the end of this summer for me is so bittersweet. being in youth ministry, graduating seniors and sending them off is a norm. but these specific girls that are leaving for college are so special to me. these precious girls have been coming over to my house every friday to study the Word, talk, laugh, and pray together for a year and a half. it has been amazing watching God grow and absolutely transform them. i am humbled and blown away that God would allow me to be a part of what He is doing in each of them.
last night was our farewell celebration as it was our last meeting with everyone together before they start leaving for college. we celebrated with some salsa dancing on fountain square (they do this for free every thursday night during the summer!) and eating at a delicious mexican restaurant, nada. the food there is so yummy!
((they are all so beautiful!!!))
after some great food and dancing (attempting to/watching), we came back to my house for a sleepover. the girls sat me down and surprised me with this beautiful scrapbook! each girl created a page with an encouraging note and pictures. i am so blown away by it... this is truly one of the best gifts i have ever received. i will cherish this forever :)
i also wanted to send the girls off with something special, so i put together a little somethin' for them.
i wanted to give them some items to remind them about their identities as daughters of the King. each item represents something about who they are in Christ. the above description may be hard to read, but says:
A reminder about who you are...
Jesus has ERASED your sin (eraser) and made you a DAUGHTER OF THE KING, also known as a PRINCESS (princess wand). He has MARKED you with a seal (tattoo), His promised Holy Spirit. He is WRITING a beautiful story (pencil) that He asks you to be a part of. POUR OUT YOUR HEART to Him (journal) in thanksgiving, gladness, and joy. The King is enthralled with the perfect BEAUTY He has bestowed upon you (mirror).
after exchanging gifts we prayed over one another and indulged in a yummy purple ombre cake.
each of these girls have walked through some hard times and have never wavered in their faith and pursuit of Jesus. this is so encouraging to me. i have a crazy amount of confidence in their walk with Him and how they will be used to impact the Kingdom. He will be faithful to complete the good work He started in each of them! i am so thankful.
"i thank my God every time i remember you." philippians 1:3
Aww! This is so awesome Courtney! I know the Lord did amazing things through your mentorship to these girls =D And that cake is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet, Courtney! I'm so glad you were able to invest in their lives and they in yours. Relationships like that are precious.
ReplyDeleteAnd salsa dancing looks SO stinkin' fun!
This post made me want to cry for some reason. You are so sweet! I'm so glad these girls had you to lean on and encourage them with God's word. And your gift to them...so thoughtful. Then there's the cake, which turned out AMAZING! I love it...
ReplyDeleteWow how amazing! That was so sweet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat thing! How sweet! I know this made a big impact on them!
ReplyDeleteYOU GET ME!!! I finally had some time to check out your blog. After reading this post, I want to hug you (and I'm not a hugger). Would love to exchange emails and pray for one another.
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