I Look to Jesus

 How do I begin to describe three monumental days in just one blog post? I have no idea, so I'll just start writing... 

Thursday we took off for the Powerhouse retreat. We drove about an hour or so and then went swimming with the family we were staying with. They were all (12 of them!) so kind, generous and hospitable. When we got ready for the first session, we got decked out in yellow. (Congrats tribe fire, we did it, we won!) My introverted self was wondering, "oh my goodness, what am I doing?!" But when we got there, I walked into a room full of a thousand 18-25 year olds dancing. Crazy! Who knew Christians could have so much fun?!!

During free time one afternoon we went to the beach. It was glorious! Not too hot, not too cold, it was just right! As my friends and I walked up the coast we admired the washed up bluebottle jellyfish (there were many in the water, and a few people got stung) climbed on the rocks, took pictures, and then guess what happened... it started raining. It was wonderful! It's the first real rain I've felt since being in Australia. 

Each session was full of amazing worship, wonderful teaching, and great time with the Lord.

I feel like He has revealed such cool things that I'm still pondering and praying about. 

I sat in a room full of potential, full of people making wonderful choices that will determine their future. We have our whole lives ahead of us. We’re growing up… and it’s fun.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the speakers:

*He's not just interested in what you can do; He cares about who you are becoming.

*It's not the stuff we find ourselves in that determines the outcome... it's how we respond. 

*Vision creates discipline. When you see something you want to do, you'll do whatever you can to do it.

*God operates in the impossible... that way He gets all the glory!

*It's not the game that changes, it's the game plan. 

*God doesn't wait to use you 'someday.' He wants to use you NOW. 

*The process is part of the plan

*God is able to do a whole lot more at the right time than we are able to do at the wrong time.

*The benefits of change far outweigh the bad of staying the same.

*When was the last time you had no other agenda than to just be with Jesus?

*You don't just need improvement, you need transformation!

*Is the cry of my heart louder than the fear and insecurity?

*At the end of your life do you want to be the person that was seen to have ‘so much potential' but never use it? Or do you want to know that you used it all up!

*Allow yourself to dream big dreams. Allow God to change those dreams... In fact, allow Him to change everything. He will!

I just got off the phone with my mom. Tomorrow will be the three-week mark and it’s hitting us. My heart breaks to know that I’m missing out on precious things such as my sister preaching in front of 300, my brothers tournaments, and my youth group at Generation Unleashed.

The other day God reminded me that He wants to fill every part of my life. Where I would look to my dad for protection and provision, I look to Jesus. Where I would look to my mom for comfort and encouragement, I look to Jesus. Where I would call my friend before anyone else, I look to Jesus. When I need a hug or a hand to hold, I look to Jesus. When I would normally confide in a friend, I look to Jesus.

When my eyes are on Jesus, I’m not focused on the things around me. I’m not wavered by circumstances. I’m learning to believe and declare over my life who God says I am. I am known. (Ps. 139:3) I am provided for. (Matthew 6:31-33) I have a wonderful future. (Jeremiah 29:11) I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:14) I am free. I am safe. I am loved. I am strong. I am called. And I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)