such a specimen, they say irrational, confusing things such as “oh, he’s too nice to date” or “he would be a good boyfriend but he’s not for me” or “he already puts up with so much from me, I couldn’t possibly ask him out!” or the most frustrating of all: “no, it would ruin our friendship.” Yet, they continue to lament the lack of datable men in the world, and they expect their too-nice-to-date male friends to sympathize and apologize for the men that are jerks. Sorry, guys, girls like that are beyond my ability to fathom. I can’t figure out why the connection breaks down between what they say (I want a nice guy!) and what they do (I’m going to sleep with this complete ass now!). But one thing I can do, is say that the nice-guy-finishes-last phenomenon doesn’t last forever. There are definitely many girls who grow out of that train of thought and realize they should be dating the nice guys, not taking them for granted. The tricky part is finding those girls, and even trickier, finding the ones that are single.

So, until those girls are found, I propose a toast to all the nice guys. You know who you are, and I know you’re sick of hearing yourself described as ubiquitously nice. But the truth of the matter is, the world needs your patience in the department store, your holding open of doors, your party escorting services, your propensity to be a sucker for a pretty smile. For all the crazy, inane, absurd things you tolerate, for all the situations where you are the faceless, nameless hero, my accolades, my acknowledgement, and my gratitude go out to you. You do have credibility in this society, and your well deserved vindication is coming.

i can't sing loud enough.

A couple years ago, a good friend of mine introduced me to a song that made me speechless.  Phil Wickham, a contemporary Christian artist, released his album Heaven and Earth, and with it a song that embraces you with all of the wonder and majesty that Christ has to offer.

Cielo, which is Spanish for Heaven, is a simple yet beautiful song that is raw in its melodies and lyrics.  The first time I heard it, I was simply taken back by what he was saying and how the words were truly what I have been feeling in my heart.

i'm walking through the bright white gates
breathing in and out your grace
all around me melodies rise
that echo with the joy inside
so i start to sing
but i cant sing loud enough
i can't sing loud enough
when i'm singing for You my God
i can't sing loud enough
i can't sing loud enough
when i'm singing for You my God

Knowing that even in the loudest of circumstances, God can still hear my call to him, is something that is crazy to think about.  I know personally I often find myself getting caught up in the day-to-day hustle and bustle, and at times forget to take a minute and deep breath, and just be in the presence of God.

with a thunder roll and a brilliant light
your glory boasts and the heavens shine
the saints and angels stand in awe
captured by the beauty of it all
so i fall to my knees
but i can't bow low enough
i can't bow low enough
at the vision of You my God
i can't bow low enough
i can't bow low enough
at the vision of You my God

There are times when all I want to do is fall to my knees and simply praise God for everything He has given me and blessed me with.  And it's difficult to express exactly how you feel, but I've found ways to be "exuberant" towards God, without necessarily falling down to my knees in the middle of the office.  I look at it as I can do the exact same thing on the inside.  I can shout and jump and scream as loudly as I want (internally) and know that God still hears me.

i can't hold it all inside
i'm reaching for the One who brought me out of death and into life
but i can't lift my hands high enough
life my hands high enough
when i'm reaching for You my God
i can't lift my hands high enough
life my hands high enough
when i'm reaching for You my God
oh i'm reaching for You my God
i'm reaching for You
i'm reaching for You
i'm reaching for You my God

I've recently been attempting to spiritually "reach" higher and higher.  I strive to get closer and more intimate with God everyday.  I know we all desire a closer relationship with Him, and often times we find ourselves slipping.  However, as long as we focus on our personal relationship with Christ, then everything else will fall into place.  The reason we often slip, is because we get side-tracked and worried about other things.

I'm setting out to live a more Christ-filled life than I have been.  I want to sing louder...I want to bow lower...I want to reach higher.
Check out the video to the song, Cielo by Phil Wickham here!

just do something.

Lately, I have been praying quite hard about my next phase in life. And though a lot is still unclear to me, I know that God is pulling at my heart to do something BIG! I have been amazingly blessed with a family that loves and supports me, and friends that are there to turn to in times of trouble. I have shelter to keep me warm and food to keep me nourished.  And most of all, I have a God that is loving and comforting. A God who’s grace is flowing over me, even as we speak.

