Well, I’ll start off by letting everyone know that the first bake sale was a huge success!!! I was hoping and praying for an amount…and God blew that amount out of the water. It was more than twice my expectations. God is good. All the time.
I have to keep remembering that attitude of gratitude. I’d love to say I’ve been constantly grateful for how He’s provided, but I still catch myself asking Him for more. Now, there’s nothing wrong with asking Him to provide- because He will- but I must also remember to stay in that attitude of gratitude.
It’s been a crazy week. Between work, home and preparing for this trip, my brain is exhausted. But I know it’s worth it. Seeing how God has provided thus far has brought me to tears. And this is just the beginning. I so look forward to all He has planned.
Today is the 2-weeks-to-deadline mark!!! I still have to raise $1,730 to meet that goal. September 25th is the goal deadline- so keep in mind that checks can take up to two weeks to process and online donations take 3-4 days.
Training camp is just over a month away, so I will be buying my gear (tent, pack, and sleeping bag) in the next few days!! I can’t wait to get those. I will be taking pictures and posting them here and on Facebook! 
I will be doing another bake sale this Sunday, so come get some yummy stuff after church at Summit Church in Twinsburg!!!
I will leave with this poem I wrote this past week. The state of this world has been weighing heavy on my heart, and these emotions and thoughts bloomed into the poem “War.”
by Carolyn Gibson
9/3/15 12:33 A.M.
The world darkens
The sun fades
Shadows rising
With their hunting blades
It’s all we can do
To survive the day
But at night
The hellhounds come out to play
Smoke is rising
Ashes remain
We try to find our way
We are all bloodstain
Defenseless and hopeless
Our hearts stay
Screaming and pleading
For the light of day
Hope is lost
Fire reigns
We look for freedom
As we grasp our chains
We are at war
Though the world remains
The demons are fighting
To destroy His name
Rise up
O weary one
Sharpen your sword
And wait for the sun
We are not finished
We will not be defeated
Lift up your eyes now
The past is not to be repeated
Look the enemy in the face
Don’t blink
Breathe in the morning air
Fight the demons to the brink
Though the night is dim
And ashes fall around us
He brings light
As He destroys the darkness
