Trying Something New (Day 47)

I'm sorry, but my blessing today is too personal to explain to you today. I was hoping I would never do this to my audience but I really don't feel comfortable sharing the details of this one. I can tell you the blessing was I finally got to talk to a dear friend about personal information I was too afraid to bring up, and when I did I was met with a positive attitude; something I wasn't expecting.

But, even if I'm not comfortable sharing everything, I do want to share something I've come to realize. When I was sharing some of my prayers that had been answered, I felt awkward when saying how God had brought me my answers. Some were very mystical, one even coming from a dream. Why should I feel awkward sharing those? I guess I thought she would think I was crazy and wouldn't believe me. Or maybe she would try and cause more doubt that they weren't real answers. Then I started to think. My thoughts led me to realize that those feelings of awkwardness were Satan's words filtering in. He wanted me to feel that doubt so I wouldn't share my answered prayers and so I wouldn't feel like my prayers had actually been answered at all.

Don't Worry, I Didn't Quit (Day 43/44/45/46)

Remember when I said on Sunday I was getting better, well I wasn't. My mistake. I spent Monday re-watching all the movies I had the day before plus a few new ones. But it was nice; as nice as being sick can be.

On Tuesday it was back to the real world starting with an awesome aerobics class which actually made me sore. Then a successful painting critique. So far, so good. Next was work. I walking into the pool and was greeted with six new swimmers. I got a bit worried. But there was nothing to be worried about. All six, boys may I add, had quite a bit of talent so there was great improvement in the one practice. All the boys were outgoing and energetic but good listeners. It really made for a perfect combination.

Sick Day (Day 42)

I woke up this morning with my stomach in knots. I didn't know if it was something I ate last night or what but, when I stood up and almost passed out on my floor I knew exactly what was going on. When I traveled to Africa Summer 2010 I contracted malaria. Other than the week of exhaustion I consider a pretty awesome experience. I just consider myself someone who got the full experience. The only set back is the outbreaks that happen. Last year I had one that kept me down for a few days. With that one I thought I'd find myself in the hospital. I had a high fever, I couldn't even lift my head off my bed, but I had to so I could go throw up, and when I finally stopped throwing up I slept for a full fourteen hours without medication.

The Feeling of Success (Day 40/41)

Yesterday: This week I had the great privilege to teach children how to swim for charity. I was helping raise money for my church so they could buy a new and much needed bus and handicap van. The three children I taught were so precious. They rarely complained and were so willing to try new things. I will say it was extremely challenging teaching children how to swim on sort of a schedule. Most private lessons last at least five days and are an hour long. I had four days and thirty minutes. The most rewarding time of this week happened on the last ten minutes in my second lesson with a little girl named Marissa.

The Talk I've Been Praying For (Day 39)

In my attempt to live day by day I've asked God to give me opportunities to share His love and to be a servant to people. Not too long ago, the chapel speaker (I've blanked on his name) spoke about how he was once in the hospital and wasn't getting better. He kept on praying for healing. He was only thinking about his agenda. Then, a nurse who had no spiritual background came his way and he realized God was keeping in that hospital so he could show her God's love. Ever since that day I've realized that my agenda doesn't matter. I can only do with what God gives me on this day. There is no point in looking to future days. And if I'm going to live one day at a time then I might as well live each day to the very best. How better to live then by sharing Jesus with others?

Where's My Wallet? (Day 38)

It's a little early in the week to be making such a stupid mistake. I haven't gone grocery shopping since before spring break and I finally made it to Walmart today. I stocked up on about $75 worth of food and other items and after I was completely rung up I realized my wallet was no where in site! Oh the embarrassment! Thankfully I was with a trusted friend who told me she would pay for my high priced items. That saved me a second trip to a place I already dread going and the shame I would of felt for making someone restock all of my items.

Illiterate at Age Seven (Day 37)

I completely forgot to post something for today and this has been on my mind for awhile now.

Most children learn to read in kindergarden. Not this one. They didn't know I couldn't read until I took a reading test in second grade. The reason I was able to keep it hidden for so long was because I had the comprehension level of a senior in high school. My teacher would read a book and I would remember it word for word. I would even remember when to flip the page. Now, I didn't do this because I wanted to try to keep my illiteracy a secret. I just thought that was what reading was.