Chelsea Parks

Chel Chel!
              I am so fortunate to have met Chelsea last summer. We were co-counselors together, and quite frankly had no idea what we were doing. Chelsea inspired me from the beginning in how she wholly relied on the Lord to instruct and guide us throughout the summer. She showed me that the Lord would use our inadequacies to bring himself glory and that all we needed to do was be open and willing to be used for His name and He would take care of the rest.

            Chels and I bonded pretty quickly over a mutual love and adoration of our campers. The way Chelsea loved our girls through her actions and in such a selfless manner was so encouraging to me. She helped me realize that love is not something that needs to be earned but is something we do because the Lord commands us to. Chelsea has such a beautiful way of loving impartially and selflessly. She always puts the Lord first, others second, and herself last. She has shown me that despite the sometimes tiring and hard work, it is absolutely worth it to follow Jesus with everything you have. She has encouraged me to see the beauty in the Lord’s discipline and in His perfect timing for absolutely everything.
            Chels has encouraged me so much in the way she acts boldly through the passions the Lord has laid on her heart. She inspires me to put my heart into everything I do and to never limit our infinite God. Chelsea’s awe and reverence for the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness is so uplifting to experience and hearing how the Lord is moving through her life is always such a joy.
            Chel Chel, I cannot thank you enough for all that you have helped show me about the Lord’s character. I want to encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on eternity and to keep being persistent with people. Never lose hope because the Lord is always faithful and has big plans for you. Always trust in His timing and continue to be a light for the Lord wherever you go.
 
I love you forever,

            Jor Jor

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” – 2 Corinthians 3:2-3  

Will Andrews

Awnie, Awnie, Awnie... we have come quite a ways since you yelled at me to get off the archery range when I was sixteen, and as much as I loved being remembered that way, I am grateful you gradually have gotten to know a different Kate Miller over the year. Awnie I have had the incredible opportunity to grow to know and love Meredith more this year, and through that I have watched you heart and her's encourage each other in selfless and beautiful ways. One incredible thing about you is that you never let other's opinion effect who the Lord has made you to be. You have an undeniable confidence in who you are in Christ that is so refreshing to be around. You bring out such joy in people's hearts because of your silly playfulness and your ability to love others for who they are.


On our drive back from the Braves game, we started talking about words that described us best and the one I had for you was compassionate. I stand by that word, because your heart truly is one of the most caring I have ever known. If someone needs you, nothing stops you from being there. Your obedience to the Lord's plan for you is so encouraging to see. I have loved watching your journey with Him this year, and I admire that you take the time to listen to His call for you. Never forget how important the gifts are that He has given you and never back away from using them. You are an incredible man of the Lord Will and I am so excited to continue to watch Him mold you. I love you forever Awnie.


Psalm 118:24
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Sarah Dixon

Oh my beautiful Sarah, I cannot express to you in words how dearly I treasure our coffee dates. They are so few and far between but when you tell me stories and encourage me I can truly hear the Lord's voice taking over. You are such an incredible vessel for him to work through and I am constantly encouraged by your wise words and insight on things going on in your life and those around you. Your selfless attitude is beautiful to see in action and your intent listening to God's purpose for you is a constant reminder for me to never get to comfortable.

Today you said something that brought me back to the beautiful realization that I should never be too content to leave if He tells me to. Your fear of settling caught me off guard and your comment about adjusting to wherever you are really hit my heart. It reminded me of how passionate I was to listen to the Lord's plan for me and because I am stuck in a routine, I often quit listening and just obey the rules of society as opposed to the ones He has set for me. Thank you for calling me out even if you didn't intend to, and thank you for always letting Jesus shine through you. I am so excited for your summer and all that will bring. Continue to rejoice in all of the Lord's victories in your life and others, and never lose sight of His calling for you! I love you forever.

Psalm 119:34

"Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart."

