I love Christmas. It is one of my favorite times of year. All of the parties, tacky Christmas sweaters, candy canes, Christmas trees, gingerbread houses... The list goes on. In my 23 years of life Christmas has taken on many traditions. Each year I help my mom decorate the Christmas tree we look at all of the ornaments and are flooded with memories of Christmas' past. Christmas music blasts through the house or White Christmas plays in the family room while we put decorations up around the whole house instantly creating a scene that resembles a Christmas shop that sells Christmas items year round. Each year on Christmas day I open up my stocking and see a new ornament to place on the tree. Usually it represents something of significance that has happened during the past year. We have the Koch family celebration on Christmas Eve and the Harsch family feast on Christmas Day. We play games, decorate a gingerbread house, and open up our new presents. I love Christmas.
I love Christmas. During the last four years during my time at Taylor I formed new traditions. Taylor traditions. Silent Night basketball games, Candles and Carols chapel service, Christmas openhouses, Christmas pick-a-dates, and the Hallipolooza Christmas Party. I love Christmas.
However, this year is different. I still love Christmas but my surroundings are different. I'm not able to be home to decorate the Christmas tree. I'm not a Taylor dressing up in my PJs for Silent Night. Instead I'm in Colorado with two poinsettias and icicle lights around my house. My Christmas decorations sit in a box in Wheaton. I'm in the spot where I can create my own traditions now. Many of my traditions, once I have a place of my own, will include aspects of the traditions that I grew up with. Which leads me to this year.
This year, on December 1st, I started a new reading Advent plan. Each day I read a story from the Jesus Storybook Bible starting the the first story and working my way through to the 25th on Christmas morning. When thinking about starting this Advent plan I thought this is something that if I were to ever have a family of my own someday I would want to do this with them. Through reading these short little Bible stories each morning I have been able to fill myself up with the simple truths of God's Word. That he sent his Son into the world to die for my sins. That he was born into a broken and sinful world and he himself remained perfect. I'm excited for this new Christmas tradition that I have started and look forward to how I will grow and learn from in during the remainder of this season as well as in Christmas' to come.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Preschool Adventures
For the month of November I have been in my preschool rotation. This month has been crazy busy! And I love it! Despite getting a head cold and a stomach bug this month has been wonderful. The month started off with a bang when we had record breaking numbers a 7,000 jump from the previous weekend. During this big weekend I was serving in the 5K room. We had 156 kiddos in one service! It was crazy but it was awesome to see so many kids come through the doors to hear about the love that Christ has for them.
The next day I got to adventure up the mountain to Evergreen where we filmed the videos for our preschool Christmas series. It was a cold and foggy day but so much fun to chase chickens, run around getting tea for everyone to stay warm and watching the whole thing come together at the end.
Then over the past several weeks I have been working on recruiting high school students at Rev to serve in Summit Kids. After two weeks of recruiting the night came and we had crappy snowy weather which resulted in a low turnout but we now know that if they are willing to drive in snow to come for training that they will likely drive through snow to serve on the weekend.
I got to make my teaching debut at Flatirons in the 4s room. I thought things went pretty well considering it was the 5:00pm service I served as the guinea pig to see if everything would work. I taught on the story of Naaman. Of course I couldn't help but think of camp and the Seven Dippy Dip song. Surprisingly I didn't break out in song. I loved serving in the 4s room. Those kiddos are so fun and entertaining.
This month I also got to have dinner with my CO3 small group which was wonderful! These group of new friends have been so great to get to know. Since we were a small group we have shared some tough stuff about our lives with each other. I have loved having these guys in my life over the past month and I'm so excited where God is gonna take our little group.
This past month we had our Staff Christmas party. So much fun and laughter had. We had good food although I'm pretty sure that's what made me sick on Tuesday so it was good when I ate it but not so great the next day. Impulse Improv theater was there and lots of laughter was had by all. Seriously the longer I work with the staff of flatirons the more I love them.
Now onto the meat of this month of what I've been learning. This month I've had a couple of hard conversations. In the midst of these conversations I've been learning a lot about myself and some things that I need let God take out of my hands. One was my lack of trust in the people around me. I've learned that in my past, specifically during my childhood, I had a few friendships that were not the best for me and ended up shaping how I made friends in the future. I've learned that it takes me a long time to build up trust in my friends. I remember it was this time last year when I finally felt like I could trust my friends. Now, I'm living in a new state away from my closest friends and I'm having to build new friends. I've learned that building trust is hard for me. I never knew this about myself until now because this is the first time that I have been in a place where I'm uncomfortable in my surroundings and don't really know the people around me which means I have to build my trust in them.
Another thing that I've been reminded of this month has been in our reading this month. We are reading When Helping Hurts, which I would highly recommend for anyone in ministry not just on the missions field. While reading this book one thing that I have reminded of is that God was there before I was there, while I was there, and after I was there. This hit a trigger point in me because of my time spent in Peru. One thing our team constantly reminded each other was that God is with them. It was hard to leave them because we thought that it was our love that changed them when in reality it was God using us to show them the love of Christ.
