My Story

You know when you get back from a really awesome trip to a different country and people are asking you to tell them your stories? And by the third person you are tired of telling the same stories and feel like you have been talking about the same thing every time you see someone.  

Well my story with LovethruShoes and Africa has kind of become the same way. To me the story seems normal. Like a boring, typical day in my life. But today I realized how impactful that story can be.

To me, the story of why I started LovethruShoes is just a part of my life. I would much rather tell someone all the amazing ways I see God through LovethruShoes. I would rather tell them all the times God provided and showed how wonderful He is. But I guess I found it hard to believe that God can do that through my story. That through the story of why I started LovethruShoes and the life changing events that happened, His Greatness will be known. To me, I constantly see my faults, and when I look at other people I see their strengths. So when thinking about God using my story to show how great He is just doesn’t seem to do Him justice.

I realized that the reason God placed everything that happened that summer and after in my life is to make His greatness known through me. And that was one of the most eye opening things I have ever learned.

Today I got to work with some awesome people, and one group of people in particular really touched my heart. There was a group of special needs adults that came with some leaders and helped us sort shoes. They were seriously some of the best workers we had! The leader of that group was one of the sweetest ladies ever, and while I was helping record some shoes, another leader from the group started talking to me about LovethruShoes and how it all began. So then I went to sit with them on our lunch break, and she asked me to tell the story to the whole table. I then proceeded to relive those moments as I was saying them and I realized how incredible that summer was, but more so than that, how incredible the doors God has opened have been to see. And how by completely trusting Him, I have learned and seen more than I ever thought I would as a 19 year old.

Later as they went to leave, she handed me a wad of money and said, “you know God told me to get this money this week, but I didn’t know what it was for. But today I knew.” God literally always provides exactly what is needed.

So today not only was I reminded that I don’t need to stress or worry, because God’s got it all under control, but I was also reminded that by letting go and trusting Him, He can use someone like me and my story to literally change people’s hearts and lives.

Dwelling on His Awesomeness,

Liz

Monday Madness

This morning I walked into a house with kids running around scrambling to get ready for soccer camp, construction going on downstairs, cleaning ladies working, another child sleeping upstairs, and a mom trying to leave for work while explain to me everything that is going on. And then I understood the phrase... Monday Madness. (not to mention I was wide awake by the time everyone got out the door)

My summer job is quite the change in lifestyle. While in college I was mainly focused on myself, this summer I am a nanny for 3 incredible kids and my life is now focused on them. It's a big change, but it is so worth it :) The "organized chaos" that normally takes place every day constantly reminds me of the peace and comfort I find in Christ during my chaotic life.

So this morning once everything settled down a bit, I started thinking about how amazing it is that in my chaotic life and "gypsy living" this summer, I find peace in the presence of my Savior. I find comfort in His arms. And even when I start to feel homesick or exhausted, He picks me up and shows me His love. And it's in the moments where I am overwhelmed and exhuasted that I see and feel God the most.

I'm extremely blessed with so much in my life, but the moment I start focusing on the mess in my life and take my mind of the blessings is the moment I forget how blessed I am.

So it might be an early Monday morning, but I am ready for the crazy week! And I am more than ready to see God at work in every small detail and moment.

Leaning on Him,

Liz