March 30th -- KateMiller!

Though it is very true that I am not nearly as eloquent with words, I will try to describe the beautiful daughter of God and incredible encourager that Kate Miller is. I first met Kate her Sunnyside year of camp when we both had completely different ideas of what was important in life, and our conversations primarily consisted of shallow topics but always much laughter and joy. That is one of the most beautiful things about Kate, the joy that she brings to other people, and the way that she is able to love and to relate to so many different types of people. She has a way of making everyone around her feel special and love and is able to see the uniqueness of every individual around. After being away from camp for a year, and returning to be on staff with Kate, I was in shock and overjoyed by the way that God had changed her heart. The way God worked in her life was evident in her conversations, the way she loved all the campers (Tweeds included) and simply in the way she lived her life out daily.  It is beautiful to see the way she uses her gifts to give God glory and I always, always love praise and worship time with her no matter the location: Little Dipper porch, a Tweedle cabin, in the Chapel, at Max Patch, in the APT for house church in Boone, or even on top of a mall parking garage. I never imagined I could learn so much from this girl who was 4 years younger than me and always carried a little green backpack around. However, she shows such great maturity and truly displays what spiritual growth looks like. One of my favorite things about her is that she is not afraid to be herself, and is confident in her faith and who she is, but at the same time her confidence comes with a beautiful humility too.

 

In every area of my life where I like things ordered, perfected, and entirely planned out ...Kate normally behaves in the opposite way. We have very different interests, ideas of fashion (though she does still have my jeans!), and more, but have been bonded and our friendship has grown through a great love from God. So often when I get caught up in plans, my to-do list, and thoughts of the future, she reminds me to live out each day that we have mercifully received for the Lord and not to take this time for granted.  Kate was one of the first people that I was able to be vulnerable and real with about sins and failures, and through that was able to be encouraged and grow in my walk with the Lord.  One of the reasons so many people are encouraged by Kate and want to be around her (other than her humor and an always-guaranteed fun time), is because it is obvious how genuine her faith is. It is not surface-level and just something she is doing because she was told to or thinks it is the right, good thing to do, but it is deeply-rooted in her relationship with Christ. Because of this, she displays obediance in her faith like in traveling to India, to love the unloved, even if it means leaving behind a place and people that she loves so dearly for the summer. I feel truly blessed to have you as a friend, Kate and to see the way you have grown and the gift that you have to encourage and to challenge others in their faith. 

MISS YOU!

 

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  -Romans 12:2

 

 

March 30, 2011- Move!

To the one I have yet to meet because my fear of risk restrains my speech, this ones for you. 

I just want you to know. You are valuable beyond measure. Loved by The King. Invited as a high priest. Bought through sacrifice. Don’t need the proposal you’re worth more than the ring. Called a child of God. Welcomed to restoration. Honored above all creation. I don’t write from the perspective of showing my gratitude towards one individual. This entry is a bit more about God. 

God moves. He moves through people, places, actions, things, verbs, attractions, steeples placed in fractions, creation and the list doesn’t stop… Why? Because God moves!

Im not talking about the type of moving from one place to another like a side- to-side movement dodging something sent His direction. Its more like a through motion, using people, places, actions, things, verbs, attractions, steeples placed in fractions, creation … as a catalyst of restoring what’s been lost. Why? Well that’s simple, because He loves us. His movement calls as redemptive love and restoration. If you are reading this blog, you see a lot of that movement through the people Kate has written to encourage. So you see, this movement is more than side to side. It ‘s more like death to life. Why don’t you try that the next time someone tells you to show them your moves? 

I write to the person I have yet to meet knowing that Gods restoration is beyond whom, what, where, why and the how I’ve encountered with my feet. So to the one I’ve yet to meet. 
It’s true, Jesus Love You. Please listen to me. Receive the love you are so longing to see. Allow the creator of all things to wash your feet. Not because your great, but because He’s greater. Because it’s not important what you’ve done, what matters is what has been done on your behalf. 

