Day 4

Last night was quite a test of my Lent sacrifice of no desserts.

After Ashlin and I got a healthy dinner at Noodles&Co, I was craving dessert like crazy. I do not understand it, it is just like something sweet I need to have after dinner. So, I eyed those thick and chewy chocolate chip cookies at Noodles&Co...and that's all I did...was eye them. Instead, when I got home I had some strawberry yogurt and was satisfied.

Blessed are those who endure temptation. For they will be given the crown of life just as the Lord promised to those who love him.

:)

Keep on keeping on, my friends.

Day 3

Do you know the difference between evangelism and missions? I learned the difference this past Sunday at Providence's Mission Festival.
-Evangelism is teaching those who don't believe in Jesus.
-Missions is teaching those who know know there is a Jesus to believe in.

I got up this morning and thought as I went through my usual morning routine of going to the gym and eating breakfast--"Who am I living for today?" Lately I have felt that my day to day activities have been too selfish and too much centered around me. That is what this time of Lent will hopefully help me with, as I try to get out of my comfort zone and do some "good deed" for someone each day.

I have been praying for about 2 months about what I will be doing this summer. As most of you know, I am going to graduate school in the Fall to concentrate in Fashion and Trend Forecasting. That leaves this summer open for thesis research and so much else. Therefore, I have been trying to think what is going to be right for me to do this summer.

The answer to my prayers came last weekend at Providence. Dr. George W. Murray spoke on missions, we saw people commissioned, saw all the beautiful flags on different countries. All of this has been tugging on my heart. I attempted to go to Africa a couple of summers ago, but the timing was not right. I cannot think of a more right time than right now, this summer, for me to go on a mission trip. This trip is the next step in my relationship with the Lord--it is not just about my faith now, but sharing my faith.

I am applying with Providence for two different trips--I would happily take either one of them. I hope and pray this is the right time and I will be able to go and raise the money and prayers. I will keep you updated on this. I am sending in my application today...

HAVEN'T had a dessert yet--YAY! Sticking to my Lent. I have been eating EVERYTHING other than dessert that isn't nailed down. haha

Day 2

I did something Tuesday that was uplifting, scary, and exciting all at the same time. In addition to giving up desserts during Lent, I am trying to give compliments to someone each day, share the gospel, and/or invite them to church. This is a big deal for me, because I have always been pretty private about my faith.

I am taking a karate class as a p.e. at N.C. State and absolutely love it. It is challenging and a completely different experience than dance, but I like being challenged in this way. Our teacher is so great and full on knowledge...he is tough while being patient. I have always caught a hint of "faith" in his speeches about karate and became curious. Well, we found out last week that today is his last day teaching us because he will be undergoing a serious surgery and will be out the rest of the school year. I thought, "this is your chance!"

So, I went up to him Tuesday after class and nervously told him, "I do not know if you are a christian, but I just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you." And he said, "I am a christian and I appreciate that so much." I was so happy to hear that and sincerely hope he has a strong relationship with Christ. Even that simple statement proclaiming my faith made me feel eager and ready to start doing more of that.

I am doing okay, so far today, with the whole no dessert thing...I am keeping on keeping on!

Welcome-Day 1!

Hello family, friends, and maybe fans. As most of you know, I had another blog later last year that I updated not-so-frequently. Well, now I am on a mission and excited to boldly state: I will update this blog everyday. :)

As most of you know, I am an avid baker, eater, and lover of sweets. Well, as most of you know, today is Ash Wednesday. I am giving up all desserts and sweets for Lent. I know this will be hard and that I will be tested and tempted, but I truly believe I can do this. This time I am not sacrificing desserts for diet purposes, but for the Lord. When I feel tempted or am about to reach for that cookie or lick the beaters, I will pray to the Lord and receive my strength from him.

SO, get ready...I will be updating you each day with my successes! I will also keep you up-to-date on everything else in my life.

Here is a picture of some delicious treats I recently made, I will not be eating this.