So what now? Where do I go from here?

In Matthew 25:35 the Lord says,

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..."

How awesome is it that God gave and taught us so much? It truly astounds me. However, I’m also blown away by the fact that though we’ve been given so much, we still cannot move past our own petty grievances. We have the opportunity right now to stand up and do something. Yet we hide behind our desks, T.V.’s, etc, and deliver excuse after excuse. It’s time to live the way Christ taught us to.

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.  -Deuteronomy 15:10 

I urge you all to “Send It On”. I pray that we all take the time to pray, and ask God where we should go next. My hope is that this one spark will start a fire. To listen to an awesome song that embodies this movement, click here.

we've reached the end.

Well folks, we've done it! Today is the final day of the I Am Second Challenge. It may have taken us more than [22] days, but we' did it in the time that God ordained. I am hopeful that we each can move forward putting into practice the lessons we learned through these videos. And guess what? There are more videos not included in the challenge online.

One common thread throughout all of these videos has been "difficulties". A person who is Second learns from difficulties. Who can you tell today something you learned from a tough time in your life? Watch today's challenge featuring Tony Dungy by clicking here.

I've loved getting to share this challenge with all of you and invite you each to challenge me daily! I will continue to pray that God place challenges in your path that draw you close to Him. As we see in James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Day [21] of I Am Second

I'm not sure if you all follow American Idol, but today's video challenge features the fourth place finalist from Season 7, Jason Castro. I always find it inspiring when I watch American Idol, X Factor and other talent competitions, and see that competitors use their faith to change the lives of their fans. Today's challenge poses this question: What would you say if you were in the white chair? Write it out so it is clear in your head. To watch the video, click here!

Day [20] of I Am Second

I wish I could pinpoint the exact number of people who have been exposed to the I Am Second [22] Day Challenge via this blog. My hope and prayer for this blog, and the challenge, is that God will use it to reach a countless number of people.

In today's video, which you can see by clicking here, NFL quarterback Colt McCoy talks about his search for other people open to spiritual things. Who have you been searching for? Who have you sent the films to? Make a list. Who else needs to be on it? Ask God to work in their lives.

a touching message on Day [19].

Tamera Jolee is dying of cancer but lives her life with complete openness and joy. Your challenge for today: Write out all the things you love about God and thank him. Also, thank the people in your life. Make today a day of thanks. To watch today's video, click here!

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" -Matthew 6:26-27

on the road parody.

SO.....
With my new job, I travel up and down the Western half of Virginia giving presentations to high school seniors about life after graduation, the options they have available to them and how to make the best choice for them. A couple weeks ago, I had to travel down to Carroll County for a College & Career Fair. On the ay down, I needed a way to keep myself awake and alert so I decided to film myself spoofing one of my favorite videos of all time.

I don't know if any of you are familiar with Youtube sensation Glozelle, but one of her original videos is titled, "My Push-up Bra Will Help Me Get My Man Back". To see it, click here! Needless to say, it. is. HILARIOUS! Thus, I decided to do a brief parody of it on my way to my presentation.

I like to call it....My Presentation Will Get Me Students.

You all may think it's just me acting like an idiot, but I like to view it as art....kinda. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and don't forget to check back for more adventures (there's quite a bit coming up soon).

Day [18] of the [22] Day Challenge

Folks, we're reaching the end of the I Am Second [22] Day Challenge. I can't speak for you all, but I have gotten a lot from these videos and pray that those you've shared this with have grown as well.

Today's video features NFL quarterback Sam Bradford. This St. Louis Rams player shares with us something we can all relate to: making a tough decision. Those who put themselves second rely on God to help them do tough things. What tough thing do you need to let God help you with? Ask Him for help.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." -James 1:5-8

To watch today's challenge video, and to hear Sam's testimony, click here!

new film from I Am Second.

Today, the I Am Second movement released a new film that focuses much-needed attention on an important social issue: sex trafficking.

 Annie Lobert.

Feeling unloved by her father and used by a boyfriend, teenager Annie Lobert yearned inside for the power to exact revenge over men. Money to have nice things. To be someone important. It over rode any caution in her life and within a short time she was selling her body, gaining the money she thought was her answer to a better life.

