It's been quite sometime since I wrote my last blog post. This just goes to say where my priorities have landed over the past few months since leaving camp. To catch everyone up on the significant happenings of my life I'm going to give some of the highlights that have happened each month since I left camp back in August.
September:
-I headed back to my home at Taylor. I have really grown a fondness for Taylor and the wonderful friendships and opportunities that have come my way because of going to Taylor.
-At the end of September my mom and I headed to the KidMin Conference in Chicago. I had such a wonderful time with my mom and ran into some great people while I was there. On our first night there I ran into Everett, Leen, and Mama Frey from Crossroads. These are some amazing people who have a passion for sharing God's love with children. Then the following day at the general session we sat next to a woman who runs an orphanage in Belize. By the end of the session she had placed in internship in my lap. It was really wonderful talking with her. Unfortunately her internship does not fulfill the requirements that I need for this coming summer. On the last night of the conference my mom and I are standing in line waiting to get seats for the general session. Who do I see in front of me? Janice, the mother and aunt of some of the campers this past summer. I was so excited to see her. I needed some camp interaction in my life at this point and this is just what I needed.
October:
-I celebrated my 21st birthday while home on my fall break this year. I really enjoyed being able to celebrate with my family. Although I did miss the usual birthday craziness that happens when I'm at school.
-I taught multiple lesson plans during the month of October to my BASSYCS girls. I felt really affirmed after teaching each one and left knowing that I am following after the calling that God has placed in my life.
-Unfortunately I was unable to go to the Four State Fall Retreat at camp this year. I was really bummed that it didn't fall during my fall break like it had during the previous year. But my friends made sure to include me in every way they possibly could without my actual presence. Seeing all of the pictures of a drawn picture of me made me really miss my wonderful camp friends.
November:
-I really enjoyed the Thanksgiving season. I really spent time each day thinking about everything that the Lord has blessed me with in my life.
-I got to spend a whole entire week at home for Thanksgiving. It's truly a rarity these days when I spend more than a week at home. It was definitely a needed break.
-I saw many of my friends from high school over break and it reminded me that I do have friendships back at home still that I can come home to.
-Over the past several months I have been looking for internships in several different churches. Specifically in children's ministries. I had several opportunities to talk with people over my break about possible internships. I would really appreciate prayer as I continue to iron out the details of where I'm supposed to do my internship at.
December:
-Although the month isn't over yet I still have things that I would love to share about the past 4 days of December
1. It's currently 60 degrees outside :D
2. A month from today I will be boarding a plane to Peru.
3. Our room is decked out in everything Christmas from Charlie Brown's Christmas tree, my half lite christmas tree, and two nativity scenes to bring in the real reason for the season.
4. All of my BASSYCS girls got to go on the laser tag trip on Saturday! This means that they worked hard to memorize their verses and finish their Bible readings.
5. THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR!!! It is also the most stressful time of the year. I still can't figure that out though.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Amazing Place! Amazing God! Amazing Summer!
My 10th week at Village Creek Bible Camp has come to a close. God has blessed me so much this summer by the amazing campers and staffers that He has placed in my life. I couldn't have ended my time at Village Creek with a better group of campers this past week. I had 5 Junior Campers in my cabin all of them professed a relationship with Christ. This week was one of the only week where I felt truly connected with my girls when they left on Saturday. There was something about these girls that was different from all my other groups of campers. For their age they were spiritually mature. I would not have known that they were 10 and 11 years old if it were not posted on my list of campers at the beginning of the week.
I led the Catapult Building Rotation. I made 60ish catapults this week. This is not one of my favorite jobs to do at camp but I did it without grumbling. I had to remind myself that each camper had never built a catapult before even though I've been building them for the past 10 weeks.
During Wacky Water Wednesday this week my team won the King and Queen water game which means that I had a nice big barrel of ice cold water dumped on top of me. It was a great way to spend my last Wacky Water Wednesday. This week my girls really opened up early on during the week. It was great to see these 10 and 11 year old ladies share their struggles and realize their need for more of Christ in their lives.
This Saturday I woke up with the Stomach Flu. It was rough. I felt miserable but nonetheless I still went with Katie, Lu, and Gwen to the Skinny Dip on Saturday for one last goodbye. I will miss those girls so much. I'm so thankful for the friendships that I have formed with them this summer and last summer. I cried for the first 20 minutes of my drive home as I realized how much I will really miss them.
I led the Catapult Building Rotation. I made 60ish catapults this week. This is not one of my favorite jobs to do at camp but I did it without grumbling. I had to remind myself that each camper had never built a catapult before even though I've been building them for the past 10 weeks.
During Wacky Water Wednesday this week my team won the King and Queen water game which means that I had a nice big barrel of ice cold water dumped on top of me. It was a great way to spend my last Wacky Water Wednesday. This week my girls really opened up early on during the week. It was great to see these 10 and 11 year old ladies share their struggles and realize their need for more of Christ in their lives.
This Saturday I woke up with the Stomach Flu. It was rough. I felt miserable but nonetheless I still went with Katie, Lu, and Gwen to the Skinny Dip on Saturday for one last goodbye. I will miss those girls so much. I'm so thankful for the friendships that I have formed with them this summer and last summer. I cried for the first 20 minutes of my drive home as I realized how much I will really miss them.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Grace Family Camp
THIS WEEK HAS BEEN AMAZING! Here's for the usual top 10 list but here's the kicker. There's only going to be 7!
7. I was a co-family assistant with Autumn this week. We had a family of 4. One 6 year old and one 20 month old. The baby was adorable. I loved being able to work with them.
6. I worked at archery for both first and second instruction hours. This means I was there more than Robin Hood was.
5. I had two plates of food land in my lap this week. One was worse than the other. But both were frustrating. One of them was a plate of pasta with tomato sauce. Yea... that happened...
4. I slept in the back of lodge this week. It was great to be placed so conveniently to my family. It was nice for those trips to the lake when I didn't have to trek back to my cabin to change. I also slept really well this week.
3. Lindsay and I had night assignment together until midnight on Thursday. We started off the night with Monopoly Junior. I dominated. Then we moved on to grown up Monopoly. If we had continued playing she would have had no properties or money left. I dominated!
2. A bunch of us girls found a game called Moods in the Lodge. We played it a few times this week. It was great to just hangout and be goofy.
1. I got a lot of down time this week because I would listen for my 20 month old as he napped and went down for the night. It was great to be able to spend a lot of that time just thinking and being in God's presence.
Prayer Requests:
- Focus for the last 2 weeks so that I can live fully in the present and not look towards to future.
-Rest and motivation.
-Be just as energetic as I was for the first week of campers
-An attitude adjustment about staying in Lakeside again this week
7. I was a co-family assistant with Autumn this week. We had a family of 4. One 6 year old and one 20 month old. The baby was adorable. I loved being able to work with them.
6. I worked at archery for both first and second instruction hours. This means I was there more than Robin Hood was.
5. I had two plates of food land in my lap this week. One was worse than the other. But both were frustrating. One of them was a plate of pasta with tomato sauce. Yea... that happened...
4. I slept in the back of lodge this week. It was great to be placed so conveniently to my family. It was nice for those trips to the lake when I didn't have to trek back to my cabin to change. I also slept really well this week.
3. Lindsay and I had night assignment together until midnight on Thursday. We started off the night with Monopoly Junior. I dominated. Then we moved on to grown up Monopoly. If we had continued playing she would have had no properties or money left. I dominated!
