Romans 8:31-39 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
No! In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
It's hard to believe that one week ago, Steph, Nicki, and I were packed in the car traveling back to Wisconsin debriefing about the weekend. What a weekend it was! This weekend is only that I look forward to each year because I come back with this renewed and refreshed air about me and I'm excited and anxious to put into work the many things I've learned. Just as I hoped, this year was exactly the same...only better than I could have expected. I went anxious for my dear friend's to share with all of my friends the insight they have gained through the many trials they have faced in their lives. But what I got was an even greater appreciation for my friends. If anyone has not had the chance to meet Dave and Becky Rodebaugh...DO IT! Their story makes me cry, makes me smile, and gives me hope for all the trials that I face. I think back to my life only 8 months ago and Dave and Becky were merly a name that I knew because of the children at Immanuel. Now I can't even imagine who I was without them. They are two people that I will always look up to and respect. What a blessing it is to have them in my life!
If anyone is ever thinking about Arise and Shine and just not sure...GO!! It is worth every minute of your time. I promise you will not regret it!
My bags are yet to be packed, but I am very much looking forward to my departure for Milwaukee this weekend. This is my first time back to the big city since I finished student teaching in March! I'm looking forward to seeing my family, hanging out with the Mielke's, and recalling all of the reasons why I would move to Milwaukee in a heart beat...just need a good job and a place to live!