For whatever reason, I am in an introspective artistic sort of mood so my words may flow a little more like long waves from a ground swell rather than heart penetrating darts like those from a real writer. Long waves = up and down rhythm and flow, sort of like hip hop. Darts= well I think you get it. Maybe I should have told you first so that you could this with a beat

So all in all, We celebrate God, because He continues to move day and night. Sometimes its through people, use this space to share and be encouraged… now write


-Croy Bosch

I need your help!!

Beautiful family and friends,


Life has become overwhelmingly busy lately and it is not fair to so many incredible people that I haven't been taking the time to write these everyday. That being said, this blog was not meant to be a selfish way of me telling others how appreciated they are, it was meant merely to encourage others in who they are in the Lord and how beautiful they are to see. I need your help to keep this up. If you have ever been influenced by anyone, or impacted by a person's selfless love, humble spirit, or encouraging heart, it is your turn to let them know. It is your turn to speak out and tell them how wonderful they are. It's okay if I have already written about them, because everyone means something different to another. Also, don't feel like if someone has written for the day already that you can't! The hope for this blog is to continually encourage others until the end of time as we know it now. So, think of those people you know need to hear how incredible they are and write away dear friends.


Email: sunrise.stories@yahoo.com
Password: 365people


Loving you all and praying continually.

March 22, 2011- Anna Herring

MICO!! Oh man, I never could have imagined our journey together from the moment I met you, but I am so thankful for every second that I have been able to spend with you. Anna Herring. Truly, every time I hear her name I cannot help but either grin ear to ear or bust out laughing. There are no words to describe the love I have for her and the joy that she brings to my life. Her spirit is one of a kind and unbelievable to be around. I have never felt more encouraged by any other person in my life and looking back on the summer, it reminds me how beautiful the Lord's plan is and how silly it is for me to try and figure it out. 

I met Anna the first day of staff week and could not have been more excited to teach archery with her all summer. I was amazed at how wonderfully inspiring her faith was and beyond thrilled to learn from her wisdom and knowledge of the Lord. She has such a sweet personality that is guaranteed to build you up and encourage you to climb the mountain in front of you and never give up on the task the Lord has given you. She has some of the best one-liners I have ever heard and whenever I hear the name, "Will" I can only imagine her drawing it out in her precious accent that never ceased to make me laugh. Anna, thank you for being such an incredible woman of God and having the courage and boldness to identify yourself in Him alone. Thank you for worshiping, praying, reading and learning along side with me all summer and I pray that the Lord will keep you in my life daily. I love you forever.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

March 21, 2011- Amie Cloer

Amie, Amie, Amie. Thanks to some good KD fun and our math teacher's blue sports car, our friendship has truly blossomed! I am convinced that Amie is hands down one of the sweetest girls to ever exist. She has such a sweet, selfless heart that stands out in a crowd and a fire in her spirit for the Lord that is impossible to put out. If you get a chance to meet Amie, you will immediately have your day brightened by her beautifully inspiring smile and encouragement that resonates with you for a while. 


One of the most inspiring things about Amie is her desire to fully rely on the Lord in every situation. Daily we are faced with trials and troubles that we can either run from or face head on and persevere through. Amie has the desire to never settle for anything less then what she feels the Lord asks of her and that always means relying on Him to climb the mountain ahead of her. She is never negative about people or situations and seeks out the joy in ever circumstance. Amie, remember how courageous the Lord has called us to be and never give up because things get too tough. Persevere through knowing that you will be whole and complete, needing nothing in the end(James 1:2-4). Thank you for always putting a smile in my heart and making my days a little less cloudy. I love you forever.


James 5:13
"Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises."