It was a lie. The money instead went to her violent pimp and for many years her world descended into a hell filled with prostitution, cancer, drug addiction and no future. Yet when she cried out to God in her darkest and most dangerous moment, hope arrived to give her a second chance.

To read more about Annie and her story, and to watch the film, simply click here. Also, don't forget to continue spreading the word about I Am Second.

learning to love. Day [17]

Today's challenge from I Am Second, could not have come at a better time. Last night (and today) I was feeling extremely bitter and angry towards a few people. The situation was completely out of my control, but I couldn't seem to let go and forgive. I could feel God reassuring me that things would work out and that His justice would prevail, but alas my human nature took over all I could focus on was the bitterness in my heart.

As I logged into my I Am Second account and watched the video, I knew that this message was ordained for me. Ken Hutcherson's story of releasing anger and allowing himself to forgive hit me hard. Ken left hatred behind and started to love. 

Who do you need to love today? Today's challenge: Spend some time with someone you don’t like and see them as someone that God thought was worth dying for. You'll definitely begin to see them, not as an enemy, but as a brother/sister in Christ. See 1 John 2:11, and to watch the video, click here!

too cute to pass up.

I ran across this photo and couldn't resist sharing it with you all. I don't care who you are, you just cannot deny this little guy is oober cute. If only it were socially acceptable for 23 year old men to dress like this!

I Am Second Day [15] and [16]

Good evening folks! I know my posts have been few and far between lately but work and life have been keeping me super busy...and stressed. I hope to get back on track soon, as I have some awesome stuff to share with you all.

For now, check out the two latest challenge videos from the I Am Second [22] Day Challenge. Simply click here for Day [15] and the here for Day [16]!

Day [14] of I Am Second

Those who are seconds trust Jesus to change their weaknesses into strengths. Has Jesus changed something in your life? Work? School? Tell a friend how Jesus has helped you change. To watch the video and take today's challenge, click here!

I Am Second Day [13] - slacking.

"Sorry" is not even close to the feeling I feel for keeping you all hanging with the latest challenge. Hopefully you all took the initiative to start doing it on your own, but if not here it is for Day [13]...simply click here!
why must we be second?

life.
Nothing about life is easy.

Fear. Anxiety. Depression. Worries. We all have problems of one type or another. How we deal with them is what makes us different. Many of us are crippled in some way by things like drug or alcohol addiction, pornography, eating disorders, pride, even suicide. You may not be struggling with these exact things, but chances are something in your life has taken over. We need to be set free, but just cannot seem to do it alone.

desire.
Everything is never enough.

The truth is, we live life to satisfy ourselves. "I am Number One" is how we live. The problem is that once we achieve or accomplish the things we thought would bring us happiness, we find ourselves as empty as before. It never seems to never be enough. Why? Because the emptiness we feel is spiritual, not just physical or emotional.

satisfaction.
It's not about you.

The spiritual hollowness we feel can be filled only by Jesus Christ. Jesus is first because He really is the one and only Son of God that can save us from ourselves. He died for us because God loves us so much and He sent Jesus to take the power away from our sin nature – the nature we were born with that leads us to make bad choices and ultimately leads to our death. Jesus said, "God so loved the world, that He have His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

understand.
Jesus Christ died for you.

We are all born into sin and the payment for sin is death and separation from God. Jesus died to pay the penalty in full for our sin nature. Yesterday, today and forever. He was buried in a tomb and raised from the dead with power over sin. He offers all of us the gift of eternal life and an intimate relationship that starts the minute you invite Him into your life. All you have to do is believe He is really inside of you. Get to know Jesus daily and talk to Him about everything in your life.

submit.
Decide that you need him.

How can you become second? Allow believers just like you to answer that question. Watch their responses!

If you believe these things, tell God. You can pray something like this. "God, thank You for loving me. I know I have sinned against You. I believe that Your Son, Jesus, died to pay for my sins because of Your great love for me. I believe you raised Jesus from the dead. I now put my trust only in Jesus to love me and forgive me for my sins. Help me put Jesus first. Thank you for our new relationship and the gift of eternal life. Amen."

Day [12] of I Am Second

why must we be second?
life.
Nothing about life is easy.

