whew! it's finally done. i'm officially moved to birmingham. today was a long day. i barely remember what i did this morning. all i remember is lots of driving. but anyhow, now that i've got a computer to blog with, i shall do just that.

last thursday, i went to the Summer Block Party concert at Immanuel Baptist. Aaron Shust, 33 Miles, Pocket Full of Rocks, Among the Thirsty and Newfire were there, as well as one of my favorite speakers David Nasser. Before the show, i got to meet Aaron Shust and Jason & Chris from 33 Miles (possibly the highlight of my summer so far). i've been listening to Aaron Shust's CDs ever since. i've read the lyrics in the little booklets and it's been really neat. instead of only listing the lyrics, Aaron explains where the song came from and what his thoughts are about the song and its meaning. it's creepy how often his thoughts on a certain Scripture are the same things i've thought about that verse before.

in meeting him, my friend Cat asked him, "how do i get my name out there?" (in the music industry, that is). his response was so cool and very Christ-like, reminding me of when the Pharisees would ask Jesus a question, trying to trip Him up and Jesus would answer in a way they weren't expecting. Aaron talked about how God gives us spheres of interest (music, cooking, volleyball, etc.) and spheres of influence (school, work, church, family). we are to use our interests to influence those around us. if we try to expand our sphere of influence and that's not God's will for us, we're going to hit a road block and get frustrated with ourselves because we're not good enough or "no one likes my singing," or whatever. God has you where you are for a reason. plain and simple. we have no right to say, "God, i can't help these people," or "my influence means nothing to them. they won't listen to me." God has placed us where we are to do just that-influence those around us for His glory. how dare we question His plan?

in the moving process, i've definitely questioned God's plan. i know He has great things for me and for His glory here in B'ham and in Troy, but why would He take me away from a school that i love and want so badly to see grow in Christ? then i realized, #1: it's not ME Pace High School needs; it's God. and He's not going anywhere. He's proven that! #2: God has used me there already and He's done with me there. now He's going to use me in B'ham and Troy just like in Pace, if not in bigger ways. and maybe one day, He'll take me international. but for now, my sphere of influence is where i'm placed.

the key with all this to be content. we may want to go elsewhere or go bigger. we may think we would do more good if we had a different crowd watching us or if we could just get published/recognized. but the truth is, God WILL use you to the fullest extent right where you are. He has proven this concept to me. this time last year, i was preparing myself to share the Gospel with anyone on the yearbook staff who would give me an ear. but in 12 months, i never once sat down and talked about Jesus with any or them. instead, God used my life-my words, actions, attitude-to speak volumes to the girls around me. and their response was incredible! i went into my editor job with some enemies and came out with more friends than i could have hoped for. Jehovah Jireh=God provides!

so don't worry about where you are. don't worry about tomorrow, for it will worry for itself (matthew 6:33, 34). just be faithful over what God has given you (matthew 25:14-30). He will indeed reward you!