March 20, 2011- Hayley Owens

I cannot tell you how much I have been putting this off. Truly, I was counting on you following through on the "I will not turn twenty and be alive" pact we made at thirteen. Alas, you go ahead and survive to be old, in the second century of your life and changing the world daily. For those of you who don't know who I am referring to when I say Hayley Owens, you might recognize her with the name Mom which we decided to give ourselves around the time we made the "I will not turn twenty and be alive" pact. Mom and I go way back to birth when our real mom's decided to hang out (like many sisters do) and tote us along with them to mom things like jazzercise, lunch dates and family events you can't get out of. As we grew up and middle school rolled around, Mom and I quickly bonded over the fact that we were both fat and weird.  


From there we journeyed through the high school years where she had to put up with my constant complaining and inconsistent decisions on boys along with my doubts and fears for the future. She never once complained about my rants or turned me away when I had a bad day and needed someone to talk to. She was a true friend that I never wanted to spend a day without. We would spend entirely too much time on the phone, on iChat or begging our parents to let us hang out. We drank way too much coffee, came up with ridiculous ideas and spent our life savings on gas to just drive around. Looking back at those memories I am reminded of some of my absolute favorite times with one of the most incredible gifts the Lord has ever given me. I am beyond lucky to have a friend that I can always rely on through any situation, and that I know will never give up on me.


Mommy, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for you and your incredible heart for others. There are many days that I recall the selfless love you had for me then and still have for me now. We have a friendship that none will ever understand and I am so appreciative for you. You have the most beautiful way of loving others and never putting yourself first. You listen to the Lord's call for you and you always put your full reliance on Him. Stay strong in where you are now and remember that He has you there for a reason. Continue to be a radiating light wherever you go, and never forget how precious you are to Him. I love you forever.


Isaiah 40:28-31
"Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."


I couldn't pick just one of these:

March 19, 2011- Nicole Zananski

Oh Sue, I guess our friendship truly began with illiteracy on my end. Sauna looked a lot like Sue Ana and lucky for me, we were all in weird enough moods thanks to Irene's class that it stuck! Truly though, I cannot tell you how much the laughter that you and Jordan provided for me in that class meant to me. Sue I don't know anyway to sum up our friendship other then ridiculous and I guess with this post, you deserve a happy birthday since you are the big one-nine today!!


Sue has a gentle spirit about her that few I know can compare to. She is one of the most patient and accepting people I have ever known and her heart for others is beautiful to witness. She has compassion for people that is so obvious and so inspiring to be around, it's hard not to love her. Between our mindless comments in between essays or scantrons, I got to see a beautiful child of God working and sharing His light with all she came in contact with. Sue, continue to strive after your creator and His will for you. Remember that everything happens for a reason and never be discouraged by mountains the Lord places in front of you to climb. Persevere and know that when it is all over you will be so much closer to Christ then you could ever imagine. I am constantly praying for you, and I love you forever.


James 4:8
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."

March 18, 2011- Aubree Robinson

Oh my sweet little carrot, how I miss you. When I think about our friendship I guess it really started back in middle school when you played the beautiful lead in The Pirates of Penzance play and blew me away with your voice!! I don't think I would really throw us in the friend category though until high school when we both got to sing and fellowship with each other under the leadership of Mr. Redding. That man sure knows how to bond people, and I am so thankful I got to know you and your heart for others.


One of my fondest memories of you is when we were hiking in Nevada or Utah or somewhere in the middle and we ask that woman to take our picture in which she proceeded to take one of herself by accident. I cannot tell you how much I crack up laughing to this day when I think about that and how funny it was to see her confused face on the camera screen. Truly though Aubree, you have a light that radiates off you wherever you go and a spirit that makes others appreciate who the Lord created them to be. You have such joy for the things you do and it is inspiring to see and learn from. I miss our constant laughing and rebellious adventures that accomplished nothing but more laughing. I hope all is well in your life and that you never forget how precious you are to your creator. I love you forever.


Psalm 126:2
"We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, What amazing things the Lord has done for them."

March 17, 2011- Sarah-Kate Powell

SKP! My sweet, sweet girl, I cannot tell you how proud I am of the woman you are becoming. SKP is one of those girls you meet an instantly want to be best friends with. Normally this is an incredible thing, but when you are her counselor, it is somewhat frowned upon to want to be best friends with your camper...