2. A bunch of us girls found a game called Moods in the Lodge. We played it a few times this week. It was great to just hangout and be goofy.
1. I got a lot of down time this week because I would listen for my 20 month old as he napped and went down for the night. It was great to be able to spend a lot of that time just thinking and being in God's presence.
Prayer Requests:
- Focus for the last 2 weeks so that I can live fully in the present and not look towards to future.
-Rest and motivation.
-Be just as energetic as I was for the first week of campers
-An attitude adjustment about staying in Lakeside again this week
Sunday, July 15, 2012
We Prayed and It Rained!
The past two weeks have been absolutely amazing! God has been so good in my life these past few weeks. Two weeks ago I had the privilege to serve a family with four year old triplets and a 2 year old. It was a busy week but I really learned a lot through the week. The family was such a blessing to watch as they talked over meals with each. Even watching the parents lovingly discipline their children was a learning experience. I will definitely miss that family. One of my favorite memories of this week was when the blondie in the picture had to you the potty. I took him and the next thing I hear is, "Hey bud you need to stay in your stall!" He poked his head to see the person next to him. Then while going potty I heard grunts. The person in the stall next to him came out and said, "I think he's pooping! Just a hint!" I also got to stay up at Lakeside during this week. Although it was an inconvenience at times it was great being away from the rest of camp in the silence of the woods.
This past week was incredibly awesome. I don't even know where to begin. So I'll start with the beginning. It was young teen camp. Not one of my favorite camps but nonetheless it was a great week. I had 6 girls in my cabin who I feel more and more in love with as the week went on. My heart breaks for their broken lives and the pain that these girls should not have to go through. Another part of this week that was unique was that my cousin Christina came to camp to serve as the camp nurse. It was so great to be able to experience camp together again but in ways that we had never experienced as kids. This week I didn't go on the internet from Saturday until Thursday. So on Thursday you can bet that I had a lot of emails and facebook messages to catch up on. While checking my email I came across an email from Taylor Lighthouse. Here's the jist of what it said, "YOU'RE GOING TO PERU!" I was totally speechless. I'm so excited! You have no idea! I almost peed my pants when I read the email.
Finally, down in the Valley we have been in need of rain. We have had to start feeding our horses the winter hay. After weeks of praying for rain we finally got 2 rather large rainstorms! So on friday many of us were sporting our Pray! shirts and rainboots!
 |
| One of the triplets! |
This past week was incredibly awesome. I don't even know where to begin. So I'll start with the beginning. It was young teen camp. Not one of my favorite camps but nonetheless it was a great week. I had 6 girls in my cabin who I feel more and more in love with as the week went on. My heart breaks for their broken lives and the pain that these girls should not have to go through. Another part of this week that was unique was that my cousin Christina came to camp to serve as the camp nurse. It was so great to be able to experience camp together again but in ways that we had never experienced as kids. This week I didn't go on the internet from Saturday until Thursday. So on Thursday you can bet that I had a lot of emails and facebook messages to catch up on. While checking my email I came across an email from Taylor Lighthouse. Here's the jist of what it said, "YOU'RE GOING TO PERU!" I was totally speechless. I'm so excited! You have no idea! I almost peed my pants when I read the email.
Finally, down in the Valley we have been in need of rain. We have had to start feeding our horses the winter hay. After weeks of praying for rain we finally got 2 rather large rainstorms! So on friday many of us were sporting our Pray! shirts and rainboots!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
You Are Special
Junior Camp 2 is finished! This week was such a blessing. Once again I'll see if I can write about my week in a top 10 list.
10. My Mom and Nanny came up for the weekend. We spent last Saturday night at Decorah. Nanny cold watered me in the shower and I got a super LEGIT cookie dough shake from the Whippy Dip. It had 2 huge scoops of homemade cookie dough in it.
9. I had a the wonderful privilege to have my Uncle Doug speak at the morning chapels for the week. He told the story of Moses through a made up 10 year old boy named Seth. It was great being able to see him speak in a camp environment and watch him interact with kids.
8. I had 2 sisters in my cabin this week. One was very homesick and the other was fine. They like most sisters at 9 and 10 did not get along with each other. At the beginning of the week it took all the patience that I had to handle the homesick camper. Then I would say a miracle happened. Come Thursday morning I saw a completely new camper. She was very happy and excited to do everything. This was very different in comparison to the way she acted earlier in the week.
7. I attempted to camp out at the hammock village with my campers this week. We hiked all the way up there and I had just helped the last camper get into her hammock and then 2 of them came to me in tears. They were scared. So my co-counselor Autumn stayed with the other girls and I walked back with 3 of them. We sang, "My God is so big so strong and so mighty there is nothing my God cannot do for you!" This helped them and reassured them that God is always there with them.
6. On the last night of camp I played Bible Skittles with my girls. Each turn a girl is given a skittle at random. Depending on the color they have answer a certain question. For example, red is something that you love about God, green was your favorite Bible story and so on. They really enjoyed it.
5. My mom donated lots of different things to the craft room. When I walked into the craft room to give Lindsay the new treasures for the craft room she squealed with excitement. It was so great to see the joy in her eyes because she loves what she does so much and wants the best for the craft room.
4. I really loved this weeks campers. This is the first group of campers that I have had that I teared up when I said good bye to them. They were so precious. I can truly say that I will remember the impact that these girls made on me.
3. At the beginning of the week when I took my time off I made the conscious decision that I was not going to go up the staff lounge for the week. So during my time off I would sit out the the Lodge lawn and read or journal. It was great just taking in God's beautiful creation.
2. I had a camper in my cabin this week who was adopted from South Korea. If I were going to pick a favorite it would definitely be her. Watching her all week I was constantly reminded to pray for the people in my life who have been adopted. Every time I looked at her I was compelled that one day I will have the opportunity to adopt a child of my own.
1. On Thursday night we always have a large bonfire where kids share things that they have learned about God during their time at camp. After the bonfire I had cabin devotions with my cabin. My girls shared that when at school that people made fun of them and called them names that are not very kind. This tied in perfectly with my plans for that night. I read to them the book, You Are Special by Max Lucado. When I finished reading the story my girls thanked me for sharing the story with them. This was definitely God moving in my cabin that night.
10. My Mom and Nanny came up for the weekend. We spent last Saturday night at Decorah. Nanny cold watered me in the shower and I got a super LEGIT cookie dough shake from the Whippy Dip. It had 2 huge scoops of homemade cookie dough in it.
9. I had a the wonderful privilege to have my Uncle Doug speak at the morning chapels for the week. He told the story of Moses through a made up 10 year old boy named Seth. It was great being able to see him speak in a camp environment and watch him interact with kids.
8. I had 2 sisters in my cabin this week. One was very homesick and the other was fine. They like most sisters at 9 and 10 did not get along with each other. At the beginning of the week it took all the patience that I had to handle the homesick camper. Then I would say a miracle happened. Come Thursday morning I saw a completely new camper. She was very happy and excited to do everything. This was very different in comparison to the way she acted earlier in the week.
7. I attempted to camp out at the hammock village with my campers this week. We hiked all the way up there and I had just helped the last camper get into her hammock and then 2 of them came to me in tears. They were scared. So my co-counselor Autumn stayed with the other girls and I walked back with 3 of them. We sang, "My God is so big so strong and so mighty there is nothing my God cannot do for you!" This helped them and reassured them that God is always there with them.
