The Weekend!

This weekend was pretty amazing! I volunteered at Acquire The Fire! For those of who don't know, ATF is a huge youth event put on my Teen Mania. There's bands, speakers and the whole thing is focused on Jesus. My friend Amy from my Africa trip came to volunteer also.

This ATF just felt different than any other I've been too and I really don't know why that was. My sister and I were talking about it today. She was saying it seemed more legit, more Jesus focused this year than last. And as she was saying this I was thinking about it, and ya know? I think that's what felt so different! Last year, there were little jr. high girls running all over, drooling over all the bands because of the "cute boys". I can attest to this! I was selling merchandise for Unhindered, the main worship band last year, and there were girls who would stand there at the table for literally 30 minutes (at least!) and just look at the band members picture and pretty much planned out how they would marry said band members. But this year, there didn't seem to be much of it.

Amy and I were selling merchandise at Mike Guzzardo's (the main speaker) table. Because he was the main speaker, this let us be in on his sessions and in on the worship, which was awesome! During the worship I was thinking something. At ATF's in previous years, and even last year, I was so different! God has changed me SO much since last year! I feel like he's changed my heart completely, He's changed how I view things, and pretty much just my perspective on life. So that was a sweet little 'Thank you Jesus!" moment. To just sit there and be amazed at my God and to be in awe of everything He has done is something that I have needed for a long time! In that quietness, I experienced a peace and joy that I've lacked for like a month! It was so great just to sit and listen to God, listen to messages straight from His word and to be in an atmosphere where Jesus is the focus!

So, in much less words, I am now feeling refreshed and ready for the week! Always a good thing!



OH! I also wanted to let you all know somethings about my trip!
1. I have a car wash coming up on this Saturday (May 7) from 10am - 4pm. Please pray for great weather and a good turn out! And lot's of help!
2. On May 21 I will be having a bake sale at Walmart. You can pray that baked goods could be provided and that it goes great!
3. If you were planning on donation towards my trip but haven't yet, now is the time! With only 38 days to go, the sooner donations come in the better. That way they can be sent in and processed completely before I leave. Donation info can be found to your right, right below the little profile box.
4. I am SO thankful for all of you! I love you all and feel so blessed to have each of you in my life! Whether I see you every week at church or I haven't seen you in months, Thank you! I pray that God blesses you all in amazing ways!

~Joanna~