Regardless, SKP and I got to know each other over the years and I grew to depend upon her sweet, encouraging smile and spirit to brighten my days at camp. She has such an excitement for life and such a beautiful love for people. Her selflessness is unbelievable and far beyond her years in maturity. I have never come across someone who cares so much for others at such a young age, and I am so encouraged by how far along her relationship with the Lord is already. She has an incredible gift of encouraging others to be better then they are and never fails to amaze me with her love. SKP, never forget how adored you are by Christ and how beautifully you have been made. Stay true to who you are and never compromise who the Lord has made you to be for anyone. I will miss you dearly this summer, but know that I love you forever.


Romans 8:28
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

March 16, 2011- Ali Fry

Oh Ali, if I had known that our fall ball lacrosse would have sparked such a beautiful friendship, I might have showed up for a few more games. No let's be honest, I would have just encouraged you to skip more with me. Regardless, I am so thankful I met you in that environment and that you looked past my incapability to play that sport well and sought out my heart. Between our five am trips to the YMCA before school and Starbucks runs in the three minutes we had before first period, I am so grateful for the impact you had on me. I saw something in you Ali that was beautiful but rare and now looking back I know that it was Jesus I was seeing in you.


Our friendship grew to running 5K's in onesies and making the "Anna" face in every other picture. The other half of the pictures we were obviously doing the evolution of the peace sign. Truly though Ali I cannot tell you how important all of those memories are to me and how encouraged and excited I was by your faith for a man I knew very little about. Ali thank you for truly being His hands and feet wherever you go and to whomever you are around. I miss our acoustic renditions to popular songs and the never ending stage of the french accent. I cannot express to you how grateful I am to you for allowing Christ to radiate through you and change my life forever. I love you forever.


Mark 16:15
"And then he told them, Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone."

March 15, 2011- Ellen Moore

I have truly been in the presence of this beautiful girl twice I'm pretty sure, and yet she has had such an influence on me in that little time we spent together. Ellen goes to UCF with two of my closest friends Kaitlin and Brittany, and I cannot tell you how jealous I get of her sometimes. She met Kaitlin first when they both did crew and from the moment Kaitlin met her all I heard about was how cool Ellen was and what an incredible daughter of Christ she was. Needless to say I was anxious and excited to meet her and hear about her love for the Lord. Kaitlin was not joking or exaggerating at all about how cool Ellen was either, she truly is a rock star and I can only imagine the smile that spreads across the Lord's face when He looks down at the light she is at UCF.

Ellen, I can't pretend to know you that well, but what I do know is how passionate you are about the Lord. I am so thankful for the encouragement you give me and more importantly, the way you encourage Kaitlin and Brittany. I cannot tell you how excited I am that you are a part of their lives and I love hearing stories of the incredible woman you are from them. Know that the work you are doing at UCF for the Lord is so beautiful and that He could not be prouder of you. Thank you for loving the Lord with all of your heart and never being afraid to show it, I love you forever.

James 5:19-20

"My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins."

March 14, 2011- Lennon Dodson

Lennon, from the moment I met you I could not wait to be your friend. Lennon was my counselor my Sunnyside year and if she could deal with me at sixteen, she could deal with anyone. She was one of those counselors you couldn't help but adore, and never ceased to put a smile on my face. I didn't really get to know Lennon as a friend and sister in Christ until the next year when we were both on staff, and ever since the have just grown to love her more every day.

If you haven't had the opportunity to have a conversation with Lennon, I am so sorry. She is truly one of the most genuine people I have ever known and could not be sweeter. She is encouraging and uplifting in the way she relates to others and makes you really feel confident in who the Lord molded you to be rather then who the world want's you to be. It is a unique gift to find in someone and I am so thankful that God placed her in my life when he did. At the age where I felt the most unsure and worthless, she reminded me of how strong and worthy Christ is for me. Lennon, thank you for always being someone who encourages me to be silly and laugh at myself, but also remind me to glorify the Lord though it all. I am so thankful for the role model position the Lord placed you in, at the perfect time in my life and how beautiful our friendship has grown out of that. Remember how beautiful and precious you are to your creator, I love you forever.


