A Year at Elevation!!

A year ago I was still struggling with the purpose of my life. I had no clear purpose and felt like I could never find that niche where I truly belonged. I still have a few struggles in terms of what God is calling me to do but I have found a purpose in my life. I despair at the thought that my life might pass me by without God moving greatly on my behalf. I started going to Elevation the last Sunday in December 2007. The church has been such a gift to me and I look back and can't believe it has already been a year. I am so blessed to be a part of such an amazing movement of God!! Elevation Church has truly changed my life in the past year. I am so thankful that God was patient with me and did not give up on seeking me.

Great changes in the Past Year...

• Volunteering in Quest (3-5 year olds) - I started off as a volunteer and am now the PM Services Coordinator for 11:30am and 1:00pm services. It completely shocks me that I am doing what I am doing now but it gives me an opportunity to serve the volunteers and serve with the childen and worry more about the big picture and not the little details.
• Friendships: I can't really say what bad friendships I have been called to get rid of but basically what you starve fades and what you feed grows. The friendships that were having a negative affect on my outlook on life, my faith, and my life in general have faded away. Instead of solely losing friends I have gained stronger friendships with people that really speak truth in my life.
• Middle School Small Group: I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead a middle school small group. I have the most AMAZING girls in my group. They are a light into my life and the fact that I can be an impact on their life and an inspiration in their walk with Christ is amazing. I really wish that I had a group like this during my middle school years... more to come on a later post!
• Financials: Granted I have not really gotten a raise or come across any large sums of money but I am no longer obsessed with what job I can have that I will get paid the most. Yes I do need to be able to afford to tithe, pay my mortgage, and other monthly bills but I want to be able to budget and not live an extravagant life, or a life outside of my means. It gives you a huge sense of peace when you make the decision to put God in control of your finances.
• Bad Habits: With a part of my new lifestyle change, I do not enjoy hanging out at bars or drinking anymore. Up until last week I was just kind of fuzzy on how God intended us to act with alcohol. Perry Noble said it straight up that "Getting drunk is a SIN." That really drew a black and white line in my mind. I still enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail and that is perfectly okay, however I just need to be careful not to cross that line.
• Self Confidence: This past year I have really learned that no one has the right to judge me and that the strict guidelines I have always imposed on myself, are not really necessary in the eyes of God. "The king is enthralled with your beauty" (Psalm 45:11).

I guess I ideally could continue on writing but for now, these are some great changes made in my life in the past 365-ish days. It constantly amazes me how many more great things that God will be doing in my life!! As Pastor says.... The BEST is YET to COME!