This Just In...

This afternoon, I officially got accepted into the Gary Cook School of Leadership at DBU! Can I get an AMEN?! This winter I'll start integrating grad courses with my remaining undergrad until I graduate with both degrees (Lord willin') in August of 2012. When I graduate I'll have an BA in Christian Studies with a minor in Sociology and a MA in Global Leadership*. Oh, and for the record, I am so excited to be starting this new chapter in my life (side note: I feel like everything is moving so fast that this might as well be a subheading. Or maybe a paragraph in my "college chapter". You know, something short and sweet).





* Yes, I realize that sounds made up. I promise it's a real degree. It focuses on equipping ministers to reach (and minister to) people on a global scale, beyond cultural/religious/racial barriers, etc.

The Gospel and Discipline

This week in KV we talked about the promise that God will discipline His children. Originally, I thought this would be a pretty straight forward lesson... right? Wrong. I didn't realize just how difficult it would be for the girls to grasp the concept of loving discipline. But as I asked them about the discipline they received from their earthly fathers it became clear why their vision was so skewed. So many of the girls that I teach are just flat out not disciplined. In fact, when I asked what they thought discipline means, I (literally) got the response "my Daddy never disciplines me because I'm his little princess!". Straight up. An 11 year old girl. She even did a little head-cocked-smile. Of course she's going to have a difficult time understanding why God's promise to discipline His children is a good thing! But Hebrews 12:7-11 says...

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Though it's hard to communicate this to kids that have grown up in a world where their parents made excuses and looked the other way, it is so important for them to understand this because (once again) it points to the beauty of the Gospel! The reason we receive discipline and not wrath is because Christ absorbed that wrath on the Cross. The reason we can be counted as sons and daughters of the King is because He grants us grace to believe through the blood of His Son. And even in His discipline He is gracious, omniscient and holy.

This week, my prayer for my girls is that as they grow in their understanding of the Lord and His promises, they will know more fully the beauty of grace and the gift of discipline. I pray that they would see discipline as a necessary step in God's promise to make us look more like Jesus. And most importantly, I pray that their hearts would understand the beauty and the magnitude of the Gospel.

Chicken Soup for the Blogging Soul

Hey there, blog friends! I realize I've really been slacking on the whole posting-anything-besides-another-boring-update-or-video thing, but this semester has been kind of, shall we say, JAM PACKED. But in a good, totally bringing it upon myself type of way ;)

Oh, and fyi, this post will have absolutely nothing to do with Chicken Soup... or my blogging soul.

Here's the highlight reel:

1. I joined a multi-generational homegroup!
The group meets on Wednesday nights and consists of married and single people between the ages of 1.5 and 60! We've got a great mix of people at all different stages of life. Surprisingly enough, I'm the youngest one there (excluding the chil'ren and babies), and my roommate and I are the only traditional age college students. It has been an added bonus to meet and talk with people that aren't in college any more. Much needed. Much appreciated.

I can't say enough how much of a blessing it has been to get to interact with and be poured into by people that are serious about pursuing the Lord and honoring Him with their lives. I can't wait to dive in deeper and experience real community with these people, and get to know them on a more personal level. Oh, and if I don't say it enough, I love my church and am so blessed that I get to be a part of worship, fellowship and service with these people.

2. I got my first flat tire...
While I realize this may not count as breaking news, it was still a first for me, and what's a highlight reel without some bloopers?! The summed up version of this story involves me breaking down, in the GHETTO, in the dark of night, with a full bladder, and sending my rescuers on a wild goose chase all across Dallas because I am terrible at giving directions. It's funny in retrospect... ya know, kinda.

3. I'm on an intramural softball team.
I almost forgot how much I enjoy playing team sports! I don't know many people on my team (let's be real, I only know ONE person on my team), but it's been pretty fun so far. If nothing else, it gives me an excuse to get out and be active and meet some new people. So far this season I've realized a few things about my softball strategy 1) I always swing at the first pitch 2) I usually connect with the ball if I swing and 3) I have an uncanny ability to get hit in the shin with baseball bats.

