Wednesday, May 28, 2008
My second to last Wednesday in SLO. . .
Oh so dramatic, I know! :) But really, the week is flying by. Perhaps it's because Monday was a holiday. Perhaps it's because I've been trying to wrap up 10,000 (well, probably a few less) things this week. When I drove over to my DWAP last night I was so tired and I prayed that God would strengthen me and give me energy - He totally answered that prayer and it was a great night of sharing stories, getting to know new people, and saying good-bye to many I have come to love over the years here. Today has been a great day. I took the Destino leaders out to breakfast (the Creole Cafe. . .totally recommend!) to thank them for their year of devotion and service to the Lord this year. God has done so much within Destino and it's really exciting. They are putting an outreach event together for tomorrow night, let's pray that more students within the Latino community on campus would be reached through this! I also have been wrapping up with my discipleship girls, doing something special (usually involving tasty food), and giving them a gift. This time has been very bitter-sweet and certainly emotionally draining. They claim to want to come visit me when I'm at Berkeley - I hope it's true! This afternoon I have been preparing for the Senior Dessert (poundcake with strawberries and whipped cream - yum!) we're having after our weekly meeting tonight - it's going to be a late night but totally worth it because it's fun to acknowledge the graduates. Can't believe I was in that position just last year! Well, I'm going to try to rest up for a bit before I head out to the meeting. Hope you've had a God-glorifying Wednesday!
Monday, May 26, 2008
A song I'm really enjoying right now:
A refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm
This is our God
He will wipe away your tears and return your wasted years
This is our God
Oh... this is our God
A father to the orphan, a healer to the broken
This is our God
And he brings peace to our madness and comfort in our sadness
This is our God
Oh... this is our God
this is the one we have waited for
Oh... this is our God
A fountain for the thirsty, a lover for the lonely
This is our God
He brings glory to the humble and crowns for the faithful
This is our God
We've sung this at Grace a couple of times - it really hits me. Our God is BIG! I have been getting sad over the silliest things lately. I'm definitely sad to leave the Central Coast as I looked at the sun illuminating the hills as it was setting this evening. I even got sad as I sat at a familiar stop light and knew the exact pattern of when the lights change. Thankfully He brings "comfort in our sadness" and I have really been experiencing this. I am very much at peace about heading to Berkeley (this certainly surpasses all understanding) but that doesn't mean I don't get sad about leaving San Luis Obispo. Will I be back? Only God knows - which brings sweet comfort in and of itself. Well, the countdown has begun - I will only be living in SLO for 11 more days. WOW!
This is our God
He will wipe away your tears and return your wasted years
This is our God
Oh... this is our God
A father to the orphan, a healer to the broken
This is our God
And he brings peace to our madness and comfort in our sadness
This is our God
Oh... this is our God
this is the one we have waited for
Oh... this is our God
A fountain for the thirsty, a lover for the lonely
This is our God
He brings glory to the humble and crowns for the faithful
This is our God
We've sung this at Grace a couple of times - it really hits me. Our God is BIG! I have been getting sad over the silliest things lately. I'm definitely sad to leave the Central Coast as I looked at the sun illuminating the hills as it was setting this evening. I even got sad as I sat at a familiar stop light and knew the exact pattern of when the lights change. Thankfully He brings "comfort in our sadness" and I have really been experiencing this. I am very much at peace about heading to Berkeley (this certainly surpasses all understanding) but that doesn't mean I don't get sad about leaving San Luis Obispo. Will I be back? Only God knows - which brings sweet comfort in and of itself. Well, the countdown has begun - I will only be living in SLO for 11 more days. WOW!
DWAP
What is that you might ask? :) Well, it's a "dessert with a purpose" and in this case the purpose is to hear stories and see pictures of my past 8 months of ministry in SLO. If you live in town and are free Tuesday night (tomorrow!) leave me a message or shoot me an email so that I can get you the details. This is something that the Grace Church missions board organizes and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to share what God has been doing. Well, I'm off to start gathering some pictures for the slide show and then a Memorial Day party at the Pappas'. Have a great afternoon!
Monday, May 19, 2008
A huge update!