Fear. Anxiety. Depression. Worries. We all have problems of one type or another. How we deal with them is what makes us different. Many of us are crippled in some way by things like drug or alcohol addiction, pornography, eating disorders, pride, even suicide. You may not be struggling with these exact things, but chances are something in your life has taken over. We need to be set free, but just cannot seem to do it alone.

Laura Klock reversed her own cycle of unhealthy activities by finding fun things to do with her daughters. Today's challenge? Plan a fun, positive, healthy activity with someone in your life. To see the video for the day, click here!

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." -Philippians 4:8-9 

red lights. and today's challenge.

Ever been in such a big hurry that it feels like everything and everyone is out to slow you down? I felt just like that yesterday when I was out visiting schools for my new job. I had an appointment at 9:00 am and thought I had allowed myself enough time for travel. However, I started noticing that every, single stoplight between my house and the school...was red.

Needless to say, I was a bit ticked off. I kept getting stopped and the time kept slipping away; I was positive that I would be late.

As I was stopped at the final intersection before my destination, I heard a whisper: "Slow down." I chuckled as I became aware of exactly what was occurring. God was showing off his sense of humor...unfortunately it took me too long to figure it out.

I sat humbled by how intentional God used those glowing red lights to draw me closer to Him. I get caught up in where I have to be and what I have to do, and I lose myself in my selfish cravings of success, that I tend to forget to sit and praise my Creator for allowing me to have all of these plans.

This awareness is not something that will come overnight, but I pray that the Father continue to bless me with red lights, stop signs and long trains, in hopes that I can sit in His presence. Click here for today's I Am Second video challenge, and be inspired by Shannon Culpepper's story and her struggle with craving something other than the Father.

I Am Second Day [10]

What's up guys and gals?! We've reached Day [10] of the I am Second Challenge. Thank you all for keeping up with it with me; I've loved the encouragement. Keep sending your comments, prayer requests and anything else you'd like for me to know. Also, I'm going to be taking your suggestions/recommendations for some awesome challenges I should do to add to my blog-o-adventures! In the meantime, check out today's challenge video by clicking here!

Have you ever struggled with anger? Ever felt that extending compassion to someone was near impossible? I know I have, which helps me relate to Victor's story. Bitterness and revenge captured Victor after his sister disappeared. Peace came when he gave it to Jesus.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:31-32

What pain do you need to ask Jesus to take from you today?

I Am Second Day [9]

Sorry for the delay folks! My email has been acting up lately and I didn't receive the challenge until late.

Anywho.....to check out the latest challenge video, click here! In today's video, you hear how Claude was God’s answer to Richard’s prayer of “send someone to help me.” Who is someone you can encourage today?

"So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them." -1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Day [8] - I Am Second Challenge

Good evening guys and gals! Sorry this post is coming so late in the day, but between errands and the JMU v. WVU game, I've been pretty busy. And though Madison didn't walk away with a victory at FedEx Field, I think today's challenge video is a definite winner!

Movie star Bailee Madison (quite possibly one of the cutest kids ever) shares how her faith influences the roles she accepts and how important it is to her that she stand firm in her faith. This young one is truly inspiring and is an encouragement that a strong foundation in God has no age requirement.

In the video, you'll hear how another actress got a role that Bailee really wanted. But God helped her forgive and become friends with the other actress. So ask yourself, "Who do I need to reconcile with today?" Call, text or email them as first steps to reconnect.

I Am Second Day [7]

For Wayne Hiuzenga, money wasn't enough. His life needed to be about something bigger. To hear his story and to take today's challenge, click here!

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” -Acts 20:35

 
How will you make today different from yesterday? Use your money or time for something bigger. Give, donate, volunteer. Do something better with your money today!

I Am Second Day [6]

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," -James 1:19

I really enjoyed hearing today's challenge message from Karen Green. Watching the emotions spread across her face as she tells stories from her past made my heart ache. The pain she endured, and the sites her son was exposed to, makes me value and cherish the life I've been blessed with.

Karen chose to make a drastic change in her life when she turned herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest. It's not often you hear of someone doing this, but the way she urgently sought after God and His will for her is inspiring.

"That's when I surrendered...because I didn't know what else to do. ... I didn't know how to change but I knew I had to change. And God, through His Word began to change me. ... And I said, 'God, if you are who they say you are, then change me. CHANGE ME.'"

