As I sit here reflecting on what God's been doing in my life I can't help but take a deep breath and appreciate life. Through the hard couple weeks I had, God showed to me that I really truly have changed since Mercy, and I really truly do handle things different than before. I handle things the healthy way. I've never spent so much time in God's word and in prayer. I felt him lay some pretty heavy things on my heart through song lyrics and scripture. He gave me 2 songs, of which I had never really heard before, in the same day. They both talked about stepping out and walking on the water. I felt it as the okay to continue on to camp and school, despite the couple low weeks. I also felt I was told directly to continue going off of my medications through prayer at church. My parents didn't quite understand or agree on everything so I decided to use my communication skills and sit down to tell them what God has been telling me. I was awake almost all night the night before, second guessing myself, thinking maybe the songs about walking on the water were just coincidences. But then I pulled out my Bible. I opened up to Matthew 14, right where I had left off. But, chapter fourteen is where Jesus walks on water, and peter does, and then what happens when Peter doubts God. It was like, *BAM*, why are you doubting me Mandie? Sometimes people won't want you to do what I want you to do. It was like an overwelming peace. I'm so secure in knowing that staying off the meds, going to serve God at camp, and then going to Liberty in the fall, are what God wants in my life. I'm scared yes, to leave my support system behind. But my dad told me Saturday that he always sees me at my best when I'm serving others! I'm doing soooo well and God is really speaking to me and working in my life! I'm excited to use what he's taught me to counsel the girls at Lighthouse Christian Camp! I leave 2 weeks form yesterday! Eek!

(PICTURE: Me, Livi, and her boyfriend Greg playing basketball in the rain last week!)