Well, once again I am so behind and there's so much I'd like to share BUT, first things first. . .there is a big change on the horizon and I want you to know about it. Here it is. . .actually this is what I emailed to my former roommates who are abroad, it's easier for me to copy and paste rather then write this all over again:
- this is long and was written about 2 weeks or so ago. . .you don't have to read if you don't want to :)
So - I'll start with the end result and then explain how it came about. . .I'll be interning at UC Berkeley next year!!!!! Craziness, huh??!!! Okay, now I'll break it down. :) First of all, last week the Goodsons (the staff couple I went to El Salv with) announced that they will be leaving SLO to take a directors role up at Berkeley. I was super bummed to hear that they were leaving but in no way thought I would be coming with them. Well, this past weekend was our yearly regional staff conference where all the staff of our region get together to hear from a speaker, worship, prayer, and be refreshed together. It was a sweet weekend and I totally feel rejuvenated with the blessing that it is to be a part of the PSW Crusade family - it's so great to live life together, going after the same mission and vision. Anyway, I rode with the Lambs (and precious baby Abby who is SOOO chubby) back to SLO on Sunday. Kevin asks me how my year is going and I respond with the usual "good" and then I elaborated. Well, what proceeds to come out of my mouth still shocks me and even while we were talking I kept saying "I can't believe I'm talking about this!" - that's how out of the blue it was for me, but not for the Lord of course (He knows the words on my lips even before they come out!). Basically I begin to realize that though ministry here challenges me it might not be the most strategic way to spend my re-intern year next year. I am curious if the Lord will have be go to Holland one day and I know that there I will be faced with starting or building up small movements as well as students who are liberal, opinionated, and generally closed-off to the Gospel. These aspects of ministry I have not experienced in SLO so we began discussing campuses where I might experience a climate similar to this that would allow me to experience a different side of ministry, be challenged in different ways, and potentially prepare me to go to Holland in the future. USC and UC Berkeley came to mind and then it dawned on us that I could possibly go with the Goodsons and intern at Berkeley. So all that happened on Sunday. Monday I spend a good deal of time in prayer and ask a few others to pray with me. I experience a lot of peace and a continued urge to pursue going elsewhere. Tuesday I talk with my intern coordinator, Cathy, and explain to her all that I wrote to you. After I'm done she gets quiet on the other side of the line and says "this is so weird but. . ." and proceeds to tell me that on Saturday at the regional conference (the day BEFORE the Lord placed it on my heart to go elsewhere) she, the Goodsons (who, at this point, I haven't talked to about any of this), and the two regional directors sat down and decided that they were going to ask me to consider interning at. . . .UC BERKELEY next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When Cathy told me this over the phone I was on campus but walking toward my car and I start laughing and crying because I know that the Lord has just given me great affirmation to go next year. All in all, as you can tell, the Lord has very quickly, clearly, and somewhat miraculously called me away from SLO and to Berkeley. I can honestly say that I am at peace, excited to obey, and in shock! I'm sure things will start to hit harder soon and I will grieve leaving heaven on earth :) but God is good and it is a joy to follow Him as I hold to all things loosely.
So that's the story. . .I'd say I'm still in shock but also still at peace and totally excited for the new adventure. There are 10,000 prayer requests wrapped up in this and I would love for you to join me in seeking God's face diligently. Amazing pieces of the puzzle have already fallen into place (like housing!) and it has been so wonderful to see how He has prepared me over the course of this year to leave this place. That doesn't mean that it's easy though and I desire to finish out this year strong and have a focused summer at the Santa Monica Summer Project as well. . .so much is going on and I don't want to disengage! Well, for those of you who are still reading. . .THANKS! :)
- this is long and was written about 2 weeks or so ago. . .you don't have to read if you don't want to :)
So - I'll start with the end result and then explain how it came about. . .I'll be interning at UC Berkeley next year!!!!! Craziness, huh??!!! Okay, now I'll break it down. :) First of all, last week the Goodsons (the staff couple I went to El Salv with) announced that they will be leaving SLO to take a directors role up at Berkeley. I was super bummed to hear that they were leaving but in no way thought I would be coming with them. Well, this past weekend was our yearly regional staff conference where all the staff of our region get together to hear from a speaker, worship, prayer, and be refreshed together. It was a sweet weekend and I totally feel rejuvenated with the blessing that it is to be a part of the PSW Crusade family - it's so great to live life together, going after the same mission and vision. Anyway, I rode with the Lambs (and precious baby Abby who is SOOO chubby) back to SLO on Sunday. Kevin asks me how my year is going and I respond with the usual "good" and then I elaborated. Well, what proceeds to come out of my mouth still shocks me and even while we were talking I kept saying "I can't believe I'm talking about this!" - that's how out of the blue it was for me, but not for the Lord of course (He knows the words on my lips even before they come out!). Basically I begin to realize that though ministry here challenges me it might not be the most strategic way to spend my re-intern year next year. I am curious if the Lord will have be go to Holland one day and I know that there I will be faced with starting or building up small movements as well as students who are liberal, opinionated, and generally closed-off to the Gospel. These aspects of ministry I have not experienced in SLO so we began discussing campuses where I might experience a climate similar to this that would allow me to experience a different side of ministry, be challenged in different ways, and potentially prepare me to go to Holland in the future. USC and UC Berkeley came to mind and then it dawned on us that I could possibly go with the Goodsons and intern at Berkeley. So all that happened on Sunday. Monday I spend a good deal of time in prayer and ask a few others to pray with me. I experience a lot of peace and a continued urge to pursue going elsewhere. Tuesday I talk with my intern coordinator, Cathy, and explain to her all that I wrote to you. After I'm done she gets quiet on the other side of the line and says "this is so weird but. . ." and proceeds to tell me that on Saturday at the regional conference (the day BEFORE the Lord placed it on my heart to go elsewhere) she, the Goodsons (who, at this point, I haven't talked to about any of this), and the two regional directors sat down and decided that they were going to ask me to consider interning at. . . .UC BERKELEY next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When Cathy told me this over the phone I was on campus but walking toward my car and I start laughing and crying because I know that the Lord has just given me great affirmation to go next year. All in all, as you can tell, the Lord has very quickly, clearly, and somewhat miraculously called me away from SLO and to Berkeley. I can honestly say that I am at peace, excited to obey, and in shock! I'm sure things will start to hit harder soon and I will grieve leaving heaven on earth :) but God is good and it is a joy to follow Him as I hold to all things loosely.
