Where Your Comfort Zone Ends, Christ Begins

So you might be wondering why my blog is called Molding Minutes. And you might be wondering, "Who is this Carlie chick?"
Well my blog is called Molding minutes because I believe that every moment you are alive, is a moment that is molding you into who you are supposed to be. Every moment is a chance for you to be a breathing testimony!
I mean, yes, I already have an about me page, but you can only put so much on there without people getting bored out of their minds.
But I really enjoy reading about other people's lives, and if you do too, then you are in the right place!
I am the oldest child in my family. My dad owns his own promotional products business, and my mom is an occupational therapist. They met at a party where my dad was supposed to be on a date with my mom's best friend. Funny how things work out right?
My mom is from St. Louis, and she is a twin. My dad grew up on a farm in a very small town. They had me in the 90's.
Then a year and a half later, my little sister was born. My dad has videos where he would walk into my room to wake me up in the morning, and I would be sitting in my crib singing. And I've been singing every since! When I was two, we moved out into the country.
When I turned four, my parents got me started in piano lessons, and I've been playing ever since that, too! When I was in kindergarten, my next sister was born, and in second grade I started taking voice lessons(and still am:) In third grade, I got started in school plays, then a few years later I branched out into a local Christian theater where I am still performing today.
I've always gone to church. My dad grew up baptist, and my mom grew up catholic, and my mom later "moved over" to Christianity as well.
We have been going to the same church since before I was born and I absolutely love my church still to this day! But you see, sometimes, when you grow up in church, you feel kind of numb. Because a lot of people that grow up in church can end up feeling like they don't have a very powerful testimony, because they've always "known Christ."
That's kind of me. But I have been taught over the years that everyone's testimony affects someone in a different way! And also that we should be thankful for each of our individual journeys that God has placed into our lives!
Lots of my friends that I grew up in church with were getting baptized in elementary school.  I didn't though, because I felt like I didn't understand well enough yet. Don't ever do it before you are ready! I am very glad that I waited!
When I transitioned into middle school (everyone makes a puking sound), I was SO lost. I was a goody two shoes, I didn't really fit in with any group of people, I didn't have any friends from my church. I walked into school on the first day with a lunchbox, backpack, and scarf all with matching patterns from Justice.
Two words.
Bad idea.
I mean, you do you all the way, but don't let your clothes match your backpack...just some friendly advice.
Oh and I had just gotten a perm.
And let's just say, I'm not the most social person, and I wasn't very good at making friends.
I would cry a lot at night, begging my parents not to make me go to school. I had one friend, and nobody would ever sit with us at lunch. Eventually the counselor came and sat with us because that's how sorry she felt for us.
Halfway through 7th grade, it just didn't feel right. I started researching other schools and I found a private Christian school about half an hour away. It took a lot of persuading, but eventually I convinced my parents to let me go there. AND I LOVED IT.
There were about 20 people in every grade, preschool through senior year.  Of course it wasn't perfect, but the teachers cared about you and would talk to you about anything. Everyone was friends with everyone, and that's where I met almost all of my best friends.
I went there seventh through ninth grade. That school changed me for the better. I don't believe I would be where I am today if it weren't for such a strong support system there.
I didn't leave the school because it was bad. It's just that when High school hit, it just wasn't quite the place for what I wanted.
It had a great education, filled with great educators and peers! I just didn't feel like the block schedule was challenging me to the right extent, and I didn't feel like I was musically excelling. Because of the short staff and student body, there wasn't a lot of opportunity for clubs, activities, and college opportunities matching what I wanted personally.
In tenth grade, I decided to go back to public school. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I knew it was best. And I'm very glad I trusted that instinct, because this year has also been influential for me. I have been put way beyond my comfort zone, which is exactly what I needed.
And the best part?
I still have all my best friends from my old school!
Going back to public school was not something I wanted to do. Not at all. It was what I needed to do, and what I felt called to do. Now every morning when I walk into school, I am greeted by my fellow Christian friends, and throughout the day, I am able to represent Christ to other people who are lost and broken just like me.
Despite all the icky stuff, I have to admit, I love life. I love my life. I love my God. I love cheesecake. And I love you! And your story matters, too. And I would love to hear it.
Just remember: the way you live your life influences the people around you, whether you think it does or not! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Because where your comfort zone ends, Christ begins.