Before I went to camp, I stocked other racer blogs to try to find one that would give me more insight on what training camp would be like. They all pretty much said just be prepared for the worst and best week of your life. ok so I would say I thought i was ready to be changed and open to all the things God wanted to bring to my attention. Boy was I wrong! I wasn't even prepared for how God rocked my world! thats the beautiful part! He always exceeds my expectations! He released me from so many insecurities I have struggled with for so long. He also gave me a new family. I fell in love with J squad and am so blessed to be apart of such a wonderful group! Each person on J Squad has somthing amazing to offer and I know God put us all together for a reason. By the end of the week I was so glad I didn't know the plan, because if I had known what to expect, then it wouldn't have been nearly as awesome! It's like, God has a plan for us and if he revealed it to us then what would we do? Would we respond differently and try to fight it or would we just let it happen. The truth is that NOTHING can mess up God's plan he has for each of our lives!
During camp, I definately had to step out of my comfort zone and do things I wasn't used to doing. I am so glad I did though, because God opened my eyes. He showed me that I am his chosen one. He chose me as his daughter. He loves me just the way I am. His crazy silly goofy Karen. He loves me for me! I never identified myself as His daughter who has been saved by his amazing grace, but instead I just saw myself as a sinner who is constantly failing. I thought God was disapointed in me for so many years and didn't realize I was holding onto this shame…constantly telling myself I'm not good enough, what do I have to offer, I'm not special,….. until God opened up my heart to hear His truth. I was surrounded by so many enouraging people to help me see that what I was believing was a lie! God truly just amazes me…I just sit in aw and can't contain how much I love him and how much He loves us! I am so stoked to go share the good news of Jesus:)
Soooo, I left training camp with a new outlook on life, joyful spirit, appreciation for who God made me, mad tent setting up/taking down skills, changed heart, new family, and a growing love for God's people! I suggust coming to training camp with an open heart to what God wants to do in you life! Oh and if your a girly girl like me, you'll learn how to suck it up real quick:) He rocks worlds!!