This month although a great month in general has also been very hard in the sense that I have been incredibly homesick. More homesick than I have ever been before. However, the night when it was the worst I texted a few of my friends and asked for prayer and almost immediately felt at peace. But over Thanksgiving my family flew out from Chicago and we drove up the mountain to Estes Park and were able to spend the holiday together in the mountains. We went hiking at Bear and Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. After a few days up the mountain we drove to Lafayette on Sunday morning for church. I loved being able to show my parents around the place that I've called home for the past three months. I got to show them around Flatirons and take them to my favorite local barbeque, Lulu's. Then we went to my house and got to relax until it was time to take them to the airport.
The phrase, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" couldn't be more true for the phase of my life. Being away from my family and my church family have been hard but I have grown to love the time that I had in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. It's because of the people and their influence in my life that I am the person I am today.
The next day I got to adventure up the mountain to Evergreen where we filmed the videos for our preschool Christmas series. It was a cold and foggy day but so much fun to chase chickens, run around getting tea for everyone to stay warm and watching the whole thing come together at the end.
Then over the past several weeks I have been working on recruiting high school students at Rev to serve in Summit Kids. After two weeks of recruiting the night came and we had crappy snowy weather which resulted in a low turnout but we now know that if they are willing to drive in snow to come for training that they will likely drive through snow to serve on the weekend.
I got to make my teaching debut at Flatirons in the 4s room. I thought things went pretty well considering it was the 5:00pm service I served as the guinea pig to see if everything would work. I taught on the story of Naaman. Of course I couldn't help but think of camp and the Seven Dippy Dip song. Surprisingly I didn't break out in song. I loved serving in the 4s room. Those kiddos are so fun and entertaining.
This month I also got to have dinner with my CO3 small group which was wonderful! These group of new friends have been so great to get to know. Since we were a small group we have shared some tough stuff about our lives with each other. I have loved having these guys in my life over the past month and I'm so excited where God is gonna take our little group.
This past month we had our Staff Christmas party. So much fun and laughter had. We had good food although I'm pretty sure that's what made me sick on Tuesday so it was good when I ate it but not so great the next day. Impulse Improv theater was there and lots of laughter was had by all. Seriously the longer I work with the staff of flatirons the more I love them.
Now onto the meat of this month of what I've been learning. This month I've had a couple of hard conversations. In the midst of these conversations I've been learning a lot about myself and some things that I need let God take out of my hands. One was my lack of trust in the people around me. I've learned that in my past, specifically during my childhood, I had a few friendships that were not the best for me and ended up shaping how I made friends in the future. I've learned that it takes me a long time to build up trust in my friends. I remember it was this time last year when I finally felt like I could trust my friends. Now, I'm living in a new state away from my closest friends and I'm having to build new friends. I've learned that building trust is hard for me. I never knew this about myself until now because this is the first time that I have been in a place where I'm uncomfortable in my surroundings and don't really know the people around me which means I have to build my trust in them.
Another thing that I've been reminded of this month has been in our reading this month. We are reading When Helping Hurts, which I would highly recommend for anyone in ministry not just on the missions field. While reading this book one thing that I have reminded of is that God was there before I was there, while I was there, and after I was there. This hit a trigger point in me because of my time spent in Peru. One thing our team constantly reminded each other was that God is with them. It was hard to leave them because we thought that it was our love that changed them when in reality it was God using us to show them the love of Christ.
This month although a great month in general has also been very hard in the sense that I have been incredibly homesick. More homesick than I have ever been before. However, the night when it was the worst I texted a few of my friends and asked for prayer and almost immediately felt at peace. But over Thanksgiving my family flew out from Chicago and we drove up the mountain to Estes Park and were able to spend the holiday together in the mountains. We went hiking at Bear and Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. After a few days up the mountain we drove to Lafayette on Sunday morning for church. I loved being able to show my parents around the place that I've called home for the past three months. I got to show them around Flatirons and take them to my favorite local barbeque, Lulu's. Then we went to my house and got to relax until it was time to take them to the airport.
The phrase, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" couldn't be more true for the phase of my life. Being away from my family and my church family have been hard but I have grown to love the time that I had in Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. It's because of the people and their influence in my life that I am the person I am today.
Monday, October 27, 2014
5,000 Postcards, 90s Dance Party, and Ravencrest
Since my last post about 3 weeks ago life has really picked up in pace. So I've got a lot of ground to cover if I'm going to keep you all filled in on the happenings of my life.
So, first things first, 5,000 postcards.
This month has been the month of recruiting volunteers. Actually we recruit volunteers year round however, in our Early Childhood and Preschool departments we are very short in volunteers and in order to get above water we needed 200 more volunteers. I know, 200. It's a crazy number for me to comprehend as well. With that being said there was one weekend where we were supposed to have an announcement given from the stage about the upcoming trainings we had. Due to some unforeseeable circumstances the announcement didn't happen. The result. Print, copy, and cut 5,000 postcards to pass out at the doors for Sunday morning services. Then this resulted...
