A New Chapter...

Well, I can hardly believe it, but almost one full week has gone by since I moved into my very own apartment! I have unpacked every box and organized all of my stuff, so I feel extremely accomplished. While I still have about 50 things on my “to buy” list, this place is starting to feel like home. Each day I think of at least 5 more things that I would never have thought to buy before moving here, like a pizza cutter, a clock, chip clips, lamps, batteries… but I soon realize that it is going to take quite a while before I will be able to say that my apartment has all that it needs. Being the slightly obsessive compulsive girl that I am, I cannot wait until this place is comfy, cozy, fully furnished, and well supplied! So anyways, that’s the update on the apartment… I hope to post some pictures soon!


Aside from moving into a new place, I have been busy with work! Since the studio doesn’t open until September 10th, my job currently consists of creating class syllabuses, calling parents whose children indicated interest in taking classes to confirm and assist them with registration, setting up appointments with potential funders, performing at local events, as well as babysitting for my boss’ children ;) This kind of work beats homework any day… yes, it is still work, but when you are part of a team, and there is purpose behind what you are doing, it is so much easier to be motivated and disciplined.


Last Sunday I visited Richwoods Christian Church, and really liked it. The preaching was solid and clearly bible based, the worship was crazy good, and the people that I met were so welcoming and nice! I am looking to get involved in a small group, as well as learn more about the church through classes that they will be offering throughout the next couple of months. So far, it is looking promising! And on a side note, I can’t wait to have friends here…! ;)


I can’t wait to write about more about what God is doing in lives here in Peoria as well as what he is doing in mine... In the meantime, there are so many things to be praying for!!

• City Dance is a nonprofit organization, meaning all of our funding comes from donations and grants. Please pray that over these next few months, people will be more than willing to come alongside us and give funds. While we are at an okay place right now, we could still use so much more money! God is providing for us already, as yesterday the owner had two very successful meetings with important people in Peoria. So let’s pray that there will be many more of those meetings to come! 

• I mentioned earlier that I really can’t wait to make friends, and it’s true! Now that I’m pretty much settled and learning how to get my work done efficiently, I have a lot of free time. Pray that God will give me a great community and some “soul sisters”… you know, the girl friends that you can be totally comfortable around, hang out with at any time, and share everything with. I have girls like that back home, but I’d love to make some here too. However, that leads me to my next prayer request… 

• Last year I really struggled with keeping in touch with people. As I meditated on that this summer, trying to figure out why I can be such a horrible friend, I discovered that it stems from insecurity. It is hard for me to initiate phone calls, skype dates, or get-togethers, because I want to be the one who is pursued. That way, I know that my friends really want to hang out with me, and I feel loved. This summer, I read an amazing book called Captivating, and I seriously recommend it to every woman. Seriously, if you are a woman and you haven’t read it….READ IT! The Lord drew me closer to Him through it, taught me so much about myself, and it was honestly therapeutic. I learned that I wasn’t crazy for having a strong desire to be pursued, but I also learned that when I wait to be pursued, I am withholding what I have to offer to others. It isn’t conceited… I do have something to offer. Not because I’m amazing or anything, but because God is working in my life and he wants to use me to unveil his beauty and love. So let me encourage anyone who is reading this right now who struggles with feelings of insecurity or low self-esteem… You have so much to offer! God wants to use you. He pursues you daily, so feel loved and satisfied in that… Now go out and unveil the beauty and love that you have to offer. You will have no idea how many people will be blessed by you if you don’t take that risk. :] Be praying that I will remember this truth! 

• I’m on a really tight, tight budget right now. If the first prayer request is answered, this one will be answered too! ;) I read Crazy Love, by Francis Chan this past summer, and I think that it really prepared me for what I’m facing now. I was convicted that I never wanted to live comfortably, and well, God hears our prayers because I’m not exactly living “comfortably” right now. ;) At one point in the book, Francis Chan asks, “What is one thing in your life that is requiring you to live by faith alone?” At the time that I read that, I was really stumped! But, right now, I will probably be living paycheck to paycheck for a while, and I really have to have faith and trust that the Lord will provide for my needs. I’m ok with the fact that it is going to be a while before I can afford to buy anything other than frozen pizzas and pb&j, but eventually, it would be nice to know that I’m not in danger of over drafting from my account every month! ;) So if anything, pray that God grows me in faith and trust. I know that I am supposed to be here… I haven’t second guessed that once. I feel like he has put me here for a very specific reason, and I know He’s got my back. I also realize that I am here for a way bigger purpose than making money. I have the opportunity to bring God’s Kingdom to Peoria, to underprivileged children, and to co-workers. I get to do what I love for the One that I love. Money is so temporary, but God’s Kingdom is forever! Pray that I don’t ever lose sight of that. 

I would love to be praying for you in any way that I can, so please let me know how I can do that. Thank you for reading and praying for me. Your love and support is invaluable. :] God bless!