Long drive....but well worth it!

Besides the trip there of 25.5 hours, and then a trip home of 23 hours, Florida was amazing! It was my first time there, and it was so beautiful. Our hotel was right on the ocean, so we could go out whenever we felt like it. Although I really didn't spend much time on the beach except at night. (Afterwards I found out it was dangerous to swim at night because the sharks come in quite close! Don't think I'll be swimming at night again!) It was so great to be able to hang out with the teenagers as well. Some of them aren't following God like they should be, but some of them are so hungry for Him. So encouraging to see! I loved just getting to know the teens and see them in their element, enjoying life, and growing deeper with God. The services that we went to were great. I especially enjoyed the last night. The speaker was powerful, reminding the teens that they are the generation that must step up to the plate and proclaim the name of Christ to their world. He really pumped them all up! The worship was great too. They had a gospel singer and choir in, and they were awesome! For those who know me well, you know how much I love gospel music. So, yes, I loved the worship. Many of the songs were songs that I have on the CDs I listen to.
It was so incredible talking with the teens after the services as well, just hearing about what God was doing in their lives. Some of them really got convicted. And I was able to talk with them about it, put in a bit of my own wisdom from going through some of the same stuff. God has definitely got a hold of some of those teenagers.
Being in Florida was a great time for me to refocus on God as well. I have felt so busy and stressed out that I really have put God out of first place in my life. So being able to slow down a bit was just what I needed. I spent some greatly needed time in God's Word and just talking to him. I always find it easiest to spend time with God when I have his creation around to remind me of his majesty. So, I took advantage of the ocean, and the sunrises. Walked along the beach and even went running on it in the morning to spend time with God. It was simply amazing!
Glad to be home, and a bit rested. Looking forward to the next couple of weeks! Later.