Almost Over

Oh my. This was my first summer semester ever, and boy was it hard to stay focused. I tend to throw myself into work and vacation during the summer, and had to be a little more careful when I made plans. Unfortunately, I missed a few deadlines, but I am almost there! This June 18-21st, I worked at the ALIVE festival in Ohio. It is a Christian Music Festival about an hour outside of Cleveland, OH. There were artist there like David Crowder Band, Christ Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Parachute Band, and many others. I was there as the Volunteer coordinator for the Food for the Hungry Tent. I have worked with Food for the Hungry for many years, at this same festival and went on a short term missions trip with them. They are a phenomenal organization that is dedicated to helping the poor one person at a time. Their artist's program have several well-known artists under their umbrella. Artists like Willet, 33 miles, and Leeland (other names include Sara Groves and Phillips, Craig and Dean) were also at the festival. I had the opportunity to hang out and talk to a lot of the bands, but so enjoyed Willet. They have such a WONDERFUL heart for God and the kids of Kenya.

Me w/ Tomas' Sponsor Packet

During the festival we were working to get kids sponsored. We were focusing on the Sololo, Kenya area. Unfortunately, we ran out of packets (with not many returns) so had to get more. While we were setting out the packets, i found a child I have now started to sponsor. His name is Tomas from Mozambique. He is an addition to my original sponsor child, Bawani from Bangladesh, India.

Though it was hard to keep up with school work during these 13hour days, it is such a worthy cause. I am always so happy to work with such a wonderful organization and look forward to next year- and hopefully graduated- if not super close to that happy occasion.

If you want to know anymore about Food for the Hungry- check out... www.fh.org

Thanks and God Bless!

Tarisha

Long ago, and so far away...

Hello All!

It has been a really long time since I blogged out here. I think that is because the demands of life have gotten a little hectic since my blog.
I have been in college on and off since 2000. This is my first semester ever taken in the summer. I think it's going well so far. I am actually enjoying it a little. I know it's my summer- but it's not like I get it off for work, so it's not such a big deal. It just feels like any other time with a whole lot less snow.:)

John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Also read 1 John 2:7-14.

I just wanted to take this time to encourage you to make it a point to show others love this summer. I always find that I have two choices in summer- one is to be selfish and work on making myself happy. The second option is to give my time and energy to those who really need it. My church does adopt-a-block where we outreach to nearby neighborhoods and clean their yard, and serve picnic food. This is not a ploy to get them in the church on Sunday... but just to serve others and love them as Christ would. I find when I join in with this that I feel complete. Because as Christians-loving others is commanded of us. People will know we are followers of Christ - when they see that we genuinely love others.

There are opportunities all around. Someone needs groceries and doesn't have the transportation to help. There are people in Nursing Homes that never get to see their loved ones. There are people in the church who just needs someone to show them we and Christ cares.

What can you do this summer?

Time Past

It has certainly been a long time since I posted something last. Things have been hectic, but I think things are finally beginning to settle. It is extremely funny that I say that, because week 5 of the semester is more than half way through- so things will be unsettled again soon.

I have some advice to share:
I know we are all getting geared to spend the rest of our lives changing the world in the marketplace, but always remember to give God first place in your life or that career won't be satisfying. I know this sounds like common sense, but I've honestly gotten into a predicament with the demands of my career. I decided to bypass college and jump right into a career, and have really built my way up a rigorous corporate ladder to get where I've always thought I wanted to be. I guess you can say I made it, though I decided to come back to college to reinforce my experience. I also work with the Youth in my church. I LOVE the kids I work with, I consider them family and their world means a lot to me. Well, my corporate position starting demanding more and more and more of my time. I started to feel like it took the place of my relationship with Christ and became a the cause of a strained relationship with my teens. I am at an important crossroads in my career- because I'm about to take a big OVERQUALIFIED step back. But I need to do it, because I need peace. I need to have the assurance that I am doing all the things God requires of me - and the rest I'm trusting in Him to provide.
Don't get me wrong - God calls missionaries to the workplace, and that is truly a blessing. I also believe every person can reach their coworkers, but we need to be extremely cautious when we know God has called us to do something and the pursuit of money, fame, or comfort comes before that calling.

I covet your prayers.
Tarisha