Year in Review: 2014

Today marks one year since I have started my blog! My first post was dedicated to announcing that I wanted MORE out of 2014. I reread journal entires where I told God to give me courage to be whoever I was supposed to be this year for His glory and to give me wisdom on how to give more for Him this year. When I originally prayed those words I had no idea what I was getting myself into and I wouldn't change it if I could.

When I returned to school in January my church I attend continued to encourage us to pray about their spring break mission trips they were offering. One Wednesday night, a man from Arizona spoke about the lostness in his area and encouraged us to go on the college mission trip to Tucson. That night I felt God calling me to go and thinking about my prior promises, I said "yes" 30 minutes later. The week I got to spend in Tucson was unforgettable. I got to share the gospel with people numerous times and pray for people who needed encouragement. God took me out of my comfort zone that week to remind me: His work is not finished and we, as His laborers, must continue to fight the good fight.

In mid-January, I got an e-mail that I never expected. I had been hired as an intern for Agua Viva Ministries in Ensenada, Mexico. I probably read the e-mail hundreds of times, but still couldn't believe the journey I was going to embark on that summer. I finished up spring semester full of good memories with friends, but in the back of my mind I was constantly trying to decide I was ready to spend two and a half months in a place I had never even heard of with people I hadn't met for the sake of the gospel. May 27th came and I boarded my first flight. Before I knew it, August 10th came and I was flying home. My days in Mexico are some I will never be able to forget. I made life-long friends, new brothers and sisters in Christ, and memories I will hide in my heart forever. 

Soon after returning home from Mexico, I started my junior year at Union. I didn't know it then, but this past semester turned into the hardest academic season I had experienced since starting Union. I definitely was relying on the Lord for my strength! Apart from school I had many wonderful times with friends, including visiting a dear friend in Chicago on my fall break. For my 21st birthday, my roommates (and others) surprised me by taking me to a pumpkin patch that afternoon. It was a sweet, restful time!

Now as I am spending some quality time at home, I have had a lot of time to reflect on all the Lord has taught me this year. As I think about specific moments, my mind still goes back to my prayers where I asked God for an abundance in courage. In Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus in chapter 3, he ended his prayer in a way I have tried this past year to remember. I started this year expecting God to do so much and show me His love, but He still exceeded my expectations. Ephesians 3:20 reminds me that I serve a big, gracious God that loves me more than I could ever imagine. 

Blessings,

Chelsea

I once was lost, but now I'm found...

Yesterday I finished a my first in-depth study on the book of Hosea with an awesome blog called She Reads Truth {If you haven't ever heard of them, I highly suggest you check them out, ladies}. The past 17 days I have been studying Hosea inside and out with hundreds of women all over the world. It's a daily devotional and an online community that engage women in scripture, prayer, and spiritual truth. This is the second, in real time, study I have done with them and I have been encouraged every day. Who wouldn't be encouraged by reading God's Word with hundreds of sisters each day knowing all of us come with our unique stories to praise the same God? It's awesome! 

Now to reality, reading Hosea was sometimes difficult, sometimes refreshing, and sometimes terrifying. If you don't know much about Hosea, you should read this post. As I read about how Israel continued to turn from God, not seek Him, and worship false idols, I knew it sounded familiar. I am Israel. I turn my back on God when things don't go the way I think they should. I don't seek Him in the good and bad times. I worship other things besides Him. I feel like this is a constant battle for most of us because we live in a fallen world. We are constantly being distracted by things around us that want our undivided attention, but none of them deserve it. In Hosea, the people worshipped Baal, wooden idols, and themselves. Now we worship others, technology, ourselves, and the list goes on. 

Though Israel was so disobedient, God never gave up on them. Hebrews 12: 3-7, 11 says:

"

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart. In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly

or faint when you are reproved by Him,

for the Lord disciplines the one He loves

and punishes every son He receives. 

No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

He loved Israel, so He disciplined them. He wanted them to see the consequences of their sins. He wanted them to repent and turn their hearts back to Him. In Hosea, God was just and punished them for their wrongdoings. It was hard and painful, but He still loved them. The same is true for us. We do things that aren't pleasing to God, but He waits with open arms for our return. Hosea ends with a promise of restoration. Verse 4 God says, "I will heal their waywardness, and love them freely." May your heart find peace in His promise. 