6. On the last night of camp I played Bible Skittles with my girls. Each turn a girl is given a skittle at random. Depending on the color they have answer a certain question. For example, red is something that you love about God, green was your favorite Bible story and so on. They really enjoyed it.
5. My mom donated lots of different things to the craft room. When I walked into the craft room to give Lindsay the new treasures for the craft room she squealed with excitement. It was so great to see the joy in her eyes because she loves what she does so much and wants the best for the craft room.
4. I really loved this weeks campers. This is the first group of campers that I have had that I teared up when I said good bye to them. They were so precious. I can truly say that I will remember the impact that these girls made on me.
3. At the beginning of the week when I took my time off I made the conscious decision that I was not going to go up the staff lounge for the week. So during my time off I would sit out the the Lodge lawn and read or journal. It was great just taking in God's beautiful creation.
2. I had a camper in my cabin this week who was adopted from South Korea. If I were going to pick a favorite it would definitely be her. Watching her all week I was constantly reminded to pray for the people in my life who have been adopted. Every time I looked at her I was compelled that one day I will have the opportunity to adopt a child of my own.
1. On Thursday night we always have a large bonfire where kids share things that they have learned about God during their time at camp. After the bonfire I had cabin devotions with my cabin. My girls shared that when at school that people made fun of them and called them names that are not very kind. This tied in perfectly with my plans for that night. I read to them the book, You Are Special by Max Lucado. When I finished reading the story my girls thanked me for sharing the story with them. This was definitely God moving in my cabin that night.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Chapel Planning and Kayaking
This past week at camp we had a church student ministries program rent out the camp. So everyone did projects around camp all week long. There were times during the week when I worked at the Archery range and times when I scrubbed down some dishes and I also scrubbed down plenty of toilets this week too. But my favorite project from this past week was planning the lessons for the 4-12 year olds at family camp. I was able to use plenty of things that I have learned in my ministry classes. I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the lessons. I found plenty of fun games to play and crafts and also found a fun song called Puttin' On My Armor. I have been blessed this week to use the gifts and talents that God has given me to work and glorify Him. This past week I have been able to live in the cabins which are on the outskirts of a hayfield. This makes for beautiful walks back to the cabin at night with wonderful stars. Today I had to opportunity to go on a kayak trip down the Mississippi River. It was so much fun! I had a blast drenching my partner Lindsay in the process of moving down the river. I also have a very distinct Chaco tan lines now. This coming week will be Senior High week. I will be living a Heckman House 8, or better known as "the cave". My cabin consists of all high school camp staff workers. This could mean that it will be a great week or it could be a very tough week.
Prayer requests for this next week: That gossip would be minimal. In a cabin of camp staff this could very easily happen. Also for energy. During Senior High week the nights get later and later and the mornings stay the same.
Prayer requests for this next week: That gossip would be minimal. In a cabin of camp staff this could very easily happen. Also for energy. During Senior High week the nights get later and later and the mornings stay the same.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Week One: Done!
The first full week of campers comes to a close tomorrow. This week has been a great week. For this blog I have decided to bring back the top 10 list of things that have happened this week.
10. This morning I went to wake up my 8 year old to find that she was completely underneath her fitted sheet. I mean she was sleeping in her bed with the fitted sheet tucked into the mattress with her inside. Neither of us are quite sure how she got there.
9. For the first time in my 20 years of life I have encountered leeches. I HATE LEECHES!!! GROSS!!!
8. I have played Apples to Apples Disney everyday for the past 5 days.
7. I have hot glued 240 popsicle sticks together for a total of 30 catapults assembled this week.
6. I have bagged up a broken arm more times than I can count.
5. I have tickled and scared girls multiple times a day.
4. Our cabin has had meaningful cabin devotions every night this week.
3. I've gotten more sleep this past week than I do during a month of college.
2. I jousted another counselor with a noodle weapon and won by a vote of 2 out of 3 because it was a draw.
1. I got to dress up in my knight costume and be filmed for a camp video chasing a maiden.
That is week one in a nutshell. More to come later on.
10. This morning I went to wake up my 8 year old to find that she was completely underneath her fitted sheet. I mean she was sleeping in her bed with the fitted sheet tucked into the mattress with her inside. Neither of us are quite sure how she got there.
9. For the first time in my 20 years of life I have encountered leeches. I HATE LEECHES!!! GROSS!!!
8. I have played Apples to Apples Disney everyday for the past 5 days.
7. I have hot glued 240 popsicle sticks together for a total of 30 catapults assembled this week.
6. I have bagged up a broken arm more times than I can count.
5. I have tickled and scared girls multiple times a day.
4. Our cabin has had meaningful cabin devotions every night this week.
3. I've gotten more sleep this past week than I do during a month of college.
2. I jousted another counselor with a noodle weapon and won by a vote of 2 out of 3 because it was a draw.
1. I got to dress up in my knight costume and be filmed for a camp video chasing a maiden.
That is week one in a nutshell. More to come later on.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Catapult Building and Junior Campers and Leeches
Yesterday was the first full day of Junior camp 1. I have a cabin with 6 kids from ages 8 to 11. During rotations this week I am teaching catapult building. It's one of those things where I am crowd control because I i have knowledge about building catapults whatsoever. Yesterday afternoon I helped out with archery during free-time until I had Kieffer who works at the lake come to me with my 8 year old who was in tears. So I took the girl back to the cabin and Kieffer took my place at archery. My little girl just wanted some hugs and love pats so I sat on the couch and just gave her some love. Then it was time for instruction hours. Which is when I have my time off. I'm grateful for this time off to spend replenishing myself and rejuvenating. Please pray for the rest of this week that I would be able to minister to these girls and show them God's amazing love. I also have a camper with a broken arm. Pray that she would be able to have fun even though she has broken arm.
Today I had catapult building during rotations again. Then this afternoon I went creek stomping with my cabin during free-time. I had the lovely pleasure of picking 2 leeches off of my campers feet. We caught 6 minnows and 2 crawdads. It was super fun. I'm looking forward to tonight when we have our cookout. These girls have been super fun so far and I'm really looking forward to everything that will happen this week!
Today I had catapult building during rotations again. Then this afternoon I went creek stomping with my cabin during free-time. I had the lovely pleasure of picking 2 leeches off of my campers feet. We caught 6 minnows and 2 crawdads. It was super fun. I'm looking forward to tonight when we have our cookout. These girls have been super fun so far and I'm really looking forward to everything that will happen this week!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
7 Dippy Dips
Hard to believe that tomorrow will mark the first full week of camp. The past few days have been wonderful. Yesterday we had a day of prayer and fasting. We had a morning session taught by Tim Blackburn where we then went out for an hour on our own and asked ourselves the question. "Where am I?" We asked this question through relational, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of life. Then for each outbreak of prayer after that we went through the ACTS prayer model. It was wonderful to just spend a day in the presence of our Lord and Savior. Today I was re-certified in CPR. We went our variety show acts. I will be in a group seeing the "Stand" song from VeggieTales. I'll be dressed in my knight costume. The variety show will be medieval themed. Then today I learned a new children's song titled the 7 Dippy Dips. It was pretty humorous. I discovered that I will be a counselor for junior campers next week. I'm very excited to see what this next week will entail. I will greatly appreciate any and all prayers for this first and crucial week of camp.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Friends, Farts, and Fears
I just arrived at Village Creek Bible Camp yesterday which will be my home for the next 10 weeks. It has been so wonderful catching up with my FRIENDS from last summer and then starting to make some new friendships as well. I have learned that the friendships at camp are unlike any other friendship I have ever encountered before. These friendships form like rapid fire. They start as small talk and before you know it you are sharing life's biggest secret with them.
