A New Life Has Begun!

Yesterday I was baptized.


It was my second time, but in 6th grade I didn't know-- I didn't live a NEW life. I remained in the world. But God is jealous for me-- he wants my attention and affection all for Him. And the last 6-7 years of my life really show that. From 6th-8th grade I pursued the world. I pursued the word "cool". From 9th-12th grade I tried to be the perfect Christian. I struggled with being genuine and not judging other people. Over the last year, God stripped me of all that I clung to. I clung to being praised. He got rid of me having a boy chase after my attention. I clung to the word "best friend". He took away my best friends. I clung to my free time. He made me the yearbook editor. All I had was Him. And I had to be okay with that. I can't (and won't) sit here and tell you that this was easy, but there's a beautiful irony in God's plan. He gives and takes away...he took away all the things that I thought I needed-- but as I learned to trust in Him I began to see the emptiness behind it all. The things he took away slowly became irrelevant because he filled those spaces with his love, grace, peace, mercy, and strength. He became my everything. He cast out all of my fears and doubts. He replaced all of these things with his perfect love. He has led me to Monterey for college. I left everything I know and love-- to come here and live in a hall with people who cuss like sailors and party like rockstars. He fills me up in times of being overwhelmed. His strength has become my own. From the moment I stepped on this campus he has provided for all of my needs. He provided one of the greatest friends I have ever had -- Savannah. Her life alone challenges me to be more bold for Christ. She is my inspiration. Her love and kindness are insane. So, I stayed in her room this weekend and Saturday night at 2am we start talking about the baptism service at CrossPoint and I just started telling her that I wished I could go and that it's going to be amazing. Then, I started to tell her about the fact that I have been wanting to get baptized again because I didn't comprehend it the first time. And she looks at me and says, "Let's go." So...we went. We packed up and went to Modesto. I was able to introduce her to everyone and surprise all of my friends-- and get baptized! I have spent the evening reading 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and I want to quote each word of it-- it's beautiful how God changes our hearts and lives.


2 Corinthians 5:17 -- This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!


My old life is gone. The end. No more spirit of fear and timidity. I will be BOLD and humble.
Living here in Monterey isn't exactly a walk in the park-- but my God takes care of me in every single way. He is enough for me. And I strive to say that each day. I don't want to get comfortable-- I want to live by faith.


2 Corinthians 5:15 -- He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.


My life is worth NOTHING if it's not centered on his work-- spreading his love, grace, and mercy.