As a whole, Hosea was very reflective for me. I thought back to the time when I received salvation. How before I intimately knew God, I lived for myself and my own happiness. Yet God was still pining after my heart. When I finally realized I needed Him, I remember physically feeling His love for me. Now looking back on those times, I see how lost I was before July 4, 2006. Now on September 12, 2014 I'm found. I find love in Him. I find life in Him. I find peace in Him who died so that I may live.  

Blessings,

Chelsea 

Simply Live.

Moving back to the US and back to school all within a week was...overwhelming. After living completely different from my norm for 76 days, I knew normal life would be hard to adjust back into. As I am finally finding my niche back in school, I have time to collect my thoughts and decipher my summer in Mexico. Most times when we return from a mission trip, we expect to reflect on our time spent serving and get a revelation or epiphany from God. I spent a good amount of time searching for this big picture. I was turning over every rock in my mind trying to decide what God was trying to teach me and why He had called me to Mexico. I was praying that He would show me sooner rather than later so I would know my purpose and live accordingly. Looking back on my journal entries, I want to go back in time and slap myself silly! For a healthy portion of the summer I decided why God had called me to work with Agua Viva was all about me and my relationship with Him. I was wrong. 

It was the week after July 4th, when God sat me down took hold of me like a mother would her child trying to teach them something important. I remember realizing how selfish I had become and feeling convicted. I prayed that God would rearrange my heart to align with His. That's when everything made sense. I wouldn't call it a relation or epiphany, but an end to them. Being a missionary or doing missions is not about me. Ever. Yes, God is going to teach me things along the way as long as I am in an active relationship with Him, but that's not the big picture. 

 

Matthew 28:19-20 says, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Jesus instructed His disciples to "teach them to observe everything I have commanded you." He equipped His servants to go and teach others. He instructed them to "go" and simply live. Go to all the nations and make disciples. That's what we are all called to do. After I understood this, I didn't pray for a purpose because I didn't need to know. I knew my job and I knew what I had been called to do. God had the rest. He still does. 
As I continue to reflect on my time in Mexico, how awesome it is to know that's how God calls me to live here at school too. May I not worry about all the details of why I'm at Union, why I work with kids, or why I have the job that I do. God knows and He will tell me in His timing. I want to focus on what I am called to do. Simply live. 


Blessings,

Chelsea

Week 5: VCC and Vino Nuevo

This week we worked with a group from Dublin, CA. VCC is no stranger to Agua Viva; they have been coming several times a year since 1989! I worked with them men all week on building new bathrooms for Vino Nuevo and some roofing. I was so encouraged by their work effort, how encouraging they were, and how serious they took their faith all week. I came into this week thinking it was going to be exhausting and having a bad attitude, but once I was around the group they completely changed my attitude. I am so thankful for the friendships I made this week! Though I was consumed in working this week, God did a number on my heart that I am so glad He keeps reminding me of. 

This week I was asked, "Did you ever think you would be hanging drywall in Mexico?" I simply said no, but in my mind I couldn't help but think I never thought I would even be in Mexico to begin with. I thought back to 6 years ago when I answered God's call for my life to do miss one having no idea where He would take me. If you would have told me then that I would be spending 2 and a half months working in Mexico I wouldn't have thought twice about it. The more I kept thinking about all God has blessed and surprised me with in my life the more I wanted to praise Him. God knows my heart's desires before I do. As long as I rely on His strength to get me through there is nothing too hard or impossible. Who knows what my life is going to look like this time next year or 5 years from now. I do know one thing- its going to be far more than I could ever imagine! 

As I still have 30 days here, I pray I have faith enough to know God is going to do big things in me and through me! 

Blessings,

Chelsea

Week 4: Sunland Neighborhood, Casa Esperanza, and El Mesias

This week we had a group of high school and college students guided by their fearless youth minister. They were from Sunland Neighborhood Church in Sunland, CA, which is in the greater LA area. This was their first time here at Agua Viva and for most it was their first mission trip ever. But you couldn't tell. They continuously prayed for boldness and God showered them with it. Never once did they back down from sharing the gospel despite the language and cultural barriers. Of course they were nervous and doubted their own abilities, but God was present this week and spoke for them.