As close friends we also share stories about FARTS. Yes, farts. I have two friends in-particular that tend to bring farts up on a regular basis. Example, tonight we had Mexican casserole. Enough said.
On a more serious note while on my 5 hour drive to camp yesterday I had plenty of time to think and process about life. There came a point on the drive where I was overcome by FEAR. I started thinking about everything bad that could possibly come out of being at camp this summer. I soon realized that this was the Devil already trying to keep me from serving the Lord to the best of my ability.
I have so enjoyed being back at this wonderful valley. I cannot even imagine my life without the place. I am so thankful for the work that God is doing and will continue to do in the weeks to come.
My prayer requests this week would be for patience. Getting back into the constant people routine is hard work for an introvert. I would also ask for prayer to be open and willing to reach out to new staffers. There are A LOT of new staff and not a lot of returning staff.
As close friends we also share stories about FARTS. Yes, farts. I have two friends in-particular that tend to bring farts up on a regular basis. Example, tonight we had Mexican casserole. Enough said.
On a more serious note while on my 5 hour drive to camp yesterday I had plenty of time to think and process about life. There came a point on the drive where I was overcome by FEAR. I started thinking about everything bad that could possibly come out of being at camp this summer. I soon realized that this was the Devil already trying to keep me from serving the Lord to the best of my ability.
I have so enjoyed being back at this wonderful valley. I cannot even imagine my life without the place. I am so thankful for the work that God is doing and will continue to do in the weeks to come.
My prayer requests this week would be for patience. Getting back into the constant people routine is hard work for an introvert. I would also ask for prayer to be open and willing to reach out to new staffers. There are A LOT of new staff and not a lot of returning staff.
Monday, April 9, 2012
40 days done...
This year for lent I decided to give up all secular music. Let me tell you it was hard. I never knew how often I listened to music until I consciously had to think about what music I was listening to at all times. One thing I noticed from this fast from secular music was that my devotions were all the more powerful because I had no trashy music coming into my life to wreck what God was teaching me through me devotions. Today, being the first day that I could listen to secular music, I did. To my shock I changed it 30 seconds into the song because I felt disgusted.
There are many other things that have happened within the past 40 days that I would like to share. First, the weekend of Feb. 24 I went home. I had a wonderful much need relaxing weekend with my family. I did not touch a single bit of my homework and it felt great.
Second, the week of March 2nd my roommate and I had our BASSYCS girls over for a movie and pizza. It was so much fun to play with them outside the normal Wednesday night routine.
Third, the weekend of March 9 I got to go on the Christian Ed retreat. This weekend is always a lot of fun because I get so hangout with mostly Christian Ed majors all weekend and get to goof off and learn about God at the same time. This particular retreat we talked about Back to Basics. We focused on the Christianese words that are often thrown around can then lose their significance.
Fourth, I went on a road trip with my mom to Pennsylvania to visit some of our family. I had a great time with her and we got to do lots of shopping and site seeing. We went to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Hershey World, and the Flight 93 Memorial. I will cherish these memories I've had with my mom because I know they are going to diminish as time goes on.
Fifth, I went to Calvin College in MI to visit one of my greatest friends ever, Kendra, who I hadn't seen since before Christmas. I had a great time catching up with her. We went to a Gungor concert with each other. I have been listening to them nonstop ever since.
Then this week happened. This past week has been quite the adventure to say the least. It started off with an almost all nighter to write a research paper for my Psych and Ed class. Then I started to get sick. On Wednesday I woke up with a fever and didn't go to any of my classes. Luckily I was going home that afternoon. Later that day I got the news that one of my peers had suddenly died in his dorm room. It hit our campus pretty hard. This guy was a great guy. A man who was pursuing the Lord's calling in His life. But, we can rejoice that he is in heaven in the presence of our heavenly Father. It was hard not to be with the Taylor community during this time of grieve but it was great to be home in the presence of my praying parents. I woke up Thursday feeling so much better. I was able to enjoy all of the events that I had planned this weekend. From chatting with a mentor from high school to having pancakes with a good friend to teaching in a preschool classroom at church to meeting my brothers new girlfriend and her son.
I'd say despite the downs of this past week that I can live knowing that I have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for me. I know that "In the chaos, in confusion, HE is sovereign still".
There are many other things that have happened within the past 40 days that I would like to share. First, the weekend of Feb. 24 I went home. I had a wonderful much need relaxing weekend with my family. I did not touch a single bit of my homework and it felt great.
Second, the week of March 2nd my roommate and I had our BASSYCS girls over for a movie and pizza. It was so much fun to play with them outside the normal Wednesday night routine.
Third, the weekend of March 9 I got to go on the Christian Ed retreat. This weekend is always a lot of fun because I get so hangout with mostly Christian Ed majors all weekend and get to goof off and learn about God at the same time. This particular retreat we talked about Back to Basics. We focused on the Christianese words that are often thrown around can then lose their significance.
Fourth, I went on a road trip with my mom to Pennsylvania to visit some of our family. I had a great time with her and we got to do lots of shopping and site seeing. We went to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Hershey World, and the Flight 93 Memorial. I will cherish these memories I've had with my mom because I know they are going to diminish as time goes on.
Fifth, I went to Calvin College in MI to visit one of my greatest friends ever, Kendra, who I hadn't seen since before Christmas. I had a great time catching up with her. We went to a Gungor concert with each other. I have been listening to them nonstop ever since.
Then this week happened. This past week has been quite the adventure to say the least. It started off with an almost all nighter to write a research paper for my Psych and Ed class. Then I started to get sick. On Wednesday I woke up with a fever and didn't go to any of my classes. Luckily I was going home that afternoon. Later that day I got the news that one of my peers had suddenly died in his dorm room. It hit our campus pretty hard. This guy was a great guy. A man who was pursuing the Lord's calling in His life. But, we can rejoice that he is in heaven in the presence of our heavenly Father. It was hard not to be with the Taylor community during this time of grieve but it was great to be home in the presence of my praying parents. I woke up Thursday feeling so much better. I was able to enjoy all of the events that I had planned this weekend. From chatting with a mentor from high school to having pancakes with a good friend to teaching in a preschool classroom at church to meeting my brothers new girlfriend and her son.
I'd say despite the downs of this past week that I can live knowing that I have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for me. I know that "In the chaos, in confusion, HE is sovereign still".
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Enduring the cross...
As many of you know I am the Co-Director for a ministry called BASSYCS. BASSYCS has become very dear and near to my heart over that past 2 years. I have loved growing relationships with the kids of Upland and being involved in their lives. Anyways... tonight at BASSYCS was like any other night. All 4 of my girls showed up we played dodgeball, worshiped, listened to a message, and then went off to small group where the girls would say their memory verses for the week. There is one particular girl in my group who Jenn (my co-leader and roommate) and I knew wasn't a believer. We have been praying all year that we would have a serious moment where one of us could sit down with her and have a conversation of what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. That moment happened to be tonight. Bear with me the details are many and wordy.
