Procrastination should be my middle name

Well, I'm good at this whole blogging thing, huh? I guess I fail... Actually, no... I don't fail! I win because I'm on Jesus' team and he wins. Phewww... Glad to have that out of the way.

So yes, I have procrastinated updating my blog. Woops.

Alrighty, I want to give a quick update on my life.
I've been home from Missouri for 2 months! It seems like forever to me. There have been times when I wonder... Did I dream last year? Did I ever really leave New England? I do know the truth. I know that last year was an amazing one to say the least and I have a bajillion pictures to prove it. (Thank-you, Stacey!) Readjusting to home has had it's ups and downs but God has proved Himself faithful once again. There have been times when I was totally confused about why I came home in the first place but He gently whispered, "I know what I'm doing with your life. Calm down." There have been times when I wondered, "Will I ever get a job?" and then, out of nowhere He provides me with the most amazing job ever. (For those who don't know, I'm working at a place called "Dos Amigos Burritos" in my town.) There have also been times when I've felt lonely and wondered if I even had any friends and then... *BAM! God reminds me of His unending love and grace towards me. To sum it all up: Readjusting isn't easy but I'm not going through it alone.

The more I live my life, the more I'm convinced... Jesus really is the only one worth living for! He never disappoints me, never gets impatient with me, never stops loving me, never holds a grudge against me AND, He calls me to live a life of purpose! I know that in Him, I have joy, peace and complete satisfaction. He is more than worthy of my life.
Living for more,

Abz

What's in a name?

So, I felt like I should post a blog explaining why my blog is named: "Not settling for this world..."

A few months back, Stacey (my FYT partner) and I were at CCOJ (Christ's Church of Joplin) late after a seminar. We were the only people in the church building, so we decided to worship together. Just a few minutes into worship and I felt like God was speaking to me and urging me to sing out a prophetic song. The song went like this,

My Child, I have called you!
I have called you!
My child, I have called you to more than you're living...
Why are you settling for this world?

I know this idea of living for something more had been on my mind many times before but somehow, it really hit me this time. I'm thinking it's because I heard this directly from God by the power of His Holy Spirit. Ever since that night, the question, "Why are you settling for this world?" has popped into my mind at random times. This word from God has not only made me think, but challenged me to live radically for Him. It's also caused me to remember that nothing on this earth will satisfy me completely, and that if I don't keep my eyes on Jesus I'll soon be lost in the fleeting desires of this earth. I'm so glad that He does call us to something more!

There you have it! ^^^That is what's in a name, or should I say the name of my blog! (;
Living for more,
Abby

An Introduction

HELLLLLLO Cyberspace!
My name is Abby Baker. I'm 19 years old and quite an odd-ball if I do say so myself.
If you don't already know me, here are some things I like/love:
Jesus. Music. The Boston Red Sox. Reminiscing about old times. Mis-matching earrings. Splattering paint to make art. My family. Good movies. Movies of sentimental value to me. 80's movies and music. My guitar. Socializing. Not caring if my clothes match. Making conversations awkward by my social awkwardness. Cooking. Herbal tea. Trader Joes. Listening to vinyl. Friends. Family. Church. Laughing. Smiling. Laughing at what is to come. Reading.


For the past 10 months, I've lived in Joplin, Missouri. I came here to do a "Frontier Year Team" with New Frontiers. Already lost in my lingo? This should help:





*Newfrontiers is a family of churches together on a mission. (http://www.newfrontierstogether.org/)


*Frontier Year Team (FYT)- is a internship type year or training, where college age kids go to another Newfrontiers church to serve, learn, and grow. (See Newfrontiers website for more details.)



Now that I've explained myself, back to what I was saying... 10 months ago I moved to Joplin, Missouri from a little town in New Hampshire. It's really been a year that I'll never forget. Unfortunately, I have to leave the Midwest, which is a place I've grown to love. Tomorrow night at this time, I'll be in New Hampshire. I am a pool of mixed emotions right now. Part of me is devasted, because I have to leave many people whom I've grown to love, but another part of me is excited. The devastation is probably the more dominating emotion at the present time
BUT still, a part of me knows that leaving Joplin and FYT is a good thing. I've spent this year being trained but now I get to go out and live radically for Jesus, in the plans that He has for me.
I know times may become difficult but I know that He IS in control through it all. I also know that He is ALWAYS good. It's so comforting to know that his goodness and sovereignty isn't dependant on my actions. I get to live in His lavish grace! WOOHOO!

Anyways, I decided to start blogging because I know God has good plans for me and I know that His plans are worth writing about.
Living for more,
Abby