On Monday afternoon we did street evangelism where we went to a park and they performed some songs. Afterwards they went and started conversations with people in order to share the gospel. It was so cool to look in every direction and see students talking to homeless people, families, and kids their own age even if they had no idea what was going on.

Oh, we also witnessed one of the adult leaders save a pigeon. It was awesome. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon we went to an orphanage called Casa Esperanza. It is a home for mothers and their children who seek refuge from abusive homes. The children were beautiful and so much fun to play with. The first girl I met, Ximena was holding an Evangecube. When I asked her about it she shared the gospel with me and finished with asking me if I knew Jesus personally. I replied with a hug and a warm heart knowing that I had such a young sister in Christ who cared about the salvation of others. Sunland Neighborhood really enjoyed kicking the soccer ball around with them and sharing Christ's love for them through songs and a skit. On Wednesday as we prepared to say goodbye, we circled up to pray and a couple of the children from the orphanage asked to pray for us. They asked God to bless us. To protect us. To give us wisdom. To hear these things coming from young children who have had hard lives, blessed me like no other.

Tuesday through Thursday afternoon we worked with a church called El Mesias to put on a VBS. The youth of this church also helped and it was so encouraging to see both youth groups interact with each other.  Each day we had around 25 or so kids that we got to love on. We did crafts, sang songs, memorized verses, ate LOTS of snacks and enjoyed each others' company. The pastor of the church and his family were so welcoming and encouraged us each day. On Thursday night we joined them for their worship service where Sunland performed songs, a skit, and told testimonies. It lasted for 2 and a half hours but it felt like no time at all. Getting to worship with brothers and sisters who we have only known for a week was such a precious glimpse of heaven. We were all from different cultures, languages, but it didn't matter.

As July 4th approached I began to reminisce on the past 8 years. 8 years ago today I gave my life to Christ. I surrendered my all to Him. I thought of where I was spiritually 8 years ago, not knowing what God had in store for me for the years to come. I thought of what God rescued me from time after time. I thought of the time I went on my first mission trip like most of the kids here. I thought of the times I have felt God's presence, heard His voice, and received confirmation for His plans for my life. Finally I thought of all the all the instances that have added up to this summer. Here in Mexico speaking Spanish. Developing the friendships I have. Using the gifts God has given me. One phrase sums it up. ¡Gloria a Dios! 

Last night we met up with some friends on the beach. We ate pizza, roasted s'mores, and shot fireworks. We had good conversation and listened to music. It was definitely a holiday to remember! 

Prayer Requests:
-For our 2 reams this week, Bethel and VCC.
-For the various construction projects we are doing around camp and Ensenada.  
-For the summer staff, our physical and spiritual health.

Week 3: FPC Wickenburg and Vino Nuevo

Te amo Cristo muy dentro de mi corazón

Te amo Cristo muy dentro de mi corazón

Dentro, dentro, dentro de mi corazón

Dentro, dentro, dentro de mi corazón

One of the sweet ladies from the church we worked with this week taught this song to the children at VBS and it has been stuck in my head. It translates in English as, "I love you, Christ, very deep in my heart. Deep, deep, deep, in my heart." This week I felt that.

Our American group this week was a group of 12 from Arizona ranging from high schoolers to sweet men and women who were like grandparents to us. One of the them, a father to a full time staffer here, even insisted we call him Papa. They were so personal and encouraging. Last week I prayed that I would be able to form better relationships with the groups and God heard my prayers. He answered them with this sweet group that I was able to serve alongside with beautifully.

In the mornings we worked in a church called Vino Nuevo,which I have mentioned before. We have been attending church here and this week we were able to minister to them. While some worked on finishing a room, others helped with an English class, where, as most of you know, my passion lies. As I found out about this ministry, and the time drew closer I got more excited. On Monday when we began to set up I asked God to bless out time and fuel my passion for teaching English. He didn't fail me. We had about 4 students each day and our conversation was so joyful. It is so inspiring to see people intently focus on learning something by choice.There was a girl my age in the class that is incredibly sweet. I am so glad I am able to continue my relationship with her so we can practice her English and my Spanish. This was another time I felt God answering my prayers regarding relationship building!