The verse for the week was Hebrews 12:1-2. If you have ever heard this verse it mentions that Jesus endured the cross. Now picture a fourth grader drawing pictures out to help her memorize the verse. She comes to the word endured and has no clue as to what it means to endure the cross. She asks, "How do I draw out endured the cross?" Bingo, the perfect opportunity for Jenn to share what Jesus did for us on the cross. This girl for the first time in her life realized the pain that Jesus endured just so that she could be saved. After hearing Jenn explain to her what it meant to endure the cross the young girl wanted to write Jesus a thank you note for what He has done for her. Jenn explained that He wants more than a thank you note. He wants her to live for Him. He wants her. She didn't quite know what to do. Jenn explained that she can pray to ask Jesus into her life. She still was confused. She thought that she had to have a memorized prayer in order have Jesus in her life. So there in that moment with 2 minutes left of small group I round up the other 3 girls into the hallway to take them to their parents as Jenn stays to pray with our new sister in Christ. There you have it. Another sister in Christ.
Another thing to add is that this very morning I prayed for my new sister in Christ. I didn't pray that she would accept Christ into her life but I prayed that she would have a better understanding of Christ in her life. Answer to prayers. God is good.
The verse for the week was Hebrews 12:1-2. If you have ever heard this verse it mentions that Jesus endured the cross. Now picture a fourth grader drawing pictures out to help her memorize the verse. She comes to the word endured and has no clue as to what it means to endure the cross. She asks, "How do I draw out endured the cross?" Bingo, the perfect opportunity for Jenn to share what Jesus did for us on the cross. This girl for the first time in her life realized the pain that Jesus endured just so that she could be saved. After hearing Jenn explain to her what it meant to endure the cross the young girl wanted to write Jesus a thank you note for what He has done for her. Jenn explained that He wants more than a thank you note. He wants her to live for Him. He wants her. She didn't quite know what to do. Jenn explained that she can pray to ask Jesus into her life. She still was confused. She thought that she had to have a memorized prayer in order have Jesus in her life. So there in that moment with 2 minutes left of small group I round up the other 3 girls into the hallway to take them to their parents as Jenn stays to pray with our new sister in Christ. There you have it. Another sister in Christ.
Another thing to add is that this very morning I prayed for my new sister in Christ. I didn't pray that she would accept Christ into her life but I prayed that she would have a better understanding of Christ in her life. Answer to prayers. God is good.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Lent...
Every year around this time I'm told to give up something that I know I need less of in my life in order to spend the time that is spent on those things with Christ. So I was beginning to think about what to "give up" this year and I thought to myself. I'm going to probably give up the same things I've given up in the past. What is something different that I can give up? Then I thought what if I put something new on? What if I added something to my life or changed something instead of taking something out cold turkey? So that's when I came up with this idea to get rid any music that is not Christian for the next 40 days. So for the next 40 days I will only be listening to worship music or music with no words like classical music. So 40 days from now I will come back to this blog and write about my experience after 40 days of only worship music.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Blown Away...
Wow! Where to begin? Well for starters this week has been absolutely wonderful. It started on Sunday when my roommate came home from church with an envelope from a mysterious man from church. He told her that he was doing a pay it forward with his work. She was chosen and Jenn found herself with 100 dollars that she didn't have before. Little did this man know that Jenn is raising money to go to Poland this summer to teach English at youth camps. God provides.
Then, Monday was the start of spiritual renewal week at Taylor. So we had Rodney VanSolkema and Charity Taatjes come from Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids come to speak. Let me tell you, it was outstanding! Charity shared of her many identities that she has had in life and how she needs to find her identity with Christ. Rod compared the story of Joseph and compared it to Charity story. One of the many themes was finding God in our pits and trials in life. Very cool! God speaks!
Then, Tuesday, was just a great day in general. That's all to say there.
Wednesday, was just another mind blowing day. This day was the last day of the spiritual renewal week. But that is not the focus of Wednesday. This night I had BASSYCS (the ministry that I work with at my church in Upland. It's kind of like AWANA.) Well Jamie, our director, was the giver of the lesson on Wed. She is normally not a speak in front of people type of person. Yet she spoke with ease. She carried her message of forgiveness in a way that was understandable.That night in my small group my girls actually finished the Bible study with 15 minutes to spare. If you know anything about 4th grade girls you know that this is near impossible to do when you are given 30 minutes to do so. They all answered questions. They all gave the answers in their own words. They all participated. It was the most wonderful thing ever. God used Jamie who was as nervous as ever to give the forgiveness message to my 4th graders. And they understood. What is really cool about this is that I had prayed that my group would be attentive during the lesson so that we could do our Bible study. God answers prayers.
Thursday, we had wing worship. So imagine 25 college girls worshiping through song. It always sounds beautiful. Between songs those who went overseas for J-Term shared the most significant experience of the trip. Then after all of the songs we took time to share prayer requests. This is the moment where God moved in the hearts of 3CO. People shared what they were struggling with. Girls were being real and open and vulnerable. It was wonderful. God moves.
Friday, was great. I mean think about a typical Friday. All you can think about is the clock and how slow it ticks on a Friday. Not this Friday. This Friday I didn't want to see end. This Friday was the Friday that I looked forward to going to all of my classes. This Friday I had fun in my classes. This Friday I actually wanted the day to not end. This was the first day of college where I was excited to be at school. God replenishes excitement.
Saturday, today I was on my wing retreat. After the events of Thursday night our wing was closer than ever. We went to Sky Zone. The most epic place ever! It's a building with indoor trampolines. They have a trampoline dodgeball court, a trampoline basketball court, and a trampoline foam pit. The hour spent there was amazing. It was filled with laughter, sweet looking shoes, and jumping. God gives us retreat.
Then, Monday was the start of spiritual renewal week at Taylor. So we had Rodney VanSolkema and Charity Taatjes come from Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids come to speak. Let me tell you, it was outstanding! Charity shared of her many identities that she has had in life and how she needs to find her identity with Christ. Rod compared the story of Joseph and compared it to Charity story. One of the many themes was finding God in our pits and trials in life. Very cool! God speaks!
Then, Tuesday, was just a great day in general. That's all to say there.
Wednesday, was just another mind blowing day. This day was the last day of the spiritual renewal week. But that is not the focus of Wednesday. This night I had BASSYCS (the ministry that I work with at my church in Upland. It's kind of like AWANA.) Well Jamie, our director, was the giver of the lesson on Wed. She is normally not a speak in front of people type of person. Yet she spoke with ease. She carried her message of forgiveness in a way that was understandable.That night in my small group my girls actually finished the Bible study with 15 minutes to spare. If you know anything about 4th grade girls you know that this is near impossible to do when you are given 30 minutes to do so. They all answered questions. They all gave the answers in their own words. They all participated. It was the most wonderful thing ever. God used Jamie who was as nervous as ever to give the forgiveness message to my 4th graders. And they understood. What is really cool about this is that I had prayed that my group would be attentive during the lesson so that we could do our Bible study. God answers prayers.
Thursday, we had wing worship. So imagine 25 college girls worshiping through song. It always sounds beautiful. Between songs those who went overseas for J-Term shared the most significant experience of the trip. Then after all of the songs we took time to share prayer requests. This is the moment where God moved in the hearts of 3CO. People shared what they were struggling with. Girls were being real and open and vulnerable. It was wonderful. God moves.