4. I've attended/hosted 1 Gazillion Bridal Showers.
And yes, that's an exact number. This coming weekend (October 2nd) is the wedding of one of my former roommates and sweetest friends, Kayla Dare! I am so excited for her and Steven, and considering how long the engagement was, I know I'm not the only one excited that the wedding day is inching closer! So far this process has consisted of: eating sweets, doing as I'm told, listening to unnecessary drama (because girls will be girls), lots and lots of shopping, being crafty, doing as I'm told, planning, clearing my schedule, dancing and doing as I'm told. It's been quite a ride.

5. I am loving my current living arrangement!
I cannot say enough how grateful I am that the Lord has given me such awesome roommates this year. After my living situation last year, this year has been so good and so needed. Sometimes I feel like it's too good to be true... then I hear my roommate snoring and I remember to keep things in perspective ;) It has been such a blessing to live with other girls that love the Lord and are completely hilarious! Having people to relax and laugh with is a pretty big deal to me, so these girls have been just what the doctor ordered. I love coming home to them :)


Well I think that about wraps it up! Stay tuned, I may (or may not, let's be honest) post in the coming days/weeks!

Favorite. Family. Ever.

Hallelujah all I have is Christ, Hallelujah, Jesus is my life

((I cannot get over these lyrics.))

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

[H/T Justin Taylor]

Friday Favorites

10. Dark chocolate brownies with peanut butter chips. (Thanks for the tip/ingredients, Marie! They were a hit!)

9. The fact that the weather has been significantly cooler here the past few days. The other morning it was 75 degrees outside! IN AUGUST!!!

8. Headstand contests with my roommates. As of right now, I'm the reigning champ. Please, no autographs...

7. My girls in Kids' Village. I'm so grateful I've been able to be a small part of what's happening in KV. I could write blog post after blog post about how wonderful it has been to teach those girls while serving alongside some of the most humble, Gospel-fixated people I've ever met.

6. Getting to go to GroupConnect in a few weeks so I can join a multi-gen homegroup! I've already started praying for discernment and decisiveness... So. Many. Options. So. Little. Time.

5. Pregnant women. They're everywhere, and I like it.

4. Finding that perfect backpack that had alluded me for so long.

3. Getting to spend some sweet time with a freshman girl here on campus. I loved getting to hear her heart for Christ and His Bride.

2. Impromptu story time with my roommates. We've had some *ahem* interesting stories thus far.

1. A Mighty Fortress- Christy Nockels

Fall 2010: Let's Do This

I realize everyone probably quit caring about my classes a few semesters ago, but to be honest, your lack of caring hasn't phased me :) so I'm gonna post them anyway! You know, cause I'm all about pleasing people.

Fall 2010

• Practicum in Personal Evangelism
• Christianity in the Pluralistic World
• Research Methods
• Elementary Spanish
• Marriage and Family
  

I'm pretty excited about Christianity in the Pluralistic World, Practicum in Personal Evangelism and Marriage and Family. But since we're being honest, I think any religion class would have been a welcomed change after the train wreck that was my spring schedule (let's just say there was weeping and gnashing of teeth).

P.S. Not gonna lie, the best part of this schedule is that I don't have class on Monday or Friday :) If only I didn't have to work! Don't worry though, I'm determined to squeeze some 4-day weekends out of this deal.

Straining Toward the Goal

I feel like a reoccurring theme I've seen in my life these past few weeks has been that of "pressing forward". In dry seasons, in joy, in sadness and in providence, the Lord has been continually teaching me the importance of pressing forward, in to Him. In Philippians 3, Paul touches on this topic after talking about the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord:

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Philippians 3:12-16

I love what Paul says in verse 12, "I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own". So good. I think one of the most important things I'm learning in all of this is that my efforts must be grace-driven, or they're inevitably fruitless. We don't press in to Christ for our own gratification or purposes, but rather, we press in to Him for His glory and purposes (and as a result we are gratified). When we continually press in to Christ for all that He is, as opposed to all that we are/aren't, we find true contentment and joy in Him alone. It takes a certain amount of discipline on our part, but it is only through the grace of God that we are able to know and experience the surpassing worth of Christ.

And finally, I'll leave you with this: Sara Groves has a song called "Painting Pictures of Egypt" that I thought fit pretty perfectly (actually, my friend Maridith was the one that suggested I look up the lyrics when I was talking to her about all this, but whatevs). Groves' lyrics echo Paul's sentiments in verse 13 when he says that he is "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead".