In the afternoon we hopped around town to do 2 one day VBSs and 1 two day VBS. The kids we interacted with were beyond precious and so loving. I enjoyed getting to watch the group share the gospel each day. The pastors of each site were so receiving and thankful as we loved on the children they minister to year round. As I observed the children I was so amazed at how open they are with us. None of them ever hesitated to sit on our laps, give us hugs, play with our hair, or tell us anything we asked. I have began to fall in love with how honest this culture is.

This week is one I hope I never forget. Between the people, the experiences, and seeing God move in my heart and the hearts of others, these past 5 days have been chalk full of memories and lessons. I can't believe I am only here for less than 6 weeks longer. 

Prayer Requests:

-For our American group, Sunland Neighborhood Church from Sunland, CA, as they travel here Sunday and prepare their hearts to serve. 
-For our street Ministry on Monday as we advertise for VBS. 
-For our Sports Ministry at Casa de Esperanza, an orpanage here in Ensenada. 
-For our VBS and Construction ministry at a church called El Mesias.

Week 2: Open Door and Vista Hermosa

Where to even start with this week. On Sunday we met 41 fresh faces from Open Door, which is a church in Mountain View, CA, aka the city where Google is. They were all so enthusiastic about the week and all it entailed. I knew, just as last week, God was going to do big things.

We worked with a church called Vista Hermosa (or Beautiful View) in the Colony 89 community. This community began in 1989 and since then has spread like wildfire. It also has the reputation for being one of the poorer communities of Ensenada. Vista Hermosa's name must have been given because of the view they have from their backdoor.  It is breathtaking. I'm sorry that the picture below doesn't do it justice.

Our ministry for the week was to build them a new sanctuary and put on a VBS and Womens' events in the afternoon. My job was construction all day long, but I was told both afternoon activities thrived and God was present! This week I got to watch a concrete slab be transformed into a place that believers will raise their hands to Our Father in prais. As each wall was raised I felt so much excitement for what God had called us to do and what He was doing in each of our hearts.

My task most of the week was to head the painting crew and get boards primed and painting as quickly as possible. I wish someone could have captured my face as I saw the color of the church was going to be. As soon as I saw it my heart flooded with happiness and Tennessee pride. It slowly faded, though,for when I shouted "GBO," no one had any idea what I was talking about.

With each stroke, I thought about all the men, women, and children who would enter this building to praise our Father. To worship our King. To surrender their lives to follow Jesus. Then my sinful nature sat in.

Orange. Tennessee. Home. My bed. My family. Food other than tortillas, rice, and beans. The ability to flush my toilet paper. I missed home. I was tired of being out of my comfort zone. I craved the convience of home. These thoughts continued to circulate my brain and my internal attitude continued into a downward spiral as I allowed the enemy to dictate my thoughts. It was until I pulled myself out of the world and focused back on God that I remembered why I am here. God has called me here to use the gifts He has given me to bring Him glory and draw myself closer to Him. Its as simple as that. If I am too worried about what is happening at home or caught up in the next fun thing to do in Ensenada, I have missed my purpose. This week I was, and still am, thankful for God and His second chances. For His mercy and love. For His patience.

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." -1 John 4:11-12

Prayer Requests
-Safety for our 2 American groups this week, FPC Wickenburg and Grace Church, as they travel to RAV on Sunday.
-Our many sites throughout the week that are all over Ensenada.
-All of our ministries this week, including construction, VBS, English classes, and women's ministry
-Prayers for the summer staff as we lose a value component to our team, Kailey this week.

Week 1: Chapel Grace and La Semilla

Before the week started, we celebrated Hannah's birthday at Las Cañadas! It was a blast! We dominated a canopy tour that consisted of 5 zip lines and 5 walking bridges. Later that day we had a bonfire on the beach, where Rob, another intern, gave us our own little private concert with his original music.  

Sunday, Chapel Grace from Coalinga, California came as our first group of the summer! Upon meeting them, I already knew God was with us and He was going to do amazing things with this group. 

