Doing A-Okay

Today I realized that everything is going to be alright.

I spend a lot of (okay, the majority of) my time being stressed out. It can't be healthy, but I have a Type A, OCD, high strung personality and quite frankly I really like being in control of my life.

I had the most amazing winter break touring colleges and going on adventures with my friends, and it felt great to let go of my anxieties for a solid six days. I was worried that coming back to school would bring my struggles back with it, but I actually had an amazing week. Weird right??

I think my brain has finally accepted that letting go of control can be okay sometimes, which is something I have struggled with for years and years. Part of my walk with Jesus has been a tug-of-war of control. Something I'm always told is that God has a plan for me, and that I need to let go and let Him do His thing, but it is SO hard for me to follow through with.

Recently, I've become so frustrated with certain areas of my life that I have given up on them. And you know what happened when I threw in the towel? Everything fell right into place. God's planning and timing will never cease to amaze me.

My summer plans (and beyond) are creeping up on me, but I know that with this new mindset I can have everything under control-- but ONLY by giving up control to the big Guy in the sky, who has it all figured out already.

xoxo,
Rachel

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Sharptop Round 3

This past weekend was spent at one of my most favorite places in the world-- don't be surprised when I tell you it's a Younglife camp! (all of my favorite places are...)

I know, I know, all I do is brag on YoungLife, but it is truly the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. The memories and friendships I've made through YL are the best I have and I am so thankful for that.

The weather was beautiful, and my first ever YL leader (ily boyfriend) was leading my group for the weekend so I knew we were bound to have a great time.

This weekend was one filled with reunions, which further reminded me of why I love this organization so much. Katie (see "Another Rooftop Tale (#3)") was there with her school, and Chris (a friend from CCR) was there on work crew for UGA. It was so so so much fun to catch up and enjoy some time together.

Speaking of time together, my friends and I decided to try the hike up Sharptop Mountain because we've always heard about how beautiful it was. After the hike up Sheep Mountain this summer in Colorado, I figured I could take anything, but wow-- this was a rough hike.

I've decided to look at this hike as my walk with Jesus. I started off surrounded by people I love not really knowing what I was getting into. It was a steep climb and a lot harder than I expected. Stopping to catch my breath more than a few times, I finally made it to the top and was met with such a beautiful view (you could see downtown Atlanta). And that's what my journey with Jesus has been-- unknown, uphill, hard, and SO rewarding.

After snapping a few pictures (insta or it didn't happen) we all sat down to soak in the amazing view and rest our legs and lungs. I pulled out my Bible to look for the story of Jesus on the mountain, and my bookmark was already on the page. I love the sweet little nuggets God has for us.

It read, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16

This happens to be one of my most favorite passages in the Bible, and so fitting for the occasion. I have the last sentence taped to my light-switch so that every time I leave my room I remember to be a light to the world and to glorify God in all I do. I get so caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle that sometimes I forget to do just that. This weekend was a nice reminder of how I need to live my life-- giving myself to Jesus and giving myself to others.

Our speaker for the weekend said something that really struck me. He told us to run towards fear- to run towards our insecurities and hesitancy and throw ourselves fully into the arms of God. And that's exactly what I plan on doing. It's only up from here.

xoxo,
Rachel

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." -Isaiah 41:10