Friday, was great. I mean think about a typical Friday. All you can think about is the clock and how slow it ticks on a Friday. Not this Friday. This Friday I didn't want to see end. This Friday was the Friday that I looked forward to going to all of my classes. This Friday I had fun in my classes. This Friday I actually wanted the day to not end. This was the first day of college where I was excited to be at school. God replenishes excitement.
Saturday, today I was on my wing retreat. After the events of Thursday night our wing was closer than ever. We went to Sky Zone. The most epic place ever! It's a building with indoor trampolines. They have a trampoline dodgeball court, a trampoline basketball court, and a trampoline foam pit. The hour spent there was amazing. It was filled with laughter, sweet looking shoes, and jumping. God gives us retreat.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
New Month... New Semester... New Habits...
So I just completed my 2nd day of 2nd semester classes. After now having one round all my five classes I am really looking forward to what this semester has to offer. Started off with Explorations in Social Work. Surprisingly very interesting. I mean I won't change my major but I will nonetheless enjoy this gen ed. Then today started off bright and early with Spanish of all things at 8AM. So going into the day with bad expectations because it's Spanish, it's 8AM, and my brain barely functions in English this early how on earth I am going to function in another language. But I survived and ENJOYED IT! AMAZING I know! From that point on the day just kept getting better. Instead of going back to my room and sleeping I decided to go to breakfast and do my devos. So I grabbed my Bible and an empty journal and started what I hope becomes a MWF occurrence. Then I was welcomed by the lovely fake TU bell tower on my way to chapel where I was totally blown away by the blessing that it is to worship our Lord Jesus Christ with the Taylor community. We also had a powerful chapel speaker to start off the semester with BANG! From that point I had classes for the rest of the day with a small break for lunch. I walked into Inductive Study of the Bible. I'm pumped for this class. It will be work but it will be worth it considering that there are no papers or a final! After a small break for lunch I went to Interpersonal Communications. Once again I was thinking this will be another boring Gen Ed that I HAVE to take. And once again I was sitting there enjoying myself the whole entire time. Then finally the last class of the day has come. Psychological and Educational Foundations for Christian Educational Ministries. Yea that's the name of my class. Walked in and instantly had a ton of fun. I love my CE buddies and couldn't have asked for a better group of people to get to study with for the rest of my undergrad career. All in all, I have been blessed today. I have been given wonderful opportunity to attend a great liberal arts college where I get to worship God on a daily basis! Yep! Life is good! God is good!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Footsteps of Paul
So I just spent the past 2 1/2 weeks touring Greece and Italy and seeing both the biblical sites where Paul was and the popular tourist attractions. Let me tell you. It was the most wonderful European trip that I have ever been on. Not only did I get to visit places that I had never seen before but I also came out with a whole new perspective on the Bible and what Paul went through to give the message of Jesus Christ to the first century churches. I won't bore you with all the details, so, like I normally do, I will have a top 10 of the things I loved, enjoyed, and found most memorable.
1. My favorite ancient city that we visited was Philippi. While in Philippi we got to visit the baptismal site of Lydia. You can read about her in Acts 16:11-18. The story of Lydia was one that I had never looked at in detail before this trip. Boy I am glad that I did read the story of Lydia because I now think that she is one of the most inspiration woman of the Bible. While at the baptismal site, David, our tour guide, prof who didn't have to grade us, and friend, gave us the opportunity to get our own baptismal vows renewed. After some thinking I went ahead and was baptized. I have actually wanted to renew my baptismal vows and never had an opportunity to do so. Doing it in Philippi at the site where Lydia was baptized seemed like the perfect spot and time.
2. During our last day in Greece we took a day trip to the Ancient city of Corinth. The city itself was cool but, there was a castle on the top of a mountain where we had a picnic lunch. The weather was fantastic. The view was beautiful. The conversations had were unforgettable.
3. While in Corinth we also had the opportunity to share communion with one another. Once again I was overwhelmed by God's faithfulness in my life. Do take communion at the site where Paul preached brings so much more meaning and significance to the partaking of the body and the blood than it does when you are sitting in church.
4. During this trip we had the chance to go on a strenuous hike or a wimpy hike on Mt. Olympus. My whole class chose the strenuous hike and it was certainly worth the long 2 hours to get to the top. I brought home a rock from the top to remember the endeavor.
5. Greece used to have 24 monasteries that were built on the peaks of lone standing cliffs. It amazed me to think how they could have possibly made them considering that the monastery that we went to was only accessible by a rope basket that is being pulled by the person at the top. Now they have stairs to get to the top. The ladies got to fashion some very high end, top notch, fashionable, wrap around skirts.
6. While in Athens there were 8 girls that needed to stay in a different hotel than the rest of the group. I was 1 of the 8. We got to stay in a 4 star hotel with a view of the Parthenon from our rooftop patio and olive garden. The only downer to this hotel is that they charged for wifi. The question that week for wherever we ate at was, "Do you have free wifi?"
The following don't have pictures and are short and to the point.
7. Gelato in Rome. The best thing ever! We found a favorite gelateria right next to the Trevi Fountian. Note this gelateria is referenced in The Lizzie McGuire Movie. I just finished watching it!
8. There was a moment while watching the changing of the guards at the Greece Parliament where I had a pigeon land on my head. Needless to say I squealed and hope to never experience it ever again. Enjoy your laugh!
9. I love the Greek way of living for many reasons. A. they have amazing food! Feta cheese, souvlaki, bread and olive oil, moussaka, and baklava. B. they have a siesta every afternoon where they go home for naps. C. College education is FREE!!! D. They have cafe bars with couches and art designs in their hot chocolate as well as pop rocks!
10. My friend Katelyn and I had a moment in Thessaloniki. Our friends had gone in a chocolate shop. We stayed outside and looked in through the window. There was about 6 inches between. I turn to tell her something while she turns to tell me something. To our pleasant surprise a rather tall Greek man was standing between us peering through the window. After he walks half the block we burst into laughter at the incredibly awkward moment.
Well there you have! The top 10 things about my creeping on the Apostle Paul. Oh and I may have gotten a summer intern out of for my Junior Year practicum with the Sparks, they were our awesome guides.
1. My favorite ancient city that we visited was Philippi. While in Philippi we got to visit the baptismal site of Lydia. You can read about her in Acts 16:11-18. The story of Lydia was one that I had never looked at in detail before this trip. Boy I am glad that I did read the story of Lydia because I now think that she is one of the most inspiration woman of the Bible. While at the baptismal site, David, our tour guide, prof who didn't have to grade us, and friend, gave us the opportunity to get our own baptismal vows renewed. After some thinking I went ahead and was baptized. I have actually wanted to renew my baptismal vows and never had an opportunity to do so. Doing it in Philippi at the site where Lydia was baptized seemed like the perfect spot and time.
3. While in Corinth we also had the opportunity to share communion with one another. Once again I was overwhelmed by God's faithfulness in my life. Do take communion at the site where Paul preached brings so much more meaning and significance to the partaking of the body and the blood than it does when you are sitting in church.
7. Gelato in Rome. The best thing ever! We found a favorite gelateria right next to the Trevi Fountian. Note this gelateria is referenced in The Lizzie McGuire Movie. I just finished watching it!
8. There was a moment while watching the changing of the guards at the Greece Parliament where I had a pigeon land on my head. Needless to say I squealed and hope to never experience it ever again. Enjoy your laugh!
