Humble Before the Lord

"Sometimes fear in ministry can be a sign of your own insecurities."

I never thought I'd be involved in ministry to any degree. I grew up in a big church and *everyone else* did the work. Being at a smaller church has been a continual blessing in my spiritual life and has been pertinent to my growth. I've realized that all Christians are called to ministry...not just the Pastor and the leaders. I am constantly reminded that change doesn't begin or end with the words I say or what I do. Sometimes I feel like I can talk and talk until my voice gives out and it won't change anything. And I'm right.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."- John 15:5

Lord, keep my spirit humble and my lips proclaiming your goodness.

Overcoming Apathy

Funny that the title I felt was appropriate has the word "apathy" in it and it's also my first blog posting in months. No coincidence there.

I was reading Ann from A Holy Experience's blog posting about Falling for God and it really opened my eyes to how I've been the last few weeks. If you have a chance, read it. I recommend no distractions and a solid chunk of time before clicking that link. 

Jesus, forgive me for finding joy in anything but you. 

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."-Psalm 63:3 (ESV)

One Year!

A year ago yesterday (August 10th), I started going to Fountain of Life. Upon the suggestion of a friend who could tell I wasn't happy with my current church (where I was raised and never intended on leaving), I went to FOLF and never looked back. It was an instant awareness that this was the right thing for me. As hard as it was to take a step in a direction opposite of what I had planned, it had to be done. It has seriously been the biggest blessing and such a sign of grace on my life. Why the Lord continues to rain down blessings on me, I will never understand. His love is unfathomable to me.

I've honestly learned more in the last year (not only about the Bible, but about myself), than I did in the 22 previous years of my life. I believe in the leadership, I trust the teaching, and I love the congregation. One of my biggest desires was to be a youth group leader and I knew that would never happen before. Now, one year later, I have grown to love the FOLF youth group and can't wait to see it grow, grow, grow (physically and, most importantly, spiritually). 

So grateful and so blessed to be part of this group, the body of Christ!

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."-Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

We're Baaaack!

This past Monday, 32 of us (25 kids, 7 leaders) loaded up into vans and headed to Big Sur & the American River for the annual youth summer trip. For those who are wondering, we came back yesterday with all 32 people. Quite an accomplishment!

In all seriousness, the week FLEW by and I'm bummed that we're not still there (although I do feel cleaner and less sunscreen-ish here in my house). My hope for the trip was to grow to understand and relate to the kids in the youth group more (particularly the girls) and after 15 hours in a car...it's hard to NOT know them better. :)

I'm excited to continue working with them and to see them grow...not only in physical and emotional maturity, but in their love and desire for Christ.


Praise God for a safe, fun, and enjoyable trip!

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love...to be self-controlled and pure..." -Titus 2:3-5 (NIV)

The Big 2-3 is Here!

#1: Fountain of Life Fellowship

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!! I'm 23...eeek! It's already been one of the best birthdays, by far. At midnight, I was walking out of a hilarious comedy show with Scotty (who is seriously a CHAMP for putting up with so many birthday festivities...yikes) and this entire day has been exciting from the beginning. Definitely can't complain about a thing. Ever.

At the beginning of this walk down memory lane, I said they would be in no particular order. This one is the exception to that rule. This time last year, I was going to church because I knew I needed to but I was not spiritually fed as much as I was needing. To see the path that God took to get me to where I am now is incredible. I would've never guessed in 100 years that I'd leave the church I grew up in and take a leap of faith in this direction. I'm a huge fan of NEVER CHANGING ANYTHING EVER, so to uproot myself like this was definitely not in my plans. However, it ended up being the best thing that's happened. In August I began attending FOLF and the Lord has blessed me abundantly through the change. He has taught me that my plan is definitely not the way that's best...at least not ALL the time. ;) I feel so so so blessed everyday for the church, the members, the lovely ladies in my accountability group, the relationships made during Life Together Group, the God-fearing leadership, the opportunity to be a deacon, the truthful sermons, the youth, the young adult group, the women's ministry...pretty much EVERYTHING that it entails. Praise God for his guidance and his plan, despite our best efforts. :)

Our Pastors, Matt and Scott, standing outside of our church in Fountain Valley, CA.

22 was definitely an amazing year and I look forward to what's in store for 23!

xoxoxoxo!!!

22 Memories of Being 22- (#2)

#22: My Job

As I'm writing this ON my actual birthday (cheating because I am a blog-slacker), I can't help but be overwhelmingly thankful for my job and my co-workers. I'm currently sitting in a heavily-decorated office (it's like the color pink exploded everywhere and I love it). I'm so thankful to have a job in this tumultuous time and even more thankful for the amazing people that I work with. We have SO much fun, SO many laughs, and we are a great team. As much as it can be stressful and overwhelming, it's just as equally fun and enjoyable.

22 Memories of Being 22- (#3)

#3: Bass Lake

A huge highlight, by far! My family (everyone-aunts, uncles, cousins, everybody) and the Atkins fam packed up and went to Bass Lake this summer. It was amazing...beautiful...hot...relaxing...everything a vacation should be!

22 Memories of Being 22- (#4)

#4: Angel Games


This is a highlight of every year, but the Angels had a good season so it was especially fun!

22 Memories of Being 22- (#5)

#5: Wine Tasting

I'd never been wine tasting before and I was stoked when Genesee made plans to go for a bunch of people's birthdays! It was so much fun and I highly recommend it if you've never been. A party bus is also a great idea. ;) We went to four different wineries and it was a blast! We all definitely recommend "Hot Lips" at Faulkner!

22 Memories of Being 22- (#6)

#6: Youth Group Leader

In April, I started as a youth group leader at church. This has always been something I've wanted to do but never thought I'd have the opportunity for. It worked out perfectly and I'm so excited to get to know the girls (and boys) better. We are going camping on June 22nd, so if there are no posts after that, I probably didn't survive.