Sunday, May 14, 2017

Happy Mother's Day!!




Today is one of the most special days of the year! It’s the day when we are reminded of how amazing our mothers are!!! We get to celebrate them and show our love for them! We hope that you will take the time to extend your personal gratitude and love to your mother this weekend! Remind her of how special she is to you--whether that's by writing her a note, getting a gift for her, or simply giving her a hug and telling her that you love her.

Mothers, we pray that you will always feel as special and loved as you are. We love you and appreciate you so much!!!

Happy Mother's Day!


                                                             Thank you mom for being my best friend!! You will always be the person I turn to for guidance or just for a laugh. Thank you for everything you have done for me all these years!! You'll always be my closest friend. Love you! ~Maddie


Happy Mother’s Day Mommy! You are AMAZING and I don’t know how you do what you do everyday and yet manage to still have a smile on your face! Thank you for always leading me not only through your constant encouragement and love as my mom, but also through the example you set for me as you live in a way that puts God first in all things! I love you so SO much- to the moon and back!- and I am so thankful to have you for my mom! :) xoxo, Kenna 



Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! If there's anyone I look up to for guidance and advice as I walk through life, it's you. Thank you for always being there for me. Whenever I need to talk, you're there to listen. Whenever I need to laugh, you're there to make me smile. Whenever I need to be reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness, you're always there to remind me of the truth. I don't know what I would do without you! I love you past the sky!! ~Hannah

Friday, May 5, 2017

Phobia



This week, I passed my Driving Test and finally received my license. A year late, since I am now 17 years old and probably should have gotten it last year at 16... but better late than never!

It's super exciting and I'm so happy that all the work and practice I put into driving finally paid off. However, it wasn't always like that. Not too long ago, I had a fear of driving and would refuse to take the driver's seat when I was asked to drive anywhere. Two years ago, my parents forced me to study and get my learner's permit even though I was afraid and though I was happy when I passed the test and we celebrated... I still didn't want to drive around.

Let's just be honest, driving is scary! People are crazy! They speed, they don't check their mirrors, they won't turn their blinker on, they honk at you.. etc etc. To sum it all up, it stresses me out and being only five foot one, barely being able to see out the car window, doesn't help.

Finally, last month, my parents enrolled me in driving school. Yes, I drove around in one of those really obnoxious "Student Driver" cars with the signs on top and everything. It was nerve-wracking, but in the long run, my instructor helped me gain confidence in my driving and taught me how to be safe on the road so I wouldn't have to be afraid!

I had to realize, this was a step in me becoming an adult. I had to get my license. I would never be able to drive anywhere myself if I didn't. Most importantly, I had to understand that God will protect me. He's always watching my every step and if I remember to drive safely and pray for God's protection, I have no need to be afraid of the road.

Last week, in my new confidence, I walked up to my dad and said, "Can I drive to youth group tonight?" He was so happy that I finally wanted to drive. It was the first time I had ever asked.

This relates to situations in our lives. Something will come up that you know you have to do and it's scary. For example, going to a new school, speaking in front of people, going to college, trying out for a sport. These are all events that shape our lives and personality. God puts hard things in our lives so that we may learn to trust in him alone and build our faith. I would have never overcome my fear of driving if I wouldn't have begun praying for His guidance and for Him to give me strength and courage.

Because of that, I now have my license (with a cheesy picture of me on it) and I can now get in the car with absolutely no fear, but instead, enjoyment.

Difficult situations in the long run give us more courage than we had before and we know that God gives us the bravery we need to walk through a hard situation. And he gives us this bravery for free. All we need to do is ask Him.

-Madison Terwilliger