9. I love the Greek way of living for many reasons. A. they have amazing food! Feta cheese, souvlaki, bread and olive oil, moussaka, and baklava. B. they have a siesta every afternoon where they go home for naps. C. College education is FREE!!! D. They have cafe bars with couches and art designs in their hot chocolate as well as pop rocks!
10. My friend Katelyn and I had a moment in Thessaloniki. Our friends had gone in a chocolate shop. We stayed outside and looked in through the window. There was about 6 inches between. I turn to tell her something while she turns to tell me something. To our pleasant surprise a rather tall Greek man was standing between us peering through the window. After he walks half the block we burst into laughter at the incredibly awkward moment.
Well there you have! The top 10 things about my creeping on the Apostle Paul. Oh and I may have gotten a summer intern out of for my Junior Year practicum with the Sparks, they were our awesome guides.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
4 days til take off...
4 days from now I will be getting on a plane to Greece and Italy with 41 other Taylor students and 1 prof and his wife. Words cannot begin to explain how excited I am for this trip. As prep for our journey through the footsteps of Paul we have been asked to read and journal about Acts, Romans, 1, 2 Corinthians, Philippians, and 1, 2 Thessalonians. As well as some reading from a textbook and the Britannica articles about Italy and Greece. I've really loved having to read and journal about the New Testament books. It may be something that I incorporate into my future devos. So for those of you who would like to keep track of what I am doing while I am there here is the itinerary for those who want to live vicariously through me.
I will not be taking my laptop with me. People who have been on the same trip in previous years have said that bringing a laptop just takes away from the cultural experience of a new country. Please keep my team in your prayers and we travel and learn about Paul's Second Missionary Journey. Pray that we would bond as a team and that we would learn more about ourselves and what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
1/8 & 1/9: Days 1 & 2 – Depart USA / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece (D)
1/10: Day 3 – Thessaloniki
Cultural orientation and introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul. Basic Greek language lesson. Tour of Thessaloniki including the White Tower, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, Basilica of St. Demetrios, Roman Forum. (B/L/D)
1/11: Day 4 – Philippi
Following breakfast we depart for Philippi. We first visit the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) and tour the port, aqueduct, and mosaic of Paul before venturing on to Philippi. At Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism followed by a tour of the archaeological site: Bema, Forum, Basilicas, Theater, City Walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment. While on site we have our lunch. After touring, we return to Thessaloniki for field preparation, dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
1/12: Day 5 – Thessaloniki/Independent Study/Small Groups
Students will be studying Philippians and 1st Thessalonians individually and in groups as they prepare for their onsite and small group presentations. (B/L)
1/13: Day 6 – Berea/Vergina
After breakfast we travel to Vergina, site of the Royal Tombs and Palace of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. We explore the museum and the Macedonian Tombs with their priceless artifacts, wall paintings, and edifices. We continue our travel to Berea to see the Rostrum of Paul and the Jewish Quarter with its Synagogue. Our emphasis is upon Paul and his Synagogue Sermon (Acts 13). The afternoon allows us time for a hike on the Mt. Olympus range. Dinner and overnight in the mountain village of Litohoro. (B/L/D)
1/14: Day 7 – Meteora
Departing Litohoro we travel to Thessaly and central Greece. We visit the monasteries of Meteora perched high atop towering rock formations. We are introduced to Eastern Orthodoxy with an orientation to basic doctrine, beliefs, and practices. During the afternoon we continue to Delphi for dinner & overnight. (B/L/D)
1/15: Day 8 – Delphi
Morning field preparation then tour of archaeological site. Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece. There we see the sanctuary of Apollo, Delphic Pythia, Agora, Sacred Way, Theater, and Stadium. We also tour this significant museum with its bronze Charioteer. After lunch and free time we arrive late afternoon in Athens for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
1/16: Day 9 – Athens
Our tour of Athens includes a visit to the Theater of Dionysios, Acropolis, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaia, and Acropolis Museum. We also visit the Areopagus (Mar’s Hill) and examine the sermon of Paul to the Athenians. We visit the Agora and museum. The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic district. Dinner and overnight in Athens. (B/L/D)
1/17: Day 10 – Optional Greek Island Cruise
Optional three island cruise to the picturesque islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aigina. The cruise includes lunch and lasts the entire day. Estimated cost per student: $100-$120. Weather permitting. (B)
1/18: Day 11 – Athens
We continue our tour of Athens with a visit to the Pan Athenian Stadium, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Dinner & overnight. (B/L/D)
1/19: Day 12 – Corinth
Crossing the Isthmian Canal we visit ancient Corinth where we see the Temple of Apollo, agora, bema, Peirene Fountain, and Stoa. While in the agora we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11) and spend time in worship. We also examine Paul’s cultural context in the urban centers of the Roman world. (B/L)
1/20: Day 13 – Athens Free Day
After a free day in Athens, we gather together for our final Greek meal at a local tavern. We offer our concluding remarks on Greece and begin our preparations for travel to Rome /Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Overnight Athens. (B/D)
1/21: Day 14 – Rome: Renaissance and Modern
Morning flight to Rome, Italy. We begin with an orientation to Italy and an examination of Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul’s crowning theological work. A short subway ride takes us to the Piazza del Popolo where we trace Italy’s role in the renaissance and examine works by the Renaissance master Caravaggio. Heading down the historic Corso we visit the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Column of Marcus Aurelius, Victor Emanuel Monument, and Imperial Fora. Overnight at our hotel within the historic Old City of Rome. (B/L/D)
1/22: Day 15 –Rome: Classical
Tour of the ancient civilixation of Rome, focusing on the great civilization and its impact on the life and ministry of Paul. We tour the Palatine Hill, home to the ancient emperors, before descending into the ancient Roman Forum, the very center of the empire. In the forum we see the Arches of Constantine, Titus, and Septimius Severus, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, rostra, Temple of Caesar, Senate House, and much more. We continue to the world famous Coliseum where we examine Christian martyrdom. We then head to the Pantheon, a masterpiece of Roman architecture that stands intact to this day. (B/L/D)
1/23: Day 16 – Vatican City, Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica
We visit the Vatican City, the nation-state home of the Catholic Church. In St. Peter’s square we gaze up at the sculptures of Bernini before venturing into the Vatican Museum, home of numerous masterpieces by Raphael, Da Vinci, and Caravaggio. We then enter the Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings and the Last Judgment. We end the day in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and view Michelangelo's "Pieta." (B/L)
1/24: Day 17 – Rome: Early Church Sites
We make our way to the Catacombs and explore these underground burial sites. Continuing our studies in the life of Paul, we visit the church of St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the site of Paul's tomb. We conclude our tour with a summation lecture on Paul and a celebratory dinner. (B/L/D)
1/25: Day 18 – Departure Rome/USA
I will not be taking my laptop with me. People who have been on the same trip in previous years have said that bringing a laptop just takes away from the cultural experience of a new country. Please keep my team in your prayers and we travel and learn about Paul's Second Missionary Journey. Pray that we would bond as a team and that we would learn more about ourselves and what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 2, 2012
A Time of Reflection
I took some time today to think about everything that has happened in my life within the past year. So I'd like to share some key moments in my life this past year that have brought me to where I am now.
1. I got my first real paying job. Last spring I applied to one too many places. I was rejected from many, mostly because they either weren't currently in need of new employees or because they didn't think I was right for the job. Somehow though God put it on my heart to apply at Village Creek Bible Camp. I am sure glad that I did because it was one of the best experiences I have ever experienced in my 20 years of living.
