Last Week!

Hey Guys!

I miss you a lot! I've been done with Christian Theology for about two weeks, and I've just been taking my only break from school this summer, seeing some friends, spending time with family, and getting ready to go to Austria! I leave on Sunday, and it's still so surreal that I'm actually going to get to go to Europe! I'm super excited, and a little nervous about getting around on my own and not really knowing anyone in my program, but I just know it's what I'm supposed to be doing so I have confidence that everything is going to turn out exactly the right way.

One of the best parts about being home is going to this college group in town on Friday nights. I wanted to share with you a little bit what I've been thinking about this summer. The Fruit of the Spirit. Maybe one of the simplest things in the faith, or so it seems. I feel like fruit often seems like what we produce.... you know you've heard by your fruit ye shall know them. As if our fruit is all our doing. But  really our fruit is what God has done in us. What a beautiful thing, that God loves us so much that even in our most sinful state he produces fruit inside of us. Our fruit is our character, that is only possible because of God and His work in us to make us more like Jesus. The fruit of the spirit is all that can satisfy us.

Love- serving others at expense of yourself
Peace- trust in God
Patience- ability to suffer without bitterness
Kindness and Goodness- integrity
Faithfulness- confidence, courage, and reliability
Gentleness- humility

I think this is the beginning of what God is showing me, that this needs to be the focus of my life no matter what. When I look back at my life, in the worst times God always came through, and often things I did that I thought were best made things worse. It's just another example of how great God is and His plan is no matter what. So back to the basics I go! Anyone want to join me in focusing in growing in the fruit of the spirit? Love you all, and can't wait to see you in August!

- Chels