In the mornings we did various construction projects around the camp. The one I helped with was building the ramp in the picture. The men from the group and some AV staff taught me to mix and pour concrete and how to use other tools. I almost feel as if I learned more in this past week than I did all of last semester I'm school. 

In the afternoons, most of us went to a community an hour away from camp and did a VBS at a church called La Semilla (or The Seed). What is interesting about this church is that they are a church plant of the church I attend in town called Vino Nuevo (or New Wine). The church is centered in a community of migrant workers, which are indigenous peoples who come into towns during the harvest season for work. The people of this community are from the state of Oaxaca. They are beautiful, sweet, and hard working people. The children that came to the VBS were anywhere from 7 months to about 12 years old. We themed the VBS around love, and it couldn't have been more appropriate. From the time we got out of our cars on the first day to the last day as we were driving away, those children received and gave love like I have never seen. 

As I focused in on what God was trying to reach me this week, I didn't truly understand until this morning in staff devotions. We have began to study 1 John and God grabbed my attention with the first verse. It reads:

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life."

He reminded me how tangible the Gospel is. It's not just a story. It's the way I live my life. It's my motivation behind how I love, do work, and communicate. My prayer is that He continues to remind of this and I can love, work, and communicate better in order to bring Him glory. 

Prayer Requests:

-For next week's group, Open Door.

-For energy, we are building a new church building next week!!

-The church we are working with here, Vista Hermosa. 

-The community where this church is located, Colony 89. It is one of the poorer parts of Ensenadsa. Pray we make a positive impact on those we encounter and that they would see Jesus in us. 

Blessings, 

Chelsea

Estoy Aqui!

May 27th 6:25am
God, am I ready for what you have called me to do? Even though I have always felt independent, this morning when Mom dropped me off I felt as if she should have been holding my hand all the way to my seat on the plane.
11:30am
Lord, calm my spirit.I know You are with me. May your Holy Spirit guide me.
9:15pm
God, you are so faithful. I AM IN MEXICO!! Prepare my heart and mind so that I may serve you well this summer.
June 6, 6:45pm
My Father, my heart is so full. I have grown to love the people I work with and I know you are going to bless our ministry and time together this summer.

As I reflect on these journal entries I can't help but stop and praise God for all He has blessed me with this past week and a half. I serve such a big God who cares for every intricate detail of me and that blows my mind.

I would love to give y'all a look into what life has been like so far!

We arrived at camp and I couldn't get enough of the beauty all around me. Between the mountains and the city, I fell in love with the new creation God had blessed me with. We began training and the other interns and I got to know each other. Shortly after we arrived we began our homestays. I got so nervous! Even though my boss, Becky, told me I had nothing to worry about. I met my Mexican family and all my worries fleed. 

I lived with the Hiram-Flores family all weekend and couldn't have asked for anyone better! The family consisted of Olvia and Willie and their two sons, Daniel (16) and Josue (17). They were such a joy to be around. I had many conversations with Olivia about life, God, and everything in between. The family's love for God is so evident and I am so blessed to be considered their American daughter while I am here. On Saturday while I was with the family, Olivia, Willie, and I walked to the beach from their house to watch the sunset. The silence in those moments as I took in God's craftmenship is too amazing to put into words. I felt as if my thanksgiving weren't enough for the blessings He had already given me, but I know in that moment God knew my heart. 

This week we moved back onto camp and finished training. Becky, and others, prepared us for the summer. We learned how often we will have to wear close toed shoes (pretty much all the time), what to do if we find a snake (kill it quickly), and how many different types of wrenches there are in the tool shed (lots). We begin work on Sunday and I can't wait to see what the next week holds! 

(Me, Becky,Stephanie, Hannah, Kailey, Tabitha, Julie, and Rob (who was in Nevada at the time)) 

Prayer Requests

-For our team and the rest of the staff, as this is the first week of the summer

-For the American group this week, Chapel Grace

-For the kids that come to our VBS this week at La Semilla

-Safety during the construction projects that take place at RAV

I can't thank everyone enough for all the support in have already received! 

Blessings, 

Chelsea

It's Summer!