I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
The future seems so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I've learned
And those roads closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise
And the things I know

Oh and P.S. The wedding was great and I have the cutest niece ever...

Love Where You Live

Earlier today I stumbled across this article, which got me thinking about if/why/how I have been loving my city. I'll be honest, when I first moved to Dallas, I hated it... mostly because it wasn't Houston. But now that I'm going on two years in the Big D, I can honestly say I've grown rather fond of it... all the way down to the inconsiderate drivers, ridiculously hard to navigate highways and big hair (and trust me, just cause it ain't the 80s doesn't mean there isn't some big hair here). One of the most important lessons I've learned since being here is to find contentment and joy in all circumstances and seasons of life. Though I still mourn the loss of good Tex-Mex and being in close proximity to family/friends, I have found that the Lord is faithful to provide in all areas (literally and figuratively). I've grown to really appreciate His plans for my life, and I've learned that regardless of where I am, I am called to love my neighbors, my city, my church and my God. After all, Psalm 24:1 says that "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein"!

So without further ado, here are some of the things I love most about Dallas:

1. My church. I know I probably drone on and on about it a lot, but I really do love my church. I can't wait to join a multi-gen homegroup in the fall so I can plug in with some non-DBU Village goers!

2. Cafe Brazil. My restaurant of choice simply because it's a DFW staple. It's a little trendy/eccentric, but I'm in college... isn't that what it's all about?!

3. The people. I've met some great people since moving here, and I know that if it wasn't for the Big D, our paths might never have crossed.

4. My school/job. Sometimes loving these two has to be a conscious choice, but they have provided me with some great opportunities and I have learned a TON of stuff since being here.

5. More seasons! I know I'm still not fully experiencing all four seasons, but since being in Dallas I've seen acres of red/orange/yellow trees in the fall, my first snow (like legit, "snow up to my knees" snow!) in the winter, tons of blooming flowers and green trees in the springtime (DBU basically puts 85% of our total revenue into our landscaping department), and of course the typical Texas summers...

6. Two words: STATE FAIR. I know gluttony is a sin, but there is something so right about fried PB&J.

7. Location, location, location. It has all the comforts of the big city, suburbs, country and ghetto all within a 30-45 minute drive!


And since seven is the number of completion, I'll leave it at that! At the end of the day, Dallas is a lot easier to love than I originally thought it would be. In fact, I'd completely understand if you wanted to move here after reading my super convincing list ;)

Because You Asked...

A quick list* of some things I would change, given the opportunity :)

1. Everyone would taste and see the beauty of the Gospel. (Psalm 34:8)

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:11-14

2. Tex-Mex would be given to all those who are in need**... and lets be honest, who doesn't need Tex-Mex?!

3. The Church would look more like this and less like this.

4. Sunburns wouldn't exist. So far I've made it all summer without one. Plus I've already purchased the SPF 50 for J-High camp... Camp Tejas, I'm ready for you!

5. I would already be home with CYP peeps :)

* I promise I'm going to post a regular blog one day! Keep hope alive.
** Can you tell I haven't been home in a while? Craving Tex-Mex is one of the tell tale signs!

Picky Schmicky

So I've realized that there are a few things that I am, ahem, rather particular about. As a tribute to my middle class snobbery, I decided to compile a list.

1. Ozarka bottled water. Clearly (no pun intended), the best bottled water I've ever tasted. Even if I hate the new "eco-friendly" bottles...
2. The ESV translation. It's not that the other translations aren't great... the ESV just so happens to be my most favoritist. Favoration? Exactly.
3. Houston/San Antonio Tex-Mex. Everything else might as well be Taco Cabana.
4. Hair cuts. Hence my current lack of one.
5. Crest toothpaste. The Manu Ginobili of all toothpastes.
6. The San Antonio Spurs. The only basketball team that could single-handedly bring about world peace and end global warming. Hey, it could happen.
7. A&W rootbeer. My beverage of choice when I decide to splurge.
8. Female recording artists. My itunes library is 98% male.
9. Unsweet Iced Tea. FYI: the best iced tea is usually served with good Tex-Mex (see #3), or by my Mama.
10. Body/Sleep positions. I'm almost always moving around trying to readjust and get more comfortable.

