What am I doing now?
I am currently attending Missouri State University in Springfield, MO in hopes of finishing my degree in education, and certify in History, grades 5th-12th. My future plans are to become a middle school history teacher, and coach Football at the high school level. While attending school, I am currently working at a local coffee shop, called “The Vault”, for about 15-18hr a week, and subbing for the Bolivar School District. Between these two jobs I am able to get about 30-35hrs a week.
I have also become highly involved with some ministries at The Heights church in Bolivar, Mo., including starting a college small group. We are currently going through Jennie Allen’s, “Find your people”, book study which is all about how to grow community, and being intentional with friendships. This past week, we had a total of 24 people attend the group! Its been such a God thing to see people come. I was telling my mom the other day that the group has matured so much in the past couple weeks, that I don’t have to entertain everyone anymore. People come and socialize with each other and I can just enjoy myself, because the group is getting so close so fast. Its been an honor to be apart of it.
I have also become highly involved with the Wednesday night youth ministry at the church by becoming a small group leader for 6th grade boys, and boy do they have energy! Its been a blast getting to serve with a great team of volunteers, and push these students toward God. In addition, I am continuing to help lead the Sunday morning class for Kindergarden-5th grade.
What have I learned through this past season?
While playing college football this past October, I took a hit during a practice and experienced bi-lateral numbness from my neck to my hands. I ended up medically retiring after the season, and began my journey outside of football. Its been a journey learning how to live life without having to train all the time, be really intentional with food, and having a 8:30pm bed time. Since I don’t have the responsibilities of football I have a lot more free time, which has forced me to make my own schedule. As small as that seems, I have never been in a stage of life where I could determine what I do with a majority of my time. With the extra time, I have since volunteered a lot with the church, but I still don’t have it all figured out. I am still learning how to have hobbies and not just work all the time. Being in a season of life where I have the time to invest in hobbies, I am trying to make the most of it. It’s so funny, whenever your in the really busy seasons you wish for life to slow down. However, once you’re in a season where it has slowed down you don’t know what to do with yourself!
What you can be praying for?
I need prayer that the Lord will provide the funds I need to make this trip. I have full faith that he will make a way, but prayer is still an important part of this journey.
There is an enemy that the Word says is here to steal, kill, and destroy. He does not want us to succeed in fulfilling the plan the Lord has for us. As I am going through this process, I need prayer against the enemy. We have power over him, and he must obey because we have God on our side. The Lord does not give us a spirit of fear, and so I won’t allow the enemy tell me other wise.
With the college small group and the youth group I am apart of I need wisdom. Wisdom for teaching content, making decisions for the group, and answering any questions that arise. The Lord has given me the opportunity to be in positions of leadership in these two groups, and I want to honor the Lord and serve the best way I can.