Galatians 6:9
"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."

March 13, 2011- Kristine Young

Oh my dear friend, I cannot tell you how much I loved our constant battles of sarcasm and Chinese jokes!! Kristine and I go way back to the good ole' days of choir practice that consisted of us complaining about how much we hated choir without Mr. Redding. We were unbelievably bitter and sassy to all that tried us and looking back at that I can't help but laugh at how ridiculous we were. If I wasn't cracking on how short you were, it was something about how I was surprised you could see me with your eyes all squinted up, yet you never ceased to dish it right back out with ten times the rudeness!!


Kristine and I got really close my junior and senior year of high school when we both began to fall in love with Jesus. We started going to Element together and having incredible conversation instead of doing any type of work in the classes we had together. We got to celebrate with each other in victories and grieve together in our losses. No matter how much we hated situations we were in, we challenged each other to seek the joy out in every situation and for that I am forever grateful. Kristine I cannot tell you how much your encouragement and love meant to me throughout the years. Never forget how perfectly created you are and how adored you are by the King. I love you forever.


Matthew 11:28-30
"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.""

March 12, 2011- Max Bush

Max Bush, (said in the best french accent I could muster up) but of course today's entry would be on you! Oh my dear friend, our relationship has come a long way since french accents and you forgetting my name. Max is the kind of guy you always want to be around. He has this way of intentionally starting conversation about the Lord that is incredibly beautiful to see, and inspiring to be around. When he looks at people, I truly believe that he looks straight at their hearts and loves them instantly just as we are called too do. It is an unbelievable feeling to be encouraged in who the Lord has made you to be and he is so gifted in doing just that. 

Our relationship truly blossomed at the end of my senior year of high school as we got to know each other's hearts better and were able to better encourage each other in passions and desires of the Lord. Through prayer for each other and circumstances that we were personally struggling through or watching and hearing other's struggle through, Max and I became closer and closer solidifying our relationship in Christ. Max, as bummed as I am that we don't get to catch up as much as I wish we could, I am so thankful for the conversations we do get to have. They are never pithy or filled with mindless small talk, and always stay centered on furthering our walks in the Lord. I am so impressed and amazed with the man you are becoming, never forget who your strength and courage comes from. Stay true to who the Lord has molded you to be and know that I love you forever.

Psalm 33:22

"Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone."

Not a picture of you and I but I don't think a picture could sum you up better then this.

March 11, 2011- Allison Mitchell

THUMBELINA!! Looking back at our friendship, I think it all really started the day we went to Bush Gardens together, the summer before our sophomore year of high school. That quickly escalated to nicknames, taking ugly pictures together, trips to Gainesville, hiding in closets and most importantly, our walks with Jesus together. Allison is one of those girls you cannot help but love the moment you meet her. She has a spirit about her that stands out in a crowd and a heart that is willing to do anything for anyone because of Christ's love for her. She is hilarious and has an unbelievably beautiful joy for her creator that is inspiring to be around.

The thing I have taken away most from Allison is to remember that even in the worst of times, Jesus will always be there to catch you. He will always be your best friend and your provider through every situation, and I cannot tell you how important that was for me to learn. Allison, thank you for always pursuing Christ and never giving up on the relationships you left back in Florida. Thank you for prayers, encouragement and friendship in the best and worst of times. Know that there truly is a plan for absolutely everything, and that the Lord will work through you wherever you are. Your strength and reliance in the Lord never ceases to amaze me, I love you forever.

Psalm 37:7

"Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."

