Hey Everyone, I pray that all of you are doing good.  This past week has been extremely busy but still a blessed week I got the blessing of seeing friends that I usually don't get to see. Work has been good. As hard as my job is it has become a learning experience. I have already began to improve my leadership skills and am learning to have more patience. I constantly learning what it means to be a blessing to all and to let my light shine. As frustrated as I may get to always have the smile and caring attitude is crucial. There have been various occasions when I have had to get on my knees and put a pair of shoes on an older person's who could not bend over. As much as it breaks my heart it takes my mind to when Jesus knelt down and washed the feet of his disciples. I remeber one day I was just being selfish and I was wanting recognition for the work Ihad done. God constantly reminds me that we have a choice we can receive our crowns of this world that will one day fade away. Or we can wait for our eternal crown. And that whatever we do we need to do it 100% for the Glory of God.

I had a really great day off today, I read a 300 page book (no I do not usually do that) I read Tony Dungy new book called a Quiet Strength (being an admirer of Tony Dungy and a colt's fan) I thought the book would be interesting. And it was, I found myself moved by tony's heart. When you are watching a sport on it is almost impossible to get to hear someone's heart the triumphs their struggles. But in this book Tony does an amazing job sharing his triumphs and struggles. I believe that God is going to use this book for his glory. After reading I found myself excited about what God was doing in the Dungy's life and how God will bless others because of this book. When I am watching someone on tv I tend to think that they have a close to perfect life. I know that is not true but that has been what has crossed my mind. In this book you will see the struggles that this coach has faced and how he had to work really hard to get to where he is. If you are in a mood for a good book and enjoy football (especially the Colts) then I would recommend this book.

Update

To everything There Is A Season

When I was a little girl and my grandmother used to tell me this I thought she meant Summer, Winter  e.t.c That was what I had always learned in school. But as I grow older I began to understand seasons differently. And now I am able to look back I see that there have been so many seasons in my life.  With each of these seasons I have learned some important lessons. Seasons outside the United States and seasons in the US. Seasons of losing a friend that you really care about and then losing a family member. Seasons that have brought joy and heartache. Seasons that have brought uncertainty and sometimes unfortunately anger. There are seasons that I wish I could go back to and relive. Like living in other countries witnessing firsthand the word of God being brought into peoples lives especially children. If you know me well you know about my heart for children. Especially when it comes to seeing children taught the word of God.  But then there are those seasons that I never want to go through again.

The season that I am experiencing is one that I am not sure why I am here but totally trusting God to lead me on. In that past week I received a promotion at work. I am now a supervisor in a retail store. If someone would of told me in College that I would be where I am today. I would of probably not believed them. But it is a position that will help me with building leadership qualities and improving on other strengths. God is faithful and his promises are true that is all I know now.

As a 26 year old I feel incredibly blessed to have some of the experiences  And I pray that there will be many more seasons of loving to come.

Everyone have a Blessed day tomorrow. I for one am thankful for a day off. YES

God Bless Love ya all

I'm Back

Hello everyone, I know that it has been a while since I last updated. I pray all is well with you. There has been alot going on in the life of Erika. Lets just hit some of the highlights!!! Turing another year older. Watching Dad retire; then start a brand new job. Changing churches. And lots of hours at work. And dare I forget possibly Mary Kay??? I have not had much time to slow down lately!!!

God has been opening alot of doors lately. I cannot explain it. I am not quite sure what he is doing but I know that it is something. The doors have brought both Joy and Tears. But I know that God is so Faithful!!!! And I have such a sense of peace no matter what happens.  God has opened alot of doors at work. Including a possible promotion (I find out next week). I find it funny how God is opening doors and allowing me to build relationships at Kohl's the very place that I did not want to go back too.  It reminds me that God's ways are so much better than my own.  I am really begging to enjoy the church that I am at now. I went there as a teenager then I left. But I am begging to feel spritually fed here.  Plus a great childrens ministry which I love. Well like Isaid earlier so many new things happening. Things that have become great learning experiences. The chorus that has really become my hearts desire the last couple of months is You give and take away Blessed Be Your Name. Much love have a great weekned. I love you all

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again Rejoice. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request before God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4-7

I can not explain to you how much this verse and blessed me recently. Sometimes it is hard and frustrating when I see that God is doing something but have no clue what it is. For the past few months I have watched doors open and close before me. And I admit it has been frustrating. Jobs that seem like they are really going to work put and then doors close. But I still able to say that God is Faithful because of Philippians 4. During this journey God has taught me a lot about letting go; casting all of my cares upon him and trusting him to provide. When things don't work out still being able to say Blessed Be Your Name. I got a phone call a couple of weeks ago from a Group Home in Nebraska. They are looking for people that have a heart for youth and having a desire for them to know Jesus. I am flying out for an interview next weekend. Please pray for me. I would really like to be a part of this ministry but if it is not God's will then I will still be able to say Blessed Be Your Name.

In this scripture Paul is promising us that everything is going to be ok. Not to worry God will take care of us. Our job is to cast all of our cares upon him and then to Be Still and Know he is God.    The pastor said this morning that when you are able to do this we will see our faith increase. Our fire will grow brighter for Jesus. And more importantly we will BE CHANGED.

Leaving you will some lyrics to a song that I hold so dear.

Take my hands, Take my Heart

I Surrender everything to your control

And all that is within me I will look to you and say

Am yours and you are mine COMPLETELY.

Growing in God's Grace Erika