2. I successfully finished my first year of college at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Proud to be a TU Trojan!
3. I got accepted into the Christian Educational Ministries major department at my school.
4. I survived my first Taylor winter. I never want to have to experience another j-term at Taylor campus ever again. IT WAS COLD!!!
5. I heard God's voice. This past year has certainly been a year of spiritual growth for me. When I got accepted to my job at camp I became very hesitant to go. Shortly after I went to a BarlowGirl concert at my school. During this concert I had a special moment with God where I clearly heard God's voice telling me that I should go to camp and that amazing things would happen. He was right. Lots of great things happened.
6. I became a Co-Director for BASSYCS at Upland Community Church. I absolutely love what I do at BASSYCS. I couldn't have a better ministry to work with while at school.
7. I am a small group leader of 6 girls on my wing. I really love doing this as well. It has definitely been a challenge for me but I am grateful for those challenges. It has grown me as a leader and closer to Christ.
8. I have learned that I have a heart for kids with special needs. Within the past year (specifically at camp) I have had the opportunity to work with a few kids with special needs. I'm not sure where this will come into play later on in my life. But I know that God is definitely preparing me for something with the work that I have done with these precious kids.
9. I co-taught Bible lessons at Backyard Bible Club with Kristen Prebble. This was so much fun! I really enjoyed doing this. This too, was also way outside of my comfort zone. Somehow I feel that all this speaking in front of people thing is going to come into play more frequently in my future! ;)
10. Philippians 4:6 has become my verse of the year 2011 and may be the verse of 2012 as well. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse has really spoke to me this year. I have it engraved in the ring that I wear daily as a constant reminder to give everything to God. No matter what it is I know that God can help me through it. Otherwise He would not have done so.
1. I got my first real paying job. Last spring I applied to one too many places. I was rejected from many, mostly because they either weren't currently in need of new employees or because they didn't think I was right for the job. Somehow though God put it on my heart to apply at Village Creek Bible Camp. I am sure glad that I did because it was one of the best experiences I have ever experienced in my 20 years of living.
2. I successfully finished my first year of college at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Proud to be a TU Trojan!
3. I got accepted into the Christian Educational Ministries major department at my school.
4. I survived my first Taylor winter. I never want to have to experience another j-term at Taylor campus ever again. IT WAS COLD!!!
5. I heard God's voice. This past year has certainly been a year of spiritual growth for me. When I got accepted to my job at camp I became very hesitant to go. Shortly after I went to a BarlowGirl concert at my school. During this concert I had a special moment with God where I clearly heard God's voice telling me that I should go to camp and that amazing things would happen. He was right. Lots of great things happened.
6. I became a Co-Director for BASSYCS at Upland Community Church. I absolutely love what I do at BASSYCS. I couldn't have a better ministry to work with while at school.
7. I am a small group leader of 6 girls on my wing. I really love doing this as well. It has definitely been a challenge for me but I am grateful for those challenges. It has grown me as a leader and closer to Christ.
8. I have learned that I have a heart for kids with special needs. Within the past year (specifically at camp) I have had the opportunity to work with a few kids with special needs. I'm not sure where this will come into play later on in my life. But I know that God is definitely preparing me for something with the work that I have done with these precious kids.
9. I co-taught Bible lessons at Backyard Bible Club with Kristen Prebble. This was so much fun! I really enjoyed doing this. This too, was also way outside of my comfort zone. Somehow I feel that all this speaking in front of people thing is going to come into play more frequently in my future! ;)
10. Philippians 4:6 has become my verse of the year 2011 and may be the verse of 2012 as well. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse has really spoke to me this year. I have it engraved in the ring that I wear daily as a constant reminder to give everything to God. No matter what it is I know that God can help me through it. Otherwise He would not have done so.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Bringin' in the New Year... VCBC Style!
This past weekend I had the opportunity to go back to Village Creek for a staff retreat to bring in the new year. You can only imagine my excitement to be back in the wonderful Valley! One thing I always enjoy about being with my camp staff friends is the amount of genuine fun and laughter that goes on. I never have to worry about having inappropriate mess because most of us understand where to draw the line.
Once greeted by all of my camp friends with screams and hugs the weekend adventure began. Katie and I as well as a few others embarked on an UNO adventure. I'm pretty sure I've played more UNO this weekend than I have in my entire life. None the less it was lots of fun with lots of laughter. As the weekend went on I continued to realize how blessed I am to have these wonderful camp people in my life. I thoroughly enjoy being with them and going through life with them.
Some other moments to mention about this weekend are the polar plunge. Consisting of camp crazies who jump into freezing water. I enjoyed watching it and laughing at them. Yes, at them. Then there was our New Years Eve party. We played many fun team games and acted out skits to win prizes for our team. One of my favorite parts of this weekend was our goal setting TAG time. During this time of year we all think of a couple resolutions for the upcoming year. For the most part no one really follows through with them. During this TAG time we spent time alone with God praying about SMART goals to achieve in the year to come. I enjoyed having this time to personally reflect on what I really want to come out of this new year. We then put our goals in an envelope that will be mailed to us later on in the year to remind us to keep pursuing after our goals.
Once we got within a few minutes of midnight the party poppers started coming out. Daniel Paczok used his giant rubber band ball for our ball drop. Once the clock struck midnight we burst into excitement with lots of hugs. Then in groups we prayed over the new year and the ministry of VCBC. After prayer we celebrated with a good ol' waffle bar. Delicious! Although not so nice to my tummy :/ Needless to say it was yummy.
After saying goodbyes today I realized that I will not see most of these camp friends until the summer. I know that the time between now and then will fly by. So... I will live in the now. I will try not to get too sad that the end of May seems to be centuries away right now.
Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Once greeted by all of my camp friends with screams and hugs the weekend adventure began. Katie and I as well as a few others embarked on an UNO adventure. I'm pretty sure I've played more UNO this weekend than I have in my entire life. None the less it was lots of fun with lots of laughter. As the weekend went on I continued to realize how blessed I am to have these wonderful camp people in my life. I thoroughly enjoy being with them and going through life with them.
Some other moments to mention about this weekend are the polar plunge. Consisting of camp crazies who jump into freezing water. I enjoyed watching it and laughing at them. Yes, at them. Then there was our New Years Eve party. We played many fun team games and acted out skits to win prizes for our team. One of my favorite parts of this weekend was our goal setting TAG time. During this time of year we all think of a couple resolutions for the upcoming year. For the most part no one really follows through with them. During this TAG time we spent time alone with God praying about SMART goals to achieve in the year to come. I enjoyed having this time to personally reflect on what I really want to come out of this new year. We then put our goals in an envelope that will be mailed to us later on in the year to remind us to keep pursuing after our goals.
Once we got within a few minutes of midnight the party poppers started coming out. Daniel Paczok used his giant rubber band ball for our ball drop. Once the clock struck midnight we burst into excitement with lots of hugs. Then in groups we prayed over the new year and the ministry of VCBC. After prayer we celebrated with a good ol' waffle bar. Delicious! Although not so nice to my tummy :/ Needless to say it was yummy.
After saying goodbyes today I realized that I will not see most of these camp friends until the summer. I know that the time between now and then will fly by. So... I will live in the now. I will try not to get too sad that the end of May seems to be centuries away right now.
Philippians 4:4-7 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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