March 10, 2011- Eva Caruso

Eva, Eva, Eva... from the first day of camp that you and your beautiful blonde hair strolled into Moonmist, I knew we would have a blast together. Everything you did and said was absolutely hilarious and I couldn't help but want you around to make not only the new girls but myself included more comfortable in such an awkward first day setting. Your bubbly personality was exactly what we needed to make everyone feel at home and already be having a blast. I couldn't count all the times you made me burst out laughing, but I knew I could always rely on you to put a smile on my face.


My fondest memory of Eva was on the day we did chapel as a cabin. I let you borrow my bible to read some verses out of and when I got it back, there was a note tucked in one of the verses you read, encouraging me in my faith. I can't tell you in words how much that note meant to me Eva, but know that my heart was so joyful and that I read that note to this day when I need encouragement. Eva, your actions remind me to look for Jesus in everyone and everything. He is doing absolutely incredible things in your life and I encourage you to stay strong in Him when life seems to let you down. Know that I am praying for you constantly and that I love you forever.


Isaiah 59:1
"Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call."

March 9, 2011- Jeffery Redding

Mr. Redding, if I had a dollar for every time you made me cry from laughing, joy or sorrow, I would be a wealthy woman. Like everyone else in the world, I had heard story after story about how incredible you were and how you change lives of not only your students but the people they come in contact with too. Honestly, I didn't understand how that was possible, partly in favor because when I met you I thought I was the coolest thing since sliced bread and didn't want to have anything to do with adults. But man, looking back is a whirlwind of emotion I never expected a teacher would cause. Through tears, laughs, losses and victories, you certainly had and still have an incredible impact on my life.


The first day of choir my freshman year of high school was one of the most intimidating experiences I have ever had. You walk into a room of about a hundred other girls that you seem to have just about nothing in common with except your gender and class schedule. I quickly learned that those girls would not be strangers to me in a few months and that Mr. Redding would make sure of that. We did bonding exercise after exercise until I was sure that I had nothing in common with any of them when finally he told us what our goal was in choir. It wasn't to be the best choir vocally in the world, but to be the best family in the world. We worked everyday to strive for unity within the group and the day we found it is impossible to describe except for beautiful. I had never felt closer with a group of girls I hardly knew and the only reason for that is Jesus. Jred, thank you so much for never giving up on me. I can't remember how many days I came storming into your office to complain, cry with frustration, yell at you, or stare until you realized something was wrong, but I know they will never measure up to the times we celebrated, laughed and rejoiced in your office at the victory of unity. Thank you for being a friend and a role model to me. I love you forever.


Psalm 133:1
"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

March 8, 2011- Joanie Burkhalter

JOAN! Man oh man, we have certainly had some joyous times together. I guess our friendship started under the care and love of one of the most incredible men alive, Jeffery Redding, singing our hearts out in Bel Canto. It is hard to explain the bond we all had to people who haven't experienced it, but there truly is something special that happens when everyone in the room is striving for the same thing, regardless of race, gender, circumstance or background. I never would have dreamed that by the end of sophomore year I would be riding on the top of a car with you fighting for our lives!


One of the most beautiful qualities Joanie has is love. She genuinely loves people for who they are and not who the world tells them they should be. She treats everyone around her with the same love that Christ shows to her; nonjudgemental and unconditional love. Joanie seeks common ground with others and truly makes you feel important and loved when she is around. Her heart is so beautiful and her spirit is untouchable. Joan, never forget how much your creator adores you and that He has molded you to be exactly who you are. Thank you for a friendship that you didn't have to have with me, I love you forever.


1 John 4:18
"Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love."

March 7, 2011- Dory Moore

Every time I think about Dory, a distinct memory pops into my head of Christmas day when nobody would climb a tree with me so she did and I wish I could express to you in words how much that meant to me. Ever since I was little, Dory has always been someone I constantly told people about. Whether it be a cool adventure or trip she had gone on, or how much fun she was to hang out with when we had the whole family over. She has always been someone I look to with such excitement and such joy in my heart. 