Squiggs Hood

    I was completely unaware of the many blessings the Lord would pour out on me when I started college almost a year ago. I could probably list a hundred, but Lauren Hood’s unconditional love and continual desire for me to seek out the Lord has been one of the greatest undeserved gifts. When I first found out that she was to be one of my bible study leaders for the year  I was a little apprehensive and I wasn’t sure why. Now I know that it was because she would accept nothing less than complete honesty and vulnerability from the other girls and I. Lauren doesn’t pretend that she is perfect. But more importantly, she doesn’t forget that we aren’t either. Her desire to share in our struggles and hurts is paired wonderfully with total sincerity and tenderness.
    Lauren is also REALLY loud and I love it. Although this may be joked about, I don’t think anyone could understand how oddly comforting this has been. I grew up in a loud home, people constantly running in and out, competing to be heard by yelling louder than one another, my mom’s laugh and voice was a constant background to everything. Now that my life has quieted down, being in the same room as Lauren brings me a simple joy that reminds me of my family.  Even though it seems silly that I appreciate this so much about Lauren, it has shown me that not only does God know me so well and has quite the sense of humor, but he cares about even the silliest and seemingly smallest desires of my heart.
    As the fall semester moved on, I got the chance to ask Lauren to disciple me. As this year has passed, she has learned about my brokenness, my insecurities and seen the struggles that cause me to lack faith and trust in God. Again, her obedience to the Lord led her to shed wisdom into my life and share in my burdens. She has constantly reminded me and, even better, demonstrated through the way she lives her life that the Lord is faithful to his children AND Jesus has made it so that He won’t ever turn His back on me. How beautiful and loving is our God??
    Thank you so so much for your friendship, Squiggs, and for being a beautiful example of having joy and hope in our savior. I am so grateful that I get to pray, evangelize, fellowship, eat Italian food, color, laugh, and learn from you. I am praying that God will provide me with another sister to pass along the love that He has allowed you to show to me.

         Love you always.

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. -Galatians 6:2

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:11

April 10, 2011 - Deanna Pate

            Well, I met Deanna at a beach retreat last fall and it was then that she told me about a mission trip she would be taking to Cambodia this May to help at the Rapha House. She was so joyful that the Lord had given her this great opportunity. She told me how she had wanted to go there for quite a while but knew she had to be patient with the Lord’s will, because He has perfect timing. The Lord’s gift to Deanna exuded His faithfulness and encouraged me to trust in the Lord’s promises in my life.
            Deanna told me how she had to raise 3,000 dollars for the trip and how she didn’t have any of it. After beach retreat, I ran into Deanna every couple of weeks. Without fail, I would ask for any updates on her trip funding. My faith muscle grew as I heard how the Lord was persistently pouring His blessings on Deanna for this trip. Deanna’s updates always reminded me of the importance of praying earnestly and persistently. I was always so encouraged by the way Deanna trusted that the Lord would provide everything she needed for this trip because she knew He wanted her there. In my latest run-in with Deanna, I rejoiced in hearing that everything was in order and ready to go for her trip! She has helped me realize that the desires the Lord places in our hearts are stunning because they are from Him. She has shown me how important it is not to suppress those hopes but, to adore and love them. Deanna’s hope and obedience to the Lord’s plan for her life inspires me to always be in reverent awe of our Creator. Her continuous trip updates would always remind me that the Lord’s blessings are endless and He is always working through people.
            Deanna, thank you for all that you have opened my eyes to. I want to encourage you to keep sharing how God is working in your life. Keep seeking the Lord’s instruction and discipline in your life. Trust that his love is far stronger than any temptation you may come across. Never lose sight of His peace.

            I love you forever,

                        Jordan

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

April 5, 2011- Michael Puckett

MIKEY! I never could have imagined that our frienship would grow so much from the day we met and I caled you a pansy for not being able to climb back up on the bridge. Truly though, I am so thankful it has grown and for all the the Lord has in store for our friendship in the future. Strangley enough, I think I have only talked to Mickey a total of three times. The first being the day I met him last May, the second sometime in September on skype and the third being yesterday. There is no rhyme or reason for why we should be friends except for the common ground we have in the Lord and His love for each of us. 

Yesterday when I was talking to Mikey, every word out of his mouth was truly speaking to my heart and I cannot put into words how directly from Christ it was. He is such a light for his creator and truly allows the Lord to speak through him unfiltered, and purely to others. He made so many comments in the fourty-five minute conversation I got to have with him that struck my heart and will stick with me forever. If you know me, you know that I have an unusually tough time excepting encouragement or compliments because they make me unbelievably uncomfortable. I shy away from any sort of interaction that will result in that, and I am quick to change the subject if the conversation is headed in the direction of encouragement towards me. Mikey, however, won't let that happen. Every word he says is intended to build others up in the work the Lord is doing through them, and encouragement for others effortlessly flows through him. I cannot tell all the ways I have been unintentionally called out or beautifully encouraged by him the the few conversations we have had and it pains me not to be able to make up an excuse for why I have to go or just change the topic all together but even in the Mickey is constantly teachig me lessons.

