April 24

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood…All throughout our lives we are forced to make decisions. To dream big, or shrink back for fear of failure; to put ourselves out there and evolve, or remain what we have always been. One of my most recent bible studies dealt with this same topic. It stated that “when God gave us his spirit, he enabled us to live beyond our natural ability and strength, and that this is why it is so wrong of us to measure our energy and ability levels against the challenges ahead of us.” When we do this we are saying that our challenges are our own and that God is not enough. This is certainly not true! All thru history, in our own lives, and especially in the bible, seemingly unequipped people are used to accomplish the most incredible tasks. Moses was a murderer, but was used by God to lead his people. Saul was a persecutor and killer of Christians, but God changed his heart and his life. You are being used in this same way.  It is not a matter of our competence every day, but of our faith is Christ and his will for our life. One of the best illustrations of this comes from my own life. My mom is one of the most amazing people I know. Not only is she an incredible wife and mother (to my sister, my two special needs brothers, and I), but she is also brilliant, hardworking, and above all, humble! In her early

forties, she decided to go back to school to become a BCBA so that she could help my brothers and others with special needs. This is an extremely difficult thing to accomplish. Although she doubted herself along the way, she went on to be one of the few people that pass the test to become a certified BCBA. This is a beautiful demonstration of how God can take someone who thinks they are incapable (she is certainly one of the most capable people I know), and accomplish great things through them. She is now working on her PhD in psychology, and whether or not she finishes it, she is such an example to me and those around her of living a life by faith and not sight. No matter how unsure she may be, she relies on God’s will for her life. This is such a blessing to be able to observe first hand! I hope that each one of you will pray to be sensitive to God’s will for your life, and allow him to accomplish his glorious plan through you despite how inadequate you may feel! It is not about our ability, It is his and it is infinite!

"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." (Robert Frost)

Daily thanks: Today I am thankful for my crazy, smart, beautiful, best-friend of a mom!

April 7

We live in a culture that is consumed by social media, rapid information exchange, and screens. We can have hundreds of Facebook “friends” without ever really knowing or caring to know these people on a personal level. If you take a short walk through your workplace, a downtown city area, or your school campus you will probably notice that almost everyone around you is on their phone and almost no one is actually interacting with the real people who are really around them…really. We all know pointless details about the lives of celebrities and those we “stalk” on social media, and are increasingly aware of the drama in the lives of those around us through text messaging and the accessibility of the internet at any given moment in the day. I do not think that these things are all together bad (I certainly take advantage of them), but I do think that the abuse of technology is wreaking havoc on our relationships and our ability to connect and empathize with those around us. It is safe to say that there is a serious problem when you can be in a room full of friends and be completely lonely. Although technology can simulate the illusion of a real intimate and personal friendship, it is no substitute for the real thing! God designed us to be creatures that require love and desire to give love in return. Never underestimate the power and importance of quality time. This means time spent with the sole purpose of really listening to those around you as well as really being listened to. The act of intentionally listening is such an incredible tool for building and strengthening

friendships. It is these small time investments in others that will yield the biggest return in our relationships with friends and family and even in our own happiness and mental well-being. Periodically my roommate and I will sit down at night or in the morning and talk about what has been the peek and pit of our day or week, and what we are looking forward to in the days to come. This simple and sometimes short conversation has proven to be one of the most uplifting and refreshing things, and I am so thankful for it!

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival.” C.S Lewis

What have been the peeks and pits of your day?

April 1

Happy April Fool’s Day! I hope everyone had a stellar past couple of weeks. I have been crazy busy with studying for exams, lab work, and just spending some much needed time with friends. This past Monday I got back into town after an incredible week in the Florida Keys with some of the greatest girls I know. I had such a good time and got to

experience a bunch of new things. I even swam up close and personal with an 8 foot shark (accidentally). It’s safe to say I would have beat Michael Phelps back to the boat. While on my trip I got to spend a lot of time relaxing and just thinking about things that I normally have to push to the back of my mind. I was reminded how important and valuable small moments of peaceful solitude can be, and what a

treat it is to soak up the beauty that God has placed all around us. I often find myself too “busy” to take a moment to enjoy these blessings. My goal for the last month of school is to find better balance between getting things done and enjoying the pleasure of a lazy day. “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). I cannot wait to see what this month has in store and to share it will you all! (T-minus 30 Days till my California adventure!).

Daily Thanks: Today I am thankful for my trip to the Keys where I caught more naps than fish.

P.S- I am still continuing to accept prayer requests via the Humble Bee Facebook page or by e-mail to thehumblebee00@gmail.com ! Just send them as a message if you wish for them to remain private. I am so blessed and humbled by the messages I have already received. Lots of Love to you all!