One of the many blessings I have become obsessed with while working with the senior population is their stories. I love being able to spark a glimmer of youth into them by asking them to share a story about The Good Old Days!
To begin this incredible journey, I thought it may interest you in how I have come to this decision to travel to 11 countries in 11 months.
I have always struggled sharing my story for fear of it being too ordinary. But one thing I have learned in the past year is that God has a purpose and a plan at any age, no story is ordinary!
Starting from the beginning; God blessed me with two amazing parents who definitely mess up and are by no means perfect, but through every struggle they have demonstrated what seeking the Lord looks like. I grew up attending a small Nazarene Church, I was there every time the door was open. At the age of 8, God called Ryan and Andrea Garner to Fairbury, IL to pastor the church. They encouraged me to go to church camp where I began my journey walking with God. My life has been far from perfect since that day, but it has been filled with countless blessings.
JUNIOR HIGH/ HIGH SCHOOL
These years were filled with decisions and consequences. I struggled with self image, fear of failure, and always sought after others approval. I battled with my parents about being unfair or unrealistic. I argued and disagreed with my siblings. I began making my own decisions and finding answers for myself. Sometimes it took me going in every direction except God, but in the end He is where I found my answers. Each of those moments were preparing me for my future; strengthening and stretching my FAITH.
Here are his promises that have been highlighted and tear stained in my Bible:
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, Hebrews 6:19
The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord. Psalms 45:11
“There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests – look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular. Luke 6:26
COLLEGE
These four years were full of new friendships, creating an identity away from family, struggling with change, learning new gifts and passions. I switched majors my junior year; found a passion for finding ways for people to succeed through recreation, something most people forget to.make time for. I spent a semester working with teens at a therapeutic riding center. I then spent 8 months working with teens and adults struggling with addictions and self worth. Both of those experiences were truly gifts for stepping out of my comfort zone and switching majors. My last year of college was absolutely eye opening. I left a relationship that ended in hurt and abandonment; but I gained integrity, perspective, and God’s desire for my future husband. Most of all I learned I have to let go of my plans in each moment for God’s eternal desires for his daughter!
CAREER
Being a Life Enrichment Director, has taught me to treasure each life and moment. To stop and listen to each story because all of our stories intertwine we just have to be willing to slow down and listen. I gained a second family through Morning Pointe, that has made Richmond, Kentucky home. The Hisle’s have poured into my life in so many ways these past 6 months. “Poppy” was a resident that lived across from my office that had such a strong desire to not only sing for Jesus but he had a burning passion to listen to your stories! Being a Christian truly blesses you.because your family isn’t just about blood, but it’s about an eternity of community and friendships!
Now I get to take all these experiences and share them in hopes that others will find God’s Glory and purpose in their lives.