A few summers ago when I was in California, we went to visit Dory and Steve for dinner and immediately I was mesmerized by her lifestyle. Everything seemed so simple and easy; life was beautiful because she viewed it that way. Listening to her talk about travels and how her students were made me step back and think about how I was viewing life. I left that trip feeling inspired to look for the joy and beauty in everything placed in my pathway. Dory, when I take a minute to look at how beautiful the earth that the Lord has created, I think of you. I think about how excited you would be just to stop and look at the wonders and secrets of what He has created. Thank you for unknowingly inspire me to not rush through life, and to take time to look around and appreciate all that I am blessed to live by. I love you forever.

Psalm 104:24

"O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures."

March 6, 2011- Allison Sanna

If you ever need a smile, your hair brushed or your virtual fish fed, Big Al Nosilla is your girl. She has a spirit that is untouchable and a joy that seems to linger in her shadow Everywhere she goes and everyone in her presence is destined to be left in a better mood then when she arrived. Allison and I met back in October but it took me until January to realize how incredibly blessed I am to have her around. Between her endless phrases and desire to only eat pasta and chicken fingers, leaving her with anything but an aching stomach from laughter and permanent grin is next to impossible.

One of the coolest things to see in Allison is her heart for others. Regardless of who you are or what you ask of her, she will do anything for you before you can spit it all out. She has an unbelievably selfless heart that the Lord has used to bless so many people around her. Her patient spirit and often times indecisiveness truly shows how much she cares for other’s to always be happy before herself. Al, I am so thankful to have met you. My days would be nowhere near as sunny without you in them, and know that I think you look beautiful in a flannel shirt, chaco’s and jeggings! Thank you for always encouraging me in all that I strive to do and supporting me in every ambition God places on my heart. You are an incredible daughter of Christ, I love you forever. 

John 16:33

" I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. "

March 5, 2011- Hamilton Ibbeken

Oh my sweet, sweet Darla, where to begin raving about you? I was lucky enough to have Hamilton as my camper this summer in the cabin that really hits the spot, Moonmist. I was stoked out of my mind to be a Moonmist counselor because honestly, middle school rocks. Not to mention, after six weeks of hearing about nothing but how cool the second session cousins were from Lindsay Lansky, I could hardly contain my excitement to be there. Lin-Lan was not exaggerating at all, and these girls completely blew my expectations out of the water. Sadly, this is not a Moonmist entry so i'll get back to Hamilton...


Darla and I instantly clicked the second she informed me that she wore headgear. Most girls her age would hide this kind of information from the world, but not Darla. Somehow I convinced her to wear it around so that every time I saw her a smile would radiate across my face. Little did she know, my smile was not entirely due to her headgear. Yes, it was hilarious and all I could picture was Darla from Finding Nemo when she had it one, but really I just smiled because Darla was near me. I cannot describe to you how beautiful this girl's heart is. She cannot stand to see anyone in pain or discomfort and will do everything in her power to help people out. She is selflessly encouraging and always sticks up for the people she loves. Darla, you are incredible. Not a day passes that I don't think of and pray for you and your gracious, loving and kind spirit. I am so thankful that the Lord placed you in my life and unbelievably grateful for the lessons He has taught me through you. Never forget what a beautiful girl you are and how much your father in heaven adores you. I love you forever.


Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."

P.S. I absolutely look like I am your age in this picture and it's super embarrassing to tell people that I am in fact six years older then you.

March 4, 2011- Lucy Dabney

Princess Lucy, if I had a penny for ever tweedle that clung to your leg or was in awestruck every time you walked in the cabin I would be a wealthy woman. Luce has this way with children that even I cannot comprehend at times. Tweeds have great one-liners, killer eating habits and hilarious dance movies, but let's be honest, sometimes I want to hide in the maintenance shed from them. Lucy managed to not only love these children all the time, but seemed to be able to somewhat tame there psychotic need to always be jumping on your back or screaming in your ears; for that I will be forever jealous of you.

