Monday, April 19, 2010

Quick Update

1. Breaking Free was AMAZING. I was so blessed to have the girls I had, and I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with each one of them. My favorite part of the whole weekend was definitely the time I got to spend praying over each of them (individually and as a group). I always leave weekends/events like that feeling like I'm the one that has been blessed and ministered to!

2. I'm applying for grad school/the accelerated degree plan soon. It's pretty surreal, so I keep putting it off. Honestly, it all seems kinda odd, cause I've worked so hard to get to where I am (in terms of hours and such), but I'm still totally intimidated by moving on to the next step.

3. This semester has been unbelievably draining and busy. Thankfully, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Lets just say I'm counting the days until the end of this semester...

4. I spent Saturday night with the one and only LG at UNT :) Sometimes I forget how great it is to spend time catching up with best friends. She is truly wonderful, and it has been amazing to see how the Lord is continuing to transform and mold her into His image.

5. Speaking of best friends, getting to see and spend time with Marie and Molly on my birthday weekend was just icing on the cake. I am so glad I got to see and talk with them some.... the time I get to spend with them is always precious! LOVE you girls! Also, I completely owned at the name-guessing game. Better luck next time, Molly ;)

6. I AM SO READY TO GRADUATE AND JUST DO MINISTRY ALL THE TIME. I get that my classes are "preparing" me and whatnot, but sheesh...I get it already! ha.

7. I'm not a teenager anymore. That's right, I'm a twenty-something (or I guess you could say I'm a twenty-nothing)! All I gotta say is that I am so excited about this season of life and all that the Lord has in store. Jeremiah 29:11 and all that ;)

8. I want to go back to Africa. ASAP. Everytime someone tells me they're going on a mission trip I start daydreaming about the day I get to go back. Hopefully next time I'll get to go for a longer period of time :)

9. My Summer classes are still kinda semi up-in-the-air, but it looks like I'm going to be taking 14 hours. Right now I'm registered for 1st & 2nd Thesselonians, World Literature II, Elementary Spanish I (and lab), and Elementary Spanish II (and lab). Plus I'm working 40 hours a week. Yeah, I know, you're jealous.

10. I started the process to become a small group leader in Kids Village a few weeks ago, and just recently I've started teaching 2nd-5th grade girls! I love it, I love them, and I LOVE serving on a regular basis again. Working with them has been a constant reminder of how much I need to be pleading with the Lord for His intercession and salvation for these kids. Sometimes it breaks my heart to know that they know all the right answers, yet still have hearts that are hard to the Gospel (just like a lot of adults...). But I know we don't sow in vain, so as I pray for God to open their hearts, I'm constantly reminded of His sovereignty and grace. So yeah, it has just been a really sweet time of service for me so far. I definitely don't have any complaints :)

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Breaking Free!

Not a lot of time to write, just wanted to say I am so excited about Breaking Free this weekend! I have eleventh grade girls, and I genuinely cannot wait to meet them, get to know them and share the love of the Lord with them!

If you think about it in the next few days, just be praying for my girls and all the other students attending. I'm hoping it's a really sweet time of learning and growth and that God really stirs their hearts!

Your steadfast love. O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O Lord. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life, in your light do we see light.
Psalm 36: 6-9

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Church Survey

Originally, I was going to write a post about The Village, what it's like to attend/serve/"do life" there... but then I realized I should probably just hear from you guys first!

I know this survey is definitely not going to be exhaustive, but I'd really like to get some insight on how you guys view church, your church, the Church, and ministry in general. Don't feel obligated to answer all of them, but I'd love to get as much input as possible!


1. What do you think the purpose of the Church is? What about the local church? Are they different? If they are different, how so?

2. What are some of the major problems you see facing the Church today? What problems do you see hitting YOUR church the hardest?

3. According to scripture, how do you think churches should be "layed out"?

4. How do you feel about multi-site churches? Small congregations? Do you have a preference? If so, why?

5. What purpose does technology serve in the church?

6. How do you think a "typical" church today would stack up against the New Testament church?

7. What do you think churches need more/less of?

8. What is it that made you decide to become a member (attendee?) of your church now?

9. In your opinion, what is the main thing that different ministries seem to miss? What are they doing right?

10. Finally, do you have any questions about The Village? I certainly don't have all the answers, but I'd love to find out (seriously, I eat this stuff up). I feel like I'm constantly fielding questions from people when they find out I'm a member there.