Some things on my mind...

Today was the first day of camp!
I'm with the 1st grade group and they are a delight :) (MOST of the time...)
I really do appreciate each and everyone one of them. Most of them, out of 19 are returning campers..there are about 3 or 4 who are new. Since a bunch of them are returning I knew a lot of them already!
I love the first day of camp so much, because you get to see kids who you've built relationships with, but who you haven't seen all year long. Most of the time they look older, usually taller, (sometimes MUCH taller, those boys do sprout!) and smarter.
I'm really good at remembering people's names.

You know how some people say "I'm horrible with names..!"? Well I'm the opposite, I really remember names extremely well for some reason. (not to brag...)

Usually on the first day of camp the kids are shy...yes, even the "old pros"! I love greeting each one by their name. That was the best part of my day. You might not think it does a whole lot...but it realllly does. You can see their eyes light up and they smile, and you can tell they feel a little safer, knowing that someone knows them and cares to learn their name. (It's even MORE special when people REMEMBER them!) Returning campers are so excited when you remember them and call them by name!

I was journaling tonight and wouldn't you know God gave me an analogy:)
You can probably see where I'm going with this...
but God knows OUR names...! He remembers us, always. He cares about us and no matter how long we might be away from Him, or how "far" we might stray, He still knows us and He calls us by NAME. HE never forgets our names!!
I feel so much comfort and safety knowing that God knows me and calls me by name. Not only that but He calls me His own!
It's awesome :)

Lately to be honest, I've felt like I'm farther away from God =/ It stinks and it's not intentional. I wish it wasn't this way but I feel like I'm taking steps backwards in a way, of becoming who God wants me to be. I'm frustrated with myself and I want it to change so badly.
I used to be so excited about God and so on fire that I would talk to Him in depth everyday and make sure I had my time with Him.
I want it to be that way again, so badly.

Things aren't too bad, don't take me the wrong way, they just aren't like they used to be.

Father,
I pray that you would change my heart, and open my eyes to see when I'm making this life all about me instead of about You. I pray that you would focus my thoughts to be of you, and point out when they aren't. Help me to act towards others in a way that is pleasing to you. I trust you God, and I pray that you would deepen my trust and confidence in You. Amen <3