Truly though, Luce has an unbelievably patient and loving heart. Every trying situation that was placed before her this summer, she managed to handle with grace. She is undoubtedly the most gentle, composed tweedle mom to ever exist and she has the incredible gift of calming those she is around. I have loved watching Christ's forgiveness shine through her in every aspect of life, and I know that whatever mountain He places in her path, that she will climb it with perseverance. Luce, thank you for never giving up on other's and always looking for the beauty of your challenges. Stay strong in who God has molded you to be and never forget how much He adores you. I love you forever.

1 Colossians 1:13-14

"For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."

March 3, 2011- Molly Seeley

Oh man Molly, if I could express to you in words how wonderful I thought you were when we were campers, you would probably be creeped out. I can't even begin to tell you how much I wanted to be your friend and  how much I aspired to be just like you. Like a few mentioned before, Molly is another one of those girls who is just way cooler then any normal person should be, and between her charming whit, incredible singing and guitar playing or her selfless mannerisms, she was destined to shine.


Molly you have impacted my life in more ways then you will ever know. You taught me through your words and bold actions that beauty is far from skin deep. Beauty is something that can only be defined by your love for Christ and for others. It is far more than what the world has defined it as, and Molly you are truly one of the most beautiful daughters of God I have ever met. Thank you for being such an incredible example of Christ's beauty and for always putting other's needs above your own. Never underestimate the power of His love and of your prayer. Allow Him to move, speak, teach and work through you in every aspect of your life. I love you forever.


Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

March 2, 2011- Mijanne Wurdeman

Mijanne! I first met you at the beach after a summer of you taking over Orlando while I was in the mountains of North Carolina working at camp. I was immediately in love with how spirited you were for life and how joyful you were just to be at the beach with friends. You didn't know it at the time but all of my closest friends had recently fallen in love with Christ and were incredibly excited about Element camp which was right around the corner. I had no doubt in my mind that I would not be attending due to lack of funds, and even though I wouldn't say it out loud, I was beyond bummed. I don't know if I have ever told you how much it meant to me to be able to go. You barely knew me and somehow had the selflessness and love to give freely. I appreciate that so, so much Mijanne, it is a beautiful quality you have and I hope it never fades from your personality. 

I truly got close with Mijanne on our expedition to the beautiful Tennessee mountains my senior year for spring break. It may have been our million hour drive there, white water rafting or our mini-hike that strayed from the group that we bonded over the most, but regardless of what it was I am so thankful for it. I got to know the heart of an incredible daughter of God and pray, worship and learn with her through many seasons of my life. Mijanne continue to seek out the Lord's plan for you and never forget how beautifully He has molded you. Thank you for all of the encouragement, love and words of wisdom that you let Christ speak to me through you. I love you forever.

Deuteronomy 15:10-11

"Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need."

March 1, 2011- Little, little Kate

I seem to fall in love with every Kate that enters my life, or at least strive to know them more. Biased? Absolutely, but such a great connection that instantaneously occurs. One of my favorite Kate's is a little bit younger then me. By that I mean she is seven and probably the sassiest seven-year old I have ever met. She does and gets what she wants which from a counselor standpoint sucks, but from my standpoint is absolutely hilarious.


Little, little Kate asked one day(Christmas in June to be exact) if we could read her the Christmas story because she had never heard it before. A group of nine or ten Tweedles and a few counselors headed down to the lake with our bibles and blankets to sit and read the story. The younger girls took turns picking out words they could from the passage and little, little Kate just sat and listened. At the end she ran off(as all children seem to do) and that was that. End of the story, end of her attention span, end of her care. After all the girls left, I realized my bible had mysteriously disappeared as well. After about a week, when all the girls were leaving camp, my bible showed up on my bed. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but when summer ended and I flipped to the back of my bible one day, I found "owner: kate" written. I don't know if she read it, or just had it for comfort, but when she gets old enough that bible is hers, no questions asked. I underestimated the power of Christ working in such young girls hearts and through little, little Kate, He showed me how comforting and almighty He truly is. So little, little Kate, you will probably not ever see this, but if you do, know that I love you forever and so does your savior. 


Nahum 1:3
"The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet."