Hope.

My mom has a devotional book called "Jesus Lives" and I will read it whenever I see it lying around. The author writes these amazing devotionals that have so much truth in them. They are like little letters from God full of truth and hope...and a letter that makes you smile :-)

It seems like every one I read, it gets to the heart of what I am going through...

This one is entitled, "Hope."

"Though difficulties abound in this world, rejoice that I am ever present with you. I can enable you to cope with any and all circumstances, strengthening you as you look trustingly in Me. No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, I assure you that all things are possible with me.

I am the Truth, and therefore I am true to all My promises. They provide a rock-solid foundation on which you can live and move and have your being. Since I am the living Word, affirming your trust in My promises is a excellent way to draw near Me. As you bask in the beauty of My Presence, you may find yourself wanting to praise Me. Do not restrain that holy impulse; instead give it voice. While you are worshipping Me, new hope will grow within you. Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence."

It's important to remain hopeful in hard times. We must remember we have God's promises to lean on; He never fails us.

The little letters from God. Always uplifting and always good.

My life after May 29th.

In the midst of figuring out "what I am supposed to do with my life", I cannot help but have fun throughout this process. Here's what I have been up to since I grabbed my diploma and ran...

I moved out of my house, although I really wasn't happy about it.

I lived out of my car.

I taught a four year old VBS class.

I enjoyed 4th of July on a boat. With my flippy floppys.

I participated in Cousin Cooking Class every Tuesday night. Go CCC.

I got to work at Camp Timberline in Colorado for 5 weeks.

I was a bridesmaid in my beautiful cousin's wedding. She is now a married woman.

I spent a long weekend at the lake.

I got to see my best friends from high school for a whole weekend.

I sent sister off to her junior year of high school. How the time flies.

Next part of life is coming soon....

Mambo Yote.

I am LOVING Camp T! The whole experience. Kids. Counselors. Colorado.

Here are some pictures of the last two weeks. I would love to write more, but it is late. I am tired. And I get to be a bridesmaid in a wedding tomorrow. Shut eye time.

On top of Twin Sisters.

Beautiful sunrise-Twin Sisters

Camp Timberline.

July 7th- August 17th...I will be a camp counselor and basketball coach to some pretty neat kids! So excited.

I will update my blog as much as possible, but if you are dying to contact me, send me some mail! I absolutely love mail.

Camp Timberline Summer Staff

Attention: Emily Pierce

1207 Longs Peak Rd.

Estes Park, CO 80517

Colorado, I have missed you so much.

The Thug Life.

Meet Janae. She is as cool as what she is wearing.

Janae and I first met freshman year while living on the same floor. Although we did not become friends at first, we can now say we are pretty darn good friends. It may have to do with the fact that we love the sport of basketball, love watching Friends over and over again, love to dance and sing, love to make fools of ourselves in the comfort of our own home, or the fact that we our pantry in the house contained the most food compared to the 6 others. Whatever it may have been, Nae has been not only a great friend to me, but an encourager, challenger, listener, and laugher (if that is even a word) to me.

Just this morning, I woke up to a text message saying, "Isaiah 40:31. Love you." She cares about me. I care a lot about her. She has taught me to be vulnerable with others. She has taught me what it means to study the bible and how to do it. I love, love this girl.

I do have to say I am quite proud of Miss Blea. Seeing her grow in so many ways these past four years has been incredible and I am proud of the many accomplishments she has made. I cannot wait to see her path in these next few years and am excited to see where the Lord takes her. Yes, I CANNOT WAIT.

Love you, Janae Blea and I am blessed to know you and be your friend.

Kiddos.

I really do love to take pictures of kids, especially ones that LOVE to be in front of the camera. What is funny about these pictures...I have no idea who these sweet kiddos are.

As I was enjoying my chai from Coffee Bean, these sweet girls began running around the fountain. I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures.....I am sure their mom's thought I was a little coo coo. As I continued shooting, the girl in the pink dress, came up to me and said, "Excuse me. You are in my way and I cannot run." Such sweet little girls.

Lauren.

So, I do know this little girl, but just a little. I babysat with my friend, Emily, and this is what I got to play with all night. 3 year old Lauren was "a show off" according to her mother, constantly laughing, smiling, and jumping all over the furniture. When bed time came around, Lauren did not want to comply. I quickly said, "Lauren, want to take some pictures?" I've never seen a little girl smile so fast and want to stay in front of a camera forever. The next morning, Lauren awoke, explaining she wanted to see "the Emilys".

Pop's Advice.

Graduation is quickly approaching and like any other college student, I have no idea what I am doing after I walk across the stage to get my diploma....although I do know what I am wearing on that day. Who knows where I will live, where I will work, my mode of transportation, and most importantly...if I will be able to keep my turtles.

You could say that I sort of had a minor break down about a week ago. Lots of thoughts were running through my mind as I tried to answer some of these questions. It is not good to think about this much heavy stuff in one setting, let alone as I lay in bed after waking up from a nap. To help answer some of these questions though...I called none other than my dad.

I have figured out who best to talk to in times of stress. Not my mom. She's great, but too much of a nurturer and always says, "ya, ya. I'm sorry." Not my sister. Because she's a bit young and doesn't understand most of the stuff I am going through. Ohh but she soon will. Not my brother. Because I have a hard time listening to him and taking his advice.

The best person to go to advice for is....my pop. He lays it out on the table. Always tells me to suck it up, life isn't fair and you will get through this tough time. He always says, "things will work out. Never does my dad feel sorry for me. He always tells me this is life and "if it were easy, everyone would do it." That is the honest truth. If this life were easy...attempting to be successful at your job and in relationships, maintaining a growing relationship with the Lord, etc...then everyone would really do it. But life is tremendously difficult and as you can probably see, not everyone does it. It takes perseverance, hard work, sweat and tears, but in the end, it is so incredibly rewarding.

When I called my dad last week, he never felt sorry for me, but told me one good thing that has stuck with me since then. "Emily, your life isn't that bad. Honestly, look at it. You are pretty lucky."

Once again, hearing that reminded me that I need to look at all the blessings I am given and quit looking at the ones I do not have. I am a pretty lucky girl. Amazing family. Wonderful friends who have challenged, encouraged, and uplifted me. A fabulous education. A house (I would put a nice adjective in front of it, but it would be a huge exaggeration) to live in. A car to drive. Food everyday....never on the table, but at least everyday. Clothes to wear..probably too many. A chance to be a teacher to some pretty cool students. The list could go on and on.

I am one pretty darn lucky girl who is blessed. God will put me where He wants me to go doing what He wants me to do. In time, He will do exactly that.