strength.

-i have heard many testimonies, all different but very alike in that each revolved around their uncovering of their own package of salvation in their hearts. God is so great that He has made each one of our paths to the same thing so very different and varied. this amazes me. of all the testimonies ive heard no two have been alike. 
we serve a God of creativity. 
- this summer especially, i spent a month hearing the testimonies of my work crew friends, i watched a few of them even share them with the entire camp, i watched testimonies be shared on cardboard pieces in a few simple sentences, and i became comfortable sharing mine with campers and complete strangers.
-He calls us to share our own story for many reasons- one being that there are others that can relate to each of our different journeys. 


anyways- all this being said, i have heard so many stories of abandonment and struggles and the salvation that makes all things new with LIFE, but i have never truly watched a persons testimony as it unfolds..
-until recently... i moved into college at the end of august and i met my roommate, Kaitlyn, when i moved in. we are now sisters in Christ and i couldnt imagine -a better roommate or -my life without her.
-she is now a BEST FRIEND forever. 
Kaitlyn is such a blessing in my life- she has shown me SO much. 
-i watched her leap into the family of Christ with a joyful spirit.
-i watched her be born again completely.
-i watched her relationship with Jesus evolve.
-& i am still watching her everyday..it's a blessing because i am watching her OWN testimony unfold before my very eyes..
-what makes it so amazing to watch is the fact that she is going through so much that could easily break her down and destroy her faith, but instead it is strengthening her faith..
-she is easily one of the strongest women i have ever known personally. and i know this strength is entirely because of God.

she is made strong in her pain, 

but she is guided by the light- <Psalm 27:1 the LORD is my light and my salvation, 

whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life, 

of whom shall I be afraid?> she has nothing to fear, for she has Him, 

she is guided by His light. 

i see her being guided entirely by that light as she lives each day 

and endures each trial. 

nothing can overcome her if she has Him!

-so whenever i begin to struggle or think things are tough in my life, i think of what she is faced with and how she responds..
-she conveys the strong spirit of someone chasing after Christ full speed. eyes set on the finish line (eternity) and endurance to withstand the obstacles of her race.
-i cant explain what it is like to watch someone be placed in so many trials and tribulations and to see them cling to God. i cant imagine going through what Kaitlyn goes through daily with her family, the only constant she has is God. and the amazing thing is she knows this and lives by this. 
-and this is exactly what He calls us to do, constantly cling to Him. His strength is our strength.
WOW- i get to watch her cling to God like He is her sturdy post in the middle of this hurricane!

like she is living her life by <Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. 

do not be afraid or terrified because of them, 

for the LORD your God goes with you, 

he will never leave you nor forsake you.>

-i know her trust and complete support in God will make her so incredibly strong. and will make her into a woman i am honored to know, honored to be friends with, and honored to have had the privilege to have witnessed her journey to become that STRONG woman of Christ.
-i am so blessed to be able to watch one of the most amazing testimonies i know to this day play out right in front of my very own eyes! 
you are strength, God.