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So, first things first, 5,000 postcards.
This month has been the month of recruiting volunteers. Actually we recruit volunteers year round however, in our Early Childhood and Preschool departments we are very short in volunteers and in order to get above water we needed 200 more volunteers. I know, 200. It's a crazy number for me to comprehend as well. With that being said there was one weekend where we were supposed to have an announcement given from the stage about the upcoming trainings we had. Due to some unforeseeable circumstances the announcement didn't happen. The result. Print, copy, and cut 5,000 postcards to pass out at the doors for Sunday morning services. Then this resulted...
Yes, that's 5,000 postcards. But one cool story of this whole happening. The following weekend while working in kiosk, a big burly man with a mohawk comes up to us holding a postcard from the previous week and tells us that a woman dove out of her way to hand him this postcard. He then said that this must be God giving him sort of sign to attend training and get involved in Summit at church. We then directed him to the leader training room. We ended up getting 110 people at our training. Not the number we were looking for but we are incredibly thankful for the people who have committed to showing Christ's love to the kids of Summit.
Now onto the 90s dance party.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to go CO3, a conference for Young Adults, up the mountain in Estes Park at the YMCA. To say that this weekend was awesome would be an understatement. It was filled with laughter, tears, food, bad coffee, good coffee, little sleep, and deep real conversations with people I just met on Friday. Each session was powerful and convicting. I left each session having learned something new. However, there was one in particular that really resonated with me. It was Sunday morning and the young adult pastor from a church in Boulder was speaking. He gave a talk on the prodigal son but with more emphasis on the older son than is usually given when this parable is preached. As I listened to the sermon I found myself relating more to this story than I ever have before. Typically, I hear about the younger son who asked for his inheritance, basically saying, "Dad, I wish you were dead so I can have your money." The he runs off, screws his life up, spends all his inheritance, then comes back home and is welcomed with open arms and grace. Meanwhile the older son has lived at home and has obeyed his parents and wonders why his parents would throw a party for his runaway brother rather than reward him for obeying his parents and not running way. This is what got me. I was the good kid growing up. Don't get me wrong though, I did plenty of bad stuff in my life too. But I was the kid who followed the rules because I didn't like getting into trouble with my parents. Then just today while reading One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian I read this, "I was building my own identity, my own righteousness, but this time it was a religious "Christian" righteousness, an identity of being the good son." WOW! Talk about a great tie in to the session from yesterday morning. This is what I have done in my own life from time to time. I created this persona of I'm a good Christian because I follow the rules making it seem like I have it all together when I reality I have created righteous identity that says I follow the rules so you should too. This is not the person I want to be. Then I read in One Way Love a few pages later about having to be able to balance out grace with law. If we have too much grace we need more law, if we have too much law we need more grace. The downfall is that when we are perfectly balancing the two it keeps us from experiencing the Gospel of grace. Now, I bet you are wondering what 90's Dance Party has to do with any of this. Well, to close out Saturday night we danced the night away with 90's music and 90's jumpsuits.
Last but not least, Ravencrest.
9 years ago, the summer between 8th grade and my freshman year of high school, I went on a trip with my youth group to Ravencrest Chalet in Estes Park, CO. This trip was very influential in the person I am today. Actually, had I not gone in this trip I probably wouldn't have gone to Taylor, wouldn't have gotten involved in ministry, and wouldn't be living in Colorado today. You see, it was at Ravencrest that I recommitted my life to the Lord after one of the toughest years of my life. I decided during my 8th grade year that I was too cool for my friends at school resulting in having no friends at school. Then I badly twisted my ankle resulting in no more softball for the season. Then to put the icing on the cake my grandfather passed away two days before my graduation from middle school thus taking me into the darkest point of my life when I wanted to nothing to do with God because I was putting the blame on him for taking my friends, softball, and my grandfather away from me. Then I went to Ravencrest. I remember there was one night in which I sat on a rock outside to have a quiet time. It was in that moment when I realized the brokenness that I was living in and how I needed Jesus to be the center of my life again. I can't even begin to imagine what my life would look like had I not gone to Ravencrest. While driving to Estes Park I just so happened to pass Ravencrest for the first time in 9 years. So I couldn't help but take a picture.
And for funsies I'm gonna post a throwback to when I was at Ravencrest 9 years ago.
Yes, I am wearing a drive the bus t-shirt and Vote for Pedro baseball hat and that was my I'm not gonna smile for pictures phase. That phase ended shortly after this picture was taken.
With all that being said, life is good. I'm feeling incredibly blessed to have the job that I have here in Colorado and to have built up some new friendships this past weekend up in the mountains.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Home, Vulnerability, Community
Since moving to Colorado people ask me on a regular basis if I miss home. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't miss home in some way, shape, or form. There are definitely parts that I think of daily that I miss. I recall one of the conversations that I had with my mom on the drive out here about home and how it really isn't home anymore. In some senses you could say that Wheaton hasn