To check out today's I Am Second challenge, click here!

Karen faced abuse, poverty, and a broken family. What do the people in your life face? Make today a day of listening. Ask questions, listen, be quiet. Listen to their stories. Pray for them.

I Am Second Day [5]

Everyone, in some form or another, struggles with addiction. For some it's alcohol. For others it may be drugs, food or images on the Internet. In today's challenge video, MLB player Josh Hamilton reveals his struggle with alcohol and how God delivered him.

To check out today's challenge, click here!

James 4:7 tells us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." What is your addiction? Drugs, food, TV, porn? Take the first step towards healing. Tell a friend about your addiction. 

Shar

I Am Second Day [4]

"And laying there, just in a complete state of brokenness, I told God, 'Okay, I get it. I can't do it. It's not me. And so, God, if you can use me, if you want me to stay, if you want me to work on this, if you really want me to do this, then I'll stay. And I'll give it all to you.' And from that point forward, things began to change."

Today's I Am Second Challenge video highlights The Biggest Loser winner Michelle Aguilar. Her story and testimony is one that I think a lot of people can relate to. To take today's challenge, click here!

"The scale wouldn't define me. My weight wasn't going to define me. .... But God, all along, was defining me."

Who needs to hear this story? Share this video and challenge with them. Michelle battled with food. What is your relationship with food? Make today a day of health.

I Am Second Day [3]

 "What I needed was for God to just grab me and say, 'I've got this. I've got you. And I'm I'm in control and you don't have to be anymore.' "

Today's I Am Second challenge video is incredibly convicting. I really encourage you all to check it out and continue to spread the word about this movement, as well as the Word of God. To take today's challenge, click here!

"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." -1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

 
Appreciate the unappreciated. Love the unloved. Compliment someone today who would otherwise go unnoticed.

Sha

I Am Second Day [2]

I'm incredibly pumped that you all are continuing to support this blog and I pray that you're able to join in on the I Am Second movement. For today's challenge video, click here!

Buy coffee for the janitor, call your mom, have a conversation with the homeless guy. Love someone extra today. John 15:12, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."

Share this video with someone that you feel God is placing on your heart.

Sh

[22] day challenge.

I Am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled.

I first learned about this movement a little over a year ago, and recently stumbled across one of the videos on Youtube. After being convicted by the story I heard, I knew I needed to dive deeper. I registered online, downloaded some materials and accepted what's called the [22] Day Challenge.

Here's what you do for the challenge:

• Watch the I am Second film of the day.
• Send a link to that film to someone that comes to mind.
• Take the Action Step for the day.
• Pray for people in your city to experience the freedom of living Second.

You will be encouraged, just as I have been, as you watch each day's I am Second focus film. You will grow stronger as you take each day's action step. You will have the fun of forwarding I am Second's films to others. You will see change as you pray for your city.

We are Second when we put Jesus First. Seconds are bold to lift up Jesus and tell others. Are you ready to become a stronger Second? I invite you all to prayerfully consider joining me in this challenge! I will do my best to post the link here to the daily challenge, but I encourage you to look at the website to learn more. Click here to visit iamsecond.com.

Day [1] Challenge : click here.

let's hear it for new york.

This post is about six months in the making. I've gone back and forth numerous times trying to decide if I wanted to share this with anyone. But seeing as how this blog is devoted to my many adventures, I don't see why I shouldn't fill you all in on this particular one.

Early this Spring, I got the amazing opportunity to travel up to New York City and audition for two shows: Legally Blonde and Grease. These would be two of four shows put on by Shenandoah Summer Music Theater at Shenandoah University. During my over-night stay in the Big Apple, I kept a "video diary" of thoughts and experiences. After combining them into a cinematic masterpiece, I now want to share it with you all!

I hope you enjoy getting a small glimpse into my time in NYC. It is definitely an experience I will not forget and I can't wait to go back again! But for now, sit back and enjoy!!

Here is a link to the Hostel I stayed in:
Jazz on Amsterdam - click here

hang on for dear life.

I definitely couldn't pass up the opportunity to share this photo with you all. Whether or not you're having a good day, this little guy will make you crack a smile.

