To follow Christ...

...to do as He did, to expect God to do great things, to show others His love and watch them fall in love with Him. To trust the one who made me and knows my past and my future, to do everything...I mean everything for Him; every thought, every action, word, attitude, every step done purposefully in order to glorify Him. To wake up and before I take my head off the pillow say "God give me the strength to live for You today; help me be a light in a dark world." So much I have missed out, and so much to do; but is life worth living without Christ? Can I call myself His follower if I do not follow Him...What is the point of life without Christ? I don't want to live life without Him and I don't want to live for anything or anyone else. Life does not make sense without Him. I guess I am going on this rant because I am frustrated with the way my life is at the moment. I feel like I'm only here at school to get a paper at times, but other times, the Lord affirms my being here and what I am learning. I am a hands-on learner...to the extreme; so that is also a reason why I find all the classroom sitting a tad bit tiring and frustrating. I know though, that God has me here for a reason and a purpose. I just have to wait and find out what that is... Trusting Him

Life as of now...

I have had almost 3 weeks now to think about the summer and all God has done, and is still teaching me through the last 4 or so months. It's been hard, fun, adventure filled, challenging, tearful (yes I do admit it), super stretching, and full of love..and even more. WARNING** This may be long.. Somethings different in me...I mean really different; and it's so good. The Resident Director of my dorm, Kathy, came down to my room the other day to look at some of my Africa pictures..she asked me "Keerstin, what is it that's different? There's a new joy, a greater joy..a peace..what did it?" To be honest, I don't know, all I do know is that I've never longed to know God like I do now; and I don't think that even begins to explain it. I'm not sure how to explain what God has done in me; though I don't think I will ever be able to explain it all.. I am ok with that. I think that is where amazement and awe come in. (in the not knowing what or how God has done certain things). I do not accredit this difference in (..in my spirit? my soul? what is it?) me to going to Africa, though I do know that God has shown me some pretty amazing things there. I accredit it to God, not "just God" but GOD, in His power, His glory, His Spirit, in Him. Through Him we may have life! ..and to the full.. I am learning slowly how to accept this life. I worked at Staples from May until July 29th. Staples was hard, I was in charge of 2 departments (over half the store) in my first month; learned how to say "I can't find the binder" in German, made some sweet friends and was blown away by how God provided on those days I just wanted to quit and run away. From July 31st-Aug. 23rd I was in Africa and in transit. I have started finding some words in which to describe my time over seas, but I guess I have a hard time because I know I can never do justice to what God all did there. One of my highlights was getting to know the Chieftess and her family; mainly her oldest daughter Keta and hearing her story. Keta said "Keerstin, my name means look at the grace of God; and this is why.." and then she told me her testimony! wow. I was also given a Chichewa name: Chikondi. This summer alone, my grandpa had 2 heart attacks, but he still seems to be doing fine. It's amazing... I know that God still wants him around for something; obviously eh. I got to play guitar and sing for my Grandma when Grandpa was in the hospital..I love spending time with her. I am back at Briercrest.. PRAISE THE LORD! I have a 'tough' course load with a lot of reading; in the words of my academic adviser I'm "in for it"..so we'll see how this goes. So far it's going great and I am loving all my classes. God has and is continuously blessing me with amazing people and friends to spend time with.. I know God is glorified through the times I spend with these people..especially one special 'family' group of friends. I had a job interview tonight at the Point (which went great) and I am also helping out with Sunday School..today the girls got to name our group (they're age about 4-6) and they named us the Strawberry Shortcakes! I thought it was great. It is being affirmed in my mind how important it is to be 'giving back' to the church, and I am feeling more apart of the body as I am contributing in this way. If I were to have a title for this summer it would be Summer of Blessing. That it is. If only I would have words so you might understand...but the Lord knows my heart. I wanted to give you all an update of where I am at; this has been "update with Keerstin time" hope y'all enjoyed. Much love