      Now that school is out I have time to breathe. I can write and read what I want on my own time! For the next 91 days I will be in summer mode! Before I write about what I will be doing for 77 of these days, let me recap how the rest of my sophomore year ended.

      During my spring break, I went with a group from my church on a mission trip to Tucson, AZ. We worked with an awesome new church plant and on the campus of UofA. Between yardwork, sharing the gospel through henna tattooing, and putting on a block party for around 1,000 people, it was a tiring, yet rewarding week. Initially I didn’t know why God called me to go to Tucson, but after meeting the people I met and seeing what God did that week through our group, I knew I was exactly where God wanted me. That week was a nice refresher where I was able to pause life and simply do work for God.

      The rest of my semester consisted of paper writing, test taking, and sleeping. I would consider this past semester the hardest yet, but I am learning things I am passionate about from here on out so that excites me.

      Now onto what my summer is going to look like! On May 27^th, I will be boarding a plane to make my way to Ensenada, Mexico! I will be working as a summer intern for Agua Viva Ministries until August 11^th. I couldn’t be more excited! Though last summer I had a blast working Centrikid, I felt as if God was calling me to do something else. When I stumbled upon Agua Viva I didn’t really consider it, but after a series of events I decided to apply. I turned in my application at the beginning of November and in January I received an email saying I got the internship. I accepted with excitement and fear of the unknown! After much prayer and preparation, I leave in 8 days!

      I will be living on Agua Viva’s ranch with 6 or so other interns. Each week American groups will also come stay at the camp to do mission work either at the camp or in the city (i.e. construction projects, VBSs, sports camps, medical clinics, etc.). I will act as a helper/facilitator for these groups each week.

{Photo Credit: MiKalla Cotton}

      My aim this summer is to seek the Lord in everything I do and spread the Gospel to those who will listen. I hope to improve my Spanish skills and learn more about the Hispanic culture. I would appreciate prayer through these next months as I follow God’s will!

      To learn more about Agua Viva, you can visit aguaviva.com. If you have any questions for me don’t hesitate to ask! Thanks for reading my blog! I hope to update throughout the summer if time allows!

Blessings,

Chelsea 

More: Being Present

I have a habit that I just can’t stop. I do it before I even get out of bed most mornings. I do it before I go to sleep every night. When I’m waiting in line, waiting for my professor to start class, or sometimes when I’m even in the middle of a conversation with someone I do it subconsciously. I am constantly checking social media. Honestly, I don’t even know why I do it so much. Do I really care about what I’m reading or is it just what my generation does? This month I’ve decided I no longer want my nose in my phone all the time. This month I’m signing off my social media accounts. I want to be present and I want to get my self-esteem back.

I can remember specific moments recently where someone has been in a conversation with me and we are both having the conversation physically, but mentally we are checked out and scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I am DONE being that person. Thinking of all the meaningful conversations I just write off because I’m too busy looking at what other people are doing makes my heart hurt.  I could be sharing the gospel with someone, but I’m too occupied with someone’s ability to capture the perfect picture of a sunset. God is not being glorified when I am half-heartedly present and half-heartedly in the “cyber world.” I want to give my friends, family, and strangers my full attention. I also can’t even count the high number of times I have started a conversation with “Did you see {insert something on social media here} today? Look how many like they got!”

Which leads me to another reason why I am no longer going to waste hours of my day focused on others’ lives. I have caught myself lately comparing my profiles to others’. How many likes did this picture get? Wait, why didn’t she like my picture? I wish I had that many followers/retweets…STOP! I can only imagine God’s laughter at me when I even think of comparing myself to them, when I am perfect in His eyes. But I can’t help it, right? I live in a world that pressures me to look my best, be my best, and be the best, so I must succumb to the standards of this world. Wrong. When God was anointing David as king he told him, “For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) This is still true today! I don’t want to look for my worth in the number of likes I get on a selfie. I want to find my worth in the Lord again.

I don’t say these things because I think social media is a bad thing. I am only repeating what others have said before me, too much of it is a bad thing. In my life I have too much of it. There is only one thing I want excess of in this world. Jesus. 

To Him be the glory,

Chelsea