So that's the story. . .I'd say I'm still in shock but also still at peace and totally excited for the new adventure. There are 10,000 prayer requests wrapped up in this and I would love for you to join me in seeking God's face diligently. Amazing pieces of the puzzle have already fallen into place (like housing!) and it has been so wonderful to see how He has prepared me over the course of this year to leave this place. That doesn't mean that it's easy though and I desire to finish out this year strong and have a focused summer at the Santa Monica Summer Project as well. . .so much is going on and I don't want to disengage! Well, for those of you who are still reading. . .THANKS! :)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Oh no!
I'm so behind on blogging!! What to do? It would be hard to update you on everything. . .but I'll start with some small snippets and then go into more detail later:
- thanks for praying for my health, I got over the cold pretty quickly - thank God!
- speaking at Unplugged for the College of Science and Math was so sweet. Good discussion came out of the passage that I taught on (Deuteronomy 30) and I know the Lord worked in me as I prepared to speak - His Word is so clear and impactful!
- the 10,000 years outreach week went well, students took ownership of the week and many students were surveyed. Some heard the Gospel for the first time, how awesome! Many believe in reincarnation - a reminder that the lost are very lost. A reminder that should spur us to action.
- leaders are being selected and trained for the fall, a big portion of the work (the big dance, reading bios, conversations, boot camp) is behind us and it is so exciting to know that God has once again raised up so many wonderful leaders for the freshmen class of '08.
SO, that's a glimpse into the past week. This weekend has been so fun: some of my freshmen girls came over for games (Clue), movies (27 Dresses), and yummy treats (like a fresh batch of stroopwafels). I also went to a very snazzy baby shower with a friend - a stage of life I'd like to be in. . .some day. :) The highlight was probably the Shawn McDonald concert last night, he's my favorite Christian artist currently so it was a huge treat to see him live. Oh, and dinner at the Patty's tonight, can't ever go wrong there. Ceslie is such a great "mom away from home" and I'm glad I got to spend time with her on Mother's Day. Going home next weekend to be with my wonderful real mom! :) One of the reasons for making the trek is to start moving my belongings. . .because God is moving me on. Read up in my latest prayer letter (should be arriving in the mail this week - email me if you're not on the list!) to hear what exactly is going on. I'll share more on this topic soon! Blessings for this new week!
- thanks for praying for my health, I got over the cold pretty quickly - thank God!
- speaking at Unplugged for the College of Science and Math was so sweet. Good discussion came out of the passage that I taught on (Deuteronomy 30) and I know the Lord worked in me as I prepared to speak - His Word is so clear and impactful!
- the 10,000 years outreach week went well, students took ownership of the week and many students were surveyed. Some heard the Gospel for the first time, how awesome! Many believe in reincarnation - a reminder that the lost are very lost. A reminder that should spur us to action.
- leaders are being selected and trained for the fall, a big portion of the work (the big dance, reading bios, conversations, boot camp) is behind us and it is so exciting to know that God has once again raised up so many wonderful leaders for the freshmen class of '08.
SO, that's a glimpse into the past week. This weekend has been so fun: some of my freshmen girls came over for games (Clue), movies (27 Dresses), and yummy treats (like a fresh batch of stroopwafels). I also went to a very snazzy baby shower with a friend - a stage of life I'd like to be in. . .some day. :) The highlight was probably the Shawn McDonald concert last night, he's my favorite Christian artist currently so it was a huge treat to see him live. Oh, and dinner at the Patty's tonight, can't ever go wrong there. Ceslie is such a great "mom away from home" and I'm glad I got to spend time with her on Mother's Day. Going home next weekend to be with my wonderful real mom! :) One of the reasons for making the trek is to start moving my belongings. . .because God is moving me on. Read up in my latest prayer letter (should be arriving in the mail this week - email me if you're not on the list!) to hear what exactly is going on. I'll share more on this topic soon! Blessings for this new week!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Prayer Request!
Hi friends! Well, it's Sunday afternoon and I have a cold - yuck. Could you please pray for a speedy recovery? This is a busy week. We're kicking off our 10,000 years survey outreach week (I'll go into more detail later. . .and I promise to still post pictures from 24/7 prayer as well) tomorrow. Also, I'll be speaking at the College of Science and Math (COSAM) Unplugged meeting on Wednesday night. We are also still in the process of evaluating, calling, and selecting next year's small group and ministry team leaders. The climax of this process is Thursday night at an event called "Bootcamp" where our students will receive extensive training on what it means to be a leader within Campus Crusade, as well as worship and pray together for the upcoming year. And the usual staff meetings and discipleship appointments are still in effect. Pray that I would find rest and strength in the Lord! Also, let me know how I can be praying for you because I'd love to!
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