Somebody Get A Wheelchair.-We're Having A Birthday!

It's belated. Oh well. I told her on her actual birthday and gave her a card (there is a story with this card) and some chocolate...That is about as good as it got because it was Friday and I was at Camp so I couldn't throw her a legitimate party. *cue the sad trombone* Anyway, our crazy and mildly insane dear, sweet Brooklyn French turned 18 on July 3rd! So next time you see her, be sure to excitedly tell her happy birthday. Even three months later. Really. Its fun. ;)

Now for the story behind the card:
I went to Walmart to get some things for camp at the last minute (and I mean, I should've been packed and almost ready to leave for Thursday's evening service...but instead I was racing around trying to get last minute things so I could pack and get ready to leave. It was legitimately last minute.) and grabbed a card and a particular chocolate that is so addicting that you will never escape from its clutches once it gets you in its grasp. Well, it was pretty loud in Walmart. I don't know if you realized it or not, but Saturday was the Fourth of July, which is traditionally celebrated in America with parties, fireworks, lots of outdoors-y activities, etc. Which means that everyone and their brothers where at Walmart. So I was picking out a card and one caught my eye...It had a pretty little picture that reminded me of Brooklyn and myself when we were younger. It had a cute little quote about how friends are always there and blah blah. I opened it and it said happy birthday from the friend that will always be here or something to that effect. I noticed that it played music but I couldn't understand what it was playing. I liked the wording on the card so I decided to just go ahead and get it...Then I got in the car and realized what the little song was...I'm not 100% for sure, but I think it was "I'll Be There" from the Jackson 5. (I looked this up. I don't listen to this nonsense. Promise.) There was a slight problem. Part of the snippet that they used was hard to understand except for one phrase. "Baby, I'll be there" So I of course, had to explain to Brooklyn what had happened so that she wouldn't be utterly creep-ed out by it. We definitely got a good laugh from it though.-But hey, the chocolate was good, right? ;)

Anyway, I honestly do count it a privilege to be considered her friend. We have been friends since we were little people and I can't say that it has been smooth sailing the whole way. From uninviting each other to our nonexistent future weddings (as small children mind you. This wasn't last week!) to a few years ago when we managed to grow apart and travel down different paths for a while, we've had some bumps in the road. Okay, some of them were more like Oklahoma pot holes, but you know. I'm glad that this past year has brought us back together where we can hang out together and get mani-pedi's (Iee haa Chinese een mie famuhlee. Mie mom name Kim.) or we can link up and fight some battles in the Holy Ghost. Life has thrown us some curve balls, but regardless of what has happened, I can say that Brooklyn has been a true friend and I'm glad to call her one.

I'm proud of you Brooklyn and I can't wait to see how all God is going to use you and your testimony for His glory! Keep your chin up! :)
xo,
Lauren

(And yes, you should feel very special. This is an entire post dedicated to you. ;D)

Youth Camp 2015

Youth Camp for 2015 is officially over. It is always such a blessing and a wonderful time spent drawing closer to the Lord and to one another. This year was a bit different for me, however, as I could not attend all week. It was actually pretty horrible to not be there and to hear about all the awesome things that I was missing out on. First, you have to know that Evangelist Andrew Howard preached our evening services. He was used by God in mighty ways and brought us a word from the Lord every time that he was in the pulpit. I am so thankful for his burden and his ministry!
Anyway, due to my recent welcome to adulthood, I was only able to attend Tuesday night and Thursday night through Saturday morning. (This is not a pity post but I'm not going to lie, it was hard. I definitely felt isolated from my youth group for a while.) The time that I was at youth camp was incredible. God moved and called and anointed in such a mighty way. Young people that had recently started coming to youth got the Holy Ghost, backsliders prayed through and we all moved into a deeper relationship with Jesus. I was asked to sing for our morning rally on Friday and before we were finished with worship service God moved. Struggling young people became determined to triumph, one got very close to receiving the Holy Ghost for the first time, and others moved into a deep place of worship. God definitely blessed us with His presence once again. I'm looking forward to what God is going to do at Summer Heritage. If camp is any indication, God is going to move mightily in my youth group. I can hardly wait to see all the things that will be accomplished!

**I will be posting again later today and later this week I will announce who the guest it. I also plan to do a bit of a different post this week. Maybe Tuesday? Regardless, check back later!**

Graduation Photos

As promised, here are some graduation photos!

Some of the seniors. 

        

This is so typical of us that I had to post it. We always have so much fun together!

His face cracks me up! He was all like "uhmm, what are you doing?" But he smelled really good.😆

And now for some ceremony photos! Note: I cried through the entire service. The message was SO good and SO needed. God's presence was very real and near in that service and I'm eternally thankful for that! So if my face looks red, it's because I was crying my eyes out. Lol

Th struggle for a normal photo is real folks. This is the good one!

This a candid. It's pretty hilarious because it shows our personalities.

This one was also about the best one we got. One has never seen a less photogenic group. Haha

Bro. Sewell was so anointed when he preached. I will never forget it! However, when he began, he had everyone cracking up. I was wondering if he was going to preach or host a comedy hour!

I love my pastor!!

I'm so glad that my Uncle Rick and Aunt Kathy Worthen were able to come to my graduation! They were fun to have around. And they made me homemade egg rolls which are to die for and they happen to be one of my favorite things. ;)

I may or may not post more photos. I haven't decided yet... Regardless, keep checking back to find out who is doing our guest post! :) Thanks for reading!