 

How awesome is this?! I think it's an awesome example of how we often feel. We add more and more to our schedules until we're hanging on for dear life. I challenge you to find something you can let go of...and find something that makes you smile!

l'angelus.

I meant to write this post last week, but between afternoon naps and Madea movies I just haven't had the time. Anywho....

Last week, I took my first adventure to the Rockingham County Fair to see Michael W. Smith in concert. For those of you who are familiar with him, you know that he's had a great career as a Christian artist. And if you don't know anything about him, check here for his website.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I found him rather..."ehhhh". Maybe I just like to move around, stand up, heck stay awake, during a concert. But maybe that's just me. However, there was one redeeming quality to this show! The band he had playing with him, L'Angelus, was awesome! (Pronounced Lawn-Jay-Loose)

 

They combine the best of Louisiana’s music traditions: cajun fiddle tunes for the dance crowd, saxophone driven swamp-pop, and New Orleans influenced R&B. The group, who are all brothers and sisters, hails from Lousiana. But have family ties right here in the Shenandoah Valley...how cool is that?!

Their high energy and intoxicating “joie de vivre” radiates from the stage. This is definitely a band you should check out in your free time. One of my favorite songs of the night was "Vive Le Bonne Vie", which means Live the Good Life! What an awesome piece of advice! To make your own judgement call, check out this video...enjoy!!

fireworks.

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind wanting to start again?  Do you ever feel so paper thin, like a house of cards one blow from caving in? Now, these words may not be my own, but for the purpose of this post, let’s just pretend they are!

It’s so easy to get swept away by our everyday lives.  We get involved in sports and clubs, relationships take up hours of our time, and as if that all weren’t enough, throw in school work and nagging parents.  When you stand back and look at it all, it’s normal to think that there’s absolutely no way around this mountain.

Katy Perry speaks of a “chance” that we all still have because there’s this magical “spark” inside of us.  Now, I don’t know about you, but it would be pretty darn cool if I could shoot fireworks out of my chest (check out the music video here and you’ll see what I’m talking about).  But let’s take a different look at those lyrics…

What if that spark was, in fact, the Holy Spirit?  What if just by calling out His name, the Lord could send out His “fireworks” in the shape of love?  If we “ignite the Light”, HIS LIGHT, then there is no possible way that the world would not be in awe!

Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed, is so you can open one that leads you to the perfect road.  You just have to remember that the Lord has laid out His plans for you.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

So when the world has you down and feeling like you’re not worth much, just ignite HIS light…

Leave those around you standing in awe under His magnificent display…cause baby, you’re a firework!

be a passenger.

This morning as I was attempting to clean out my car (Rhonda - you'll hear more about her later), I stumbled across a note from a fortune cookie. I put it in my pocket and didn't really think too much about it. A couple hours later, as I sat in my office, I pulled out the fortune and was immediately convicted by it's words.  Take a look for yourself:

 
Now, at first glance you may think, "Oh that's nice." But if you know me at all, you know that I thrive on having things all planned out and rarely do you see me not in control. 

Lately, I've been struggling with my upcoming move to a new job. I've been playing "keep-away" with God, trying to hold on to the reigns for as long as possible. I've been attempting to drive my ship on the course that I want to go on.

I am a huge believer that God likes to show off at times and that He enjoys watching us squirm a bit before He swoops in and knocks us over the head with a little bit of grace and compassion. This is exactly what He did this morning. Now I'm sure whoever typed up this fortune in a factory somewhere wasn't planning on me finding their note, but what I do know is that God ordained for me to find this little piece of advice at exactly the right time.

Psalm 55:22 says,

"Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken."

This is definitely something I need to work on in my walk with Christ. I think it's something we can all use as a reminder. When we attempt to do everything on our own, we are doing nothing but allowing ourselves to grow tired and weary. when we cease drawing closer to Him, the stresses and tortures of this world give way to sin. However, when we decide to be the passenger, when we cast our cares to the Lord, He gives us strength and rest. He promises to use us to do great works, to see marvelous sights.

I challenge you today to be a passenger, and see what awesome adventure God takes you on! Allow Him to provide rest in the midst of trying times. As Carrie Underwood sang, "Jesus, take the wheel!"