My Messy Room...

Josh and I took a good look at my bedroom today and realized how much of a dump it has become. I mean...it is just horrendous. But it does represent my struggles this summer. And my life this past summer is reflected in my room. My room and my life started out great and then just spiraled out of control. I was so confident about my upcoming journey, about who I was and then it just all dropped and I became so lost and confused. It has been such an emotional roller coaster the past few weeks and especially with Bolivia coming up, I just have so many doubts. But this has caused me to turn towards my loving community and Scripture.
One main thing is that I just get so worked up over the world's problems/issues. I am disgusted by all the sorrow/pain that surrounds us that I allow that to bring me down. This summer I have just gotten so depressed just witnessing disturbing images/news in the media, news, that I feel so hopeless at times. And the worst part is that I am then afraid I am going to fall as well into the hands of this dark world. But I must keep myself afloat and recognize the great love of Jesus Christ. Scripture declares, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." --John 16:33. This is something that I have to keep in mind. I cannot allow the world to break me because I am not of this world but of God's. I seek to serve Him in every possible way and to live in joy because I cannot save the world...I am not Jesus but I can serve God and He can use all of us for His glory.
In order not to sink, I must as Josh always reminds me, stay positive and be positive. And I will definitely need to remember this, this upcoming year.
Today, I got baptized and when that water hit my head and ran down over my face mixing with my tears, I felt the biggest sense of peace. I know that I am going to struggle but God is ever so faithful. I need to stand firm in Him. So I hope this post can inspire anyone out there who is struggling, because God hears your cries and He will deliver as He is working in me.
Thanks to everyone who has prayed for me and who has mentored me. I want to especially thank Josh for lifting me up every time. He really is God's angel to me.

paz,
Arelis