Hello Blog! I blinked and it was already a month into 2024. I am officially halfway done with Raleigh Fellows (WHATTTTT). I literally cannot believe how quickly the program has flown by. I have loved and enjoyed being a part of fellows so much. Thank you to everyone who donated to me and believed in me. I could not be here without your prayers, generosity, and commitment, so thank you <3
Not to be dramatic, but Raleigh Fellows is the best decision I’ve ever made for my life (that or going to JMU). In this program, I am learning how to steward the gifts God has given me, how to make my own decisions as a flourishing adult, how to trust in the Lord’s provision, and how interconnected our faith is with work. God designed us for work, even before the fall there was a design for work. Work is what brings us flourishing and fulfillment. I am so thankful I am taking these 9 months to really slow down, focus on what gifts God has given, and what vocation He may be calling me to for work.
Speaking of flourishing! God has been teaching me how to grow where I’m at. Like how to be present where I am and take the opportunities He has given me. The phrase “bloom where you are planted” has been something that’s helped me lean into flourishing here in Raleigh. In one of our spiritual formation classes I was spending time in solitude where God gave me an image of a tree being deeply rooted into the soil. It had deep roots that allowed the tree to stand strong against any wind or uprooting. It was growing bright green leaves that were plentiful and flourishing. My favorite part was seeing the way the sunshine would hit the leaves and create a beautiful light green shade. Almost like they were golden from the sun. The breeze would blow and the tree would bend and sway but not give into the power of the gust. The phrase that kept repeating in my mind was “You unravel me.” Psalm 1:2-3 (but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
Things to know:
On that planet fitness grind with some of the girl fellows
Family is really important
Maddie's closet is officially open!
I love wearing cowboy boots (this is very NC of me)
I french braided Simas hair
I am really good at foosball
January REPORT:
R- I’m reading The Universe Next Door by James Sire and Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, & Galatians
E- I’m eating frozen chocolate chip waffles (not frozen tho lol)
P- I’m playing A Life Where We Work Out by Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts
O- I’m obsessed with bruising my teeth with the fellows
R- I recommend the taking a party bus downtown (HBD GABI)
T- I’m treating myself by making time to run around shelley lake (shout out meg)
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
With all the love, Maddie Roberts