That's all I could come up with for now. So tell me, what are you "particular" about?

Belated Fathers Day

This made me giggle (with a capital G). Enjoy!

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Resting in His Promises

This week in KV (Kids Village) we talked about the parable of the lost sheep, which is probably one of my fave parables (side note: I'm not totally sure it's kosher to have a fave parable, but just go with me on this... I'm also not sure it's okay to use "kosher" and "parable" in that context, but whatevs ;)). This past week had such a clear Gospel-tie-in, that my girls finally started to ask some questions with substance. Which, thankfully, gave me even more of an opportunity to talk explicitly about the Gospel with them, and for some of them to start to finally get it... to understand the beauty, the wonder and the mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection.

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Luke 15: 3-7

We talked about The Good Shepard that goes after each one of us and pursues us relentlessly. How he rejoices over each of us, the one sinner that repents. We talked about man's sinful nature, and God's perfect Son. We discussed God's unfailing love and our rebellious nature. All of it culminating in the beautiful picture of the cross.

I am so grateful for these girls and the opportunity I have to share Truth with them every week. But more than that, I'm thankful for the Gospel. For God coming after me, the sheep that was lost, and leading me to repentance.

How deep the Father's love for us/ How vast beyond all measure/ That He should give His only Son/ To make a wretch His treasure...
How Deep the Father's Love for Us- Stuart Townend

Great is His Faithfulness

Hello, blog-friends! So here's the sitch: I have no excuse for not blogging more consistently. Unfortunately, I have not morphed into a superhero that spends all her free blogging time saving orphans and puppies... I've just been unmotivated. But don't fret, I've returned long enough to tease you with a taste of my superb (or completely mediocre, whatevs) blog skills ;)

So I'm not totally sure when this happened, but lately I have been SUPER-DUPER busy. But besides being busy and unmotivated, I have had some really cool things happening. For instance...

1. I bought a bike. Her name is Bella and she's a red, ladies cruiser. Basically, we're besties. I'd post a picture, but my friend Savannah is babysitting since I haven't quite figured out how to transport Bella to my apartment in my medium-sized car...

2. My World Lit class is off to a rip-roarin start! 5:30-10 PM EVERY SINGLE MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY... after working 8-5:30 during the day. Awesome.

3. I'm pretty sure I'm going to drop my Spanish classes. Taking them online from a community college is apparently a bad idea because 1. I'll be unprepared for the rest of my Spanish classes at DBU (according to my Spanish teacher/buddy here) and 2. they are a lot more complicated than I expected! I mean seriously, what student that has to sign up for an ONLINE, COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPANISH CLASS has time to spend hours a day on the internet? Okay okay, maybe I didn't think that decision all the way through. The only problem is, by dropping these two classes, I'm postponing starting my Master's degree another semester (basically I'll start in January instead of August). But I'm becoming increasingly okay with it. I'm tired of killing myself trying to get ahead... anyone smell that? Oh yeah, that's the unmistakable smell of burning out.

4. On Sunday, I went to Hurricane Harbor (water park in Dallas), and it changed my life. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but it was definitely a ton of fun! And an added bonus was that I didn't even get sunburned!! WOOHOO! While I was there I even did this one thing/ride/contraption where they strap you to a harness, raise you up 10,000 meters above the Earth, then let you plummet to the ground. It. Was. Awesome. I might or might not be a closet adrenaline junky. Just sayin.

5. The Lord has been continually reminding me of His faithfulness. Though I say I know and trust in His character, He never ceases to amaze me with His goodness and grace. Recently, I stepped out in obedience on something (rather begrudgingly I might add), and since then He has been so faithful to provide for me and reveal His grace and mercy to me. Lord, because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you (Psalm 63:3).

6. I'm going to have to take a second and agree whole-heartedly with my bffae on the issue of Fun Pops. Here's the deal, Fun Pops are the epitome of Summer. Also, I want to go on record as saying Fun Pops are always better when eaten with good friends. Can we please, please, please eat some while we watch MIOBI this weekend, Marie?!

