I'm not quite sure why I have never thought of this as a blog idea before, so here my inspiration comes from Chelsea Faverty.
A simple thing called....my story.
Let's begin...
Born April 15th, 1990....Easter Sunday to my wonderful parents, I was blessed.
I grew up in Sumner, WA until I was 7 and for the most part have not stopped moving around since then.
Never staying in one school more than 2 years until I reached high school, I easily learned to adapt to change.
I grew up in a Christian home, went to church every Sunday basically my whole life, my parents helped out in ministry and us kids were always as involved as we could be. Getting saved at age 5 and bapitzed at 10, I was set in my faith.
And I still am. But it's a little different now.
Here's to new things...
The entirety of my student life I worked hard in school and participated in leadership, drama, dance, clubs, etc. until I graduated.
Throughout my life, dance has always been the constant. Starting at 5 with ballet and carrying on up until this day, it's how I express myself. It's where I've felt most comfortable and I've had the most fun.
It was only in high school that I got involved in drama classes and as quickly as I came out of my shell, was as quickly as I took this "acting" by the reigns. I did a few shows in high school and served on drama council. Post graduation I did a few things here and there.
I've always wanted a life of dancing, to be able to do what I love and make a living.
Take a break...
I've worked since I was 16 and only stopped to take a break for one summer 2 years ago.
I stopped to do a summer creative arts internship with Puyallup Foursquare Church, I felt called to take the time off to maybe see what God wanted for my life.
At the time, I gave myself to the internship for 2 months, living and breathing ministry. Now to say I remember what or how I felt at the time would be a lie. All I can remember is thinking ministry was the only option for me. Looking back, I think in trying to find my "purpose", I lost sight of my dreams for a moment in time.
However, I met some amazing people at the time and I am eternally grateful for that.
I'm not sure what exactly the reason was for my doing the internship, but if at the very least I can say I came out of that season of life with a few more friends, a few more mentors, and some helpful advice....I'll take it.
Because what I see when I look back isn't much more than that, but maybe those people are what has made all the difference in my life.
Back to the basics...
I went back to working since then, and I haven't stopped. I started my job at Auntie Anne's with the intention of staying until I could find a full time "real job." It just so happens that I'm still there 2 years later, and happier than ever. I've also got a job teaching dance at the YMCA, and I feel like my future is just beginning.
The reality...
Because it doesn't matter if I'm smack in the middle of one of the largest churches in our city or if I'm doing my own thing, my faith is my faith. And how I share it is up to me. Ministry is more than what congregation you "represent", it's about representing God. And although I may have stepped off "the right path" according to some, I don't think people can look at me and say I haven't been blessed or that I'm lost or broken. I think they will look at me and see I've got a faith in me that has gotten me where I am and a God that's always taken care of me no matter what, a glow that says I'm confident in who I am and I will always live life to the fullest.
"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."- Soren Kierkegaard
