Faithful Friday

In choosing love today, I helped a super panicked mom through her C-section. I know it's kind of my job as a nurse... but she was like majorly wiggin out! I felt so bad for her because literally all she needed to know was that everything she was feeling as normal and that she was doing great. The baby was super adorable and I made sure to definitely snag a few candid photos on their family camera for them to discover later because mom and dad were so busy and nervous they forgot about their camera completely! I snagged some precious ones and told dad to capture the moment too (because he was talking about taking pictures for like 30 minutes straight before it all!). I told them I took a few-- they were so happy! I hope they enjoyed looking through their camera and seeing them once all the excitement died down a little bit!

I also helped to donate money to a family I didn't know. Someone came to our bible study one time and friended me on Facebook. I thought I would see a lot more of her, so I accepted her request. It turns out a different community group was closer to her house so she switched groups--but I love her uplifting posts so I haven't deleted her off my friends list. Anywho, one of her friends had a friend that just lost her husband in a tragic car accident. They are financially unable to pay for a funeral, so they started a GoFundMe site to help with just the bare minimum of the funeral costs. I don't know them; the girl I barely know doesn't even know them except through her cousin... but I knew it was the right thing to do. As someone who has been personally affected by people taken too soon through tragic car accidents, I sympathized heavily with their pain. I know I will never understand it completely because I am not in their exact shoes, but I couldn't help but be moved by their story. So I donated money to their family. When I last checked, they were about halfway to their goal. Even if they don't reach it, I am assured that each dollar will help ease the financial burden they are facing right now. They have enough sorrow to deal with, worrying about a proper burial should never be one of them.

If you feel called to donate, or even just read their story, please do so here: 

http://www.gofundme.com/821n8s

For Faithful Friday, I would like to thank the Lord for these things:

Financial Ability: I am always struggling to make ends meet, but I always do. The Lord has given me so much and has let me use my money towards blessing others. I am so thankful that He led me to save all of my tip money from Denny's and Outback to use during this time of paying my way through schooling. I am grateful that my family is providing the means to put a safe roof over my head. Thank you for my financial security at this time Jesus!

Friendship: I know I praised Cori last week in my Spotlight Sunday: but every day I am just so encouraged by her. I keep remembering all the little things she has done in my life to make an impact. She is an incredible friend and I am so thankful for her. I am also so thankful for so many of my other friends who have touched me with their kindness this past week!

School: I've made it through another week unscathed! And that is enough for praising right now! I am so thankful! I just have to keep taking it day by day!

Family: It was a delight to spend time with my family Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. They are the wind beneath my wings!

Prayer: My friend Kodee's sister with the baby that was in the NICU was able to come home!!! PRAISE! So amazing! Also a guy in my bible study has been feeling the attack of the enemy this past month or so and texted me this week saying he felt my prayers really working in his life. I am so grateful!

Real Life Church (Valencia): Over 11,000 people came to hear the testimony of Bethany Hamilton. I am so amazed at what God is doing! I hope people were inspired by her story to find and follow Jesus

Jesus in Valencia: There were many announcements for Easter in the paper in my parents' hometown. They recently added a section in the newspaper COMPLETELY DEDICATED TO GOD. I am amazed and stunned and overjoyed! There is also a Worship Jam with Building 429(!!!!) and other local worship bands coming up!!! God is really moving in this city! It's amazing!

Real Life (Campus Crusade for Christ-UCSB): I am overjoyed that my friend's friend that I spent Spring break touring around LA went to his first bible study and first Real Life meeting this week!!! It's amazing! I am so moved by how God works through Real Life and through the people on the Campus of UCSB

Kenneth Shin: He performed an amazing, sacrificial act of love for a stranger today. I don't want to be specific with the details, as it is his story to share if he so chooses, but I am so blessed by Kenneth and inspired by his generosity! 

Thank you Jesus for such answer to prayer this week!