7. This Thursday I'm going to get my first taste (literally) of the Melting Pot. I've heard mixed reviews, but I have four words for you... liquid chocolate and cheese. YUM. Of course, the chocolate and cheese aren't actually together in the same pot...I hope.

8. I can't get enough of the Five Solas lately. The more I research and reflect on them, the more I love them. Sola Scriptura. Sola Fide. Sola Gratia. Sola Christo. Sola Deo Gloria. Maybe one day when I become a better blogger I'll do a series on them... but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

9. I finally scheduled my vacay days! I'll be home in the C-Y-P from July 16th-25th :) Actually, I'll probably be at Camp Tejas part of that time, but that's still up in the air right now.

10. And to make it an even ten, here is one of my favorites. Love me some Hank Williams Sr.

Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ

Recently, as in yesterday, I started going through John Piper's Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ (which you can download for free here) and got to an interesting question/prompt:

"What do you love about Jesus Christ? Make a list of attributes or qualities that cause you to treasure Christ. Include biblical stories that display these qualities."

So without further ado, here is what I initially came up with:

• He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8)


• He is omniscient. (John 16:30)


• He is Peace, Assurance and Hope for all who believe. (1 Peter 1:13)


• He is the purification I so desperately need. (John 3:17, Hebrews 1:3, 1 John 2:2, Isaiah 25:8)
  


• His love is eternal. (Romans 8:38-39, Galatians 2:20)
  


• He is exactly who He says He is. (John 7:28-29, John 8:58, John 10:30, John 12:44-50)
  


• He was obedient, even to death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8)
  


• He was tempted in every way and was still without sin. (Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 4:15)
  


• He is a healer. (John 4:43-54, Luke 13:10-17, John 11:1-44)
  


• He is the promise of scripture fulfilled. (Isaiah 9: 6-7, Luke 22:35-38, Isaiah 49:6)
  


• He labored in prayer with the Father. (Matthew 26:36-46)
  

• He upholds everything by the word of His mouth. (Hebrews 1:3, John 1:1-5)
  


• He conquered death. (Matthew 28:1-10, Romans 6:4-11, 1 Timothy 1:8-10)
  

These are the ones that immediately came to mind for me, but what I really want to know is what attributes or qualities make YOU treasure Christ? What stirs your affection for Him?

Encouragement

A few things that have been encouraging me lately...

1. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height or depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

2. Hurricane by Jimmy Needham. I could listen to this song over and over and over again (and have). After probably 50 listens in the past week it still ministers to me.

3. Worshiping, serving and taking communion (weekly) at The Village Church.

4. My 2nd-5th grade girls that I get to serve every Sunday. They are unbelievably precious and smart, and I am constantly encouraged and challenged by them.

5. Covenant friendships.

6. The fact that I get to come home tomorrow.

7. Pen pals.

8. Hymns. Today's favorite = Blessed Assurance.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

9. Having a boss that takes the time to know, encourage and joke with me.

10. Being given a clear vision of how the Lord "views me" on Sunday. One of the first times I can remember God giving me a very clear image in order to communicate something. So powerful.

Let's talk about Job

Can we just take a second and talk about how awesome Job is? Good.

The other day I was sitting around feeling sorry for myself (let's just say working 40 hours a week all summer while friends and family are hours away hasn't exactly been helping my "outlook")... then I started reading through Job and got to this:

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
Job 1:20-21

Umm whoa. Conviction much? Just in case you didn't get that, Job just had every earthly thing that he cherished taken away (minus his wife... but that's a whole 'notha story ;)) and he responds by saying:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

I don't know about you, but I know that when I'm made to be uncomfortable, much less when I'm grieved by something, my first response typically isn't worship. Now, it's not that Job wasn't devastated by the loss of his family and estate (heck, in chapter 3 he curses the day he was born!), but his power lies in his faith and in his knowledge of the Truth.

You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.

Job 10:12

Personally, I know that when I'm feeling sorry for myself or disheartened, it always comes down to a lack of trust. If God is good and does good and wants good, then why be discouraged? It's something I have to constantly remind myself of. I guess that's what I love about Job... he's human but he "gets" it. He worshipped. He didn't accuse or turn away from God, he fell on his knees and worshipped.

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 :)

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

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.