The thing that has stuck with me the most from our conversations is the thing that has made me the most uncomfortable. Of course, being the selfish human I am, I take the compliments and encouragement other's give me and either build myself up or just brush it off because it makes me incredible aukward. Mikey opened my eyes to the idea that when others encourage me, it is not truly me at all. Everything I do or say that comes close to being worthy of encouragement is the Lord and when I shy away from those things, I am not allowing the Lord's work to be acknowledged. Mikey, thank you for being such an incredible man of God and allowing him to constantly speak and work through you. Know that you are impacting and changing lives more then you will ever fully realize and I am so blessed to know you. I love you forever.

Isaiah 52:7

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!"

Taylor Kristine Wilson

My dearest Twillie, Twil, Twila, Emit, Taydizzle, and/or Tay, I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to grow with you and learn from you. Who would have thought that thirteen years ago our first grade friendship would develop into a sisterhood for eternity. Thank you for being so encouraging with your actions and words and thank you for always listening to me, caring for me, and loving me. Thank you for so many joyful memories, inside jokes, countless laughter and movie quoting, silly adventures, trips to the beach, and most of all, your prayers. 

    Taylor is the kind of girl you just want to know more about as soon as you meet her. Her sense of humor is phenomenal and just plain ridiculous. She is probably the chillest person on the face of the earth and she is a beast at everything. Tay’s really rad but her faith is even cooler. She is the tiniest person I know, and ironically the strongest. Tay has had some tough seasons in her life and I have been fortunate enough to see and learn from the way she handles trying times. It’s clear that her strength is from the Lord and that her peace comes from her trust in the His promises. One of the most amazing things about Tay is her forgiveness. She is never too proud to let go of a grudge and then do whatever it takes to mend any broken relationship. Another awesome thing about Tay is her willingness to be used for the glory of God and to expand His Kingdom. She always has an open-mind and an undying persistence that allows her to be obedient to the Lord’s call. Her joyful spirit is untouchable and can bring a smile to your face and brighten your day in an instant. Her heart is passionate for the amazing plan God has for her life and her patience for the  Lord’s will and with others is so encouraging.

    Beautiful Twil, keep on shining bright for the Lord in every circumstance and in every situation. Keep a steadfast persistence and patience with people and continue to love them without partiality. Always clench on to His words and put them into practice.

I love you forever,
    Joge/ T-Dawg

“Let us hold unswervingly to the faith we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” - Hebrews 10:23

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, at time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Amanda Graziano

Amanda/Pom!!!!. It’s tough to figure out where to begin but I guess a good starting point would be senior year of high school when our conversations consisted of comments about calculus and Mr. Restivo’s class. Man oh man, how our relationship has changed! Amanda and I began college together last fall and soon realized that our common ground was something a bit more solid than math problems- Jesus. We realized that we both had an eager love for the Lord and I cannot express how thankful I am for your friendship and for your endless encouragement, accountability :) and most importantly your love!  I’m so grateful for our midnight missions, our weekend getaways, our Friday mornings, our coffee and bible time, our adoration and appreciation of our friends and how ridiculously amazing they are, your impeccable Bernie skills, your finger-pointing dancing, your criticism of your different laughs, and your dreams of being a housewife! I don’t think you will ever realize just how much of a blessing you are in my life!

 Amanda has a heart that overflows with encouragement and understanding. She is always seeking to know the Lord more, and accepts His plan for her life with a trust that is so incredibly inspiring to witness and be around. Amanda has a way of loving that is genuine, real and just plain honest. She loves through her actions simply because that’s how God loves us and her passion in serving her community is just beautiful. One of the coolest things about her is how she recognizes the simple truth that none of us are any better than the other. We are all people, we all have the same basic needs, we all hurt, and we all need to know that we are absolutely adored by the creator of the universe. Amanda is great at reminding people that their struggles are not insignificant and that the Lord wants us to throw our cares at his feet and that He is always there to comfort us. Amanda has a pure way of viewing others without partiality in a way that you can’t help but see the Lord shining through her. Amanda’s humility in accepting the Lord’s refinement and her excitement for His plans is contagious and uplifting to be near. She is completely aware that she is wholly reliant on the Lord and desperate for his love and guidance. My favorite thing Amanda has shown me is the importance of being obedient to the Holy Spirit and acting in faith to His instructions.

I want to encourage you to keep trusting in the Lord with all of your heart and continue to pray with persistence and patience.  Love fearlessly, act in obedience, and believe with childlike faith.
I love you forever,
            Jorts, Nubs, or just Jordan

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made in perfect love. We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:18-19

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the 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