It is hard for me not to be excited about all that is going on with my life right now.  My life is a continuous whirl-wind, but there is a good thing about it.  If it were last summer and I was doing all that I am involved in, I would have not made it this far.  My state of mind now and having and knowing God is centered around me has made such a difference.  
 Last week I did something I have never done before.  I had the opportunity of teaching a young adult class.  45 people around my age.  It was different than teaching high school kids.  It was amazing how God worked through me and really how much he has been continuously growing me into what he wants me to be.  In the past after teaching, I would just want to go and hide and not talk to anyone because I would just be mentally baked from teaching.  This time was so much different.  The interaction was so good and my points were simple.  Although that was a night I wish I had more bible teaching than what I know.  School starts in less than a month!!!!! 
 This week I am helping with Vacation Bible School, working with 4 year-olds.  They are so stinkin cute.  I just want to take them with me.  Well not all the time.  They do say the cutest things and they don't even know it.  I am having a great time.
 Next week I go on my first missions trip to Mexico.  We are building a house for a 17 and 19 year old.  Just talking about it and realizing what I have and they don't makes me so sick.  I know this summer I realized that I take for granted all that I have and know that I don't deserve any of it. 
This has been a great summer for me.  God has taught me so much about his kingdom and furthering it more for Him and not for me.  I know that I am running on empty.   And some days really suck and I want nothing to do with anything.  I also know that he has me where he wants me for the time being and I have to think of God and not me.  God has carried me on his back and I am not stopping till he says stop or he is the one peddling the bike and I am helping him.  I don't want someone else to take my place knowing that God has something for me to do to further his Kingdom.  He has me here for a reason and whether I sit and stay still or work my butt off everyday I am His for the taking and making.  The cause is worth giving all I have now, because I know someday I will be able to sleep in a much better place.

Happy Birthday America!!!! Let me tell you how great of a town Rochester, IL is. This has been one of the best weekends here, having all my family and friends around it just made it so wonderful. Not only did the usual party parade and unbelievable fireworks take place, but we had a carnival. I did say a carnival. It was so much fun. My dad also celebrated his birthday. Life is good when you surround yourself with family and great friends on a weekend like this. I have tried so many times to tell others how great the 4th is around here and they don't listen. I think I sold it to a few this weekend. I have heard rumors of Streator having something good, but no comparison. Sorry. Rochester kicks you to the curb in this one.

I leave for CIY tomorrow. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am. I have a great group of Sophomore boys to hang out with. We had a prep day yesterday and I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time. We had a race with anything with 3 or more wheels on it. We "found" a shopping cart and turned into The Fast and the Homeless Pimp my Ride Mobile. Bling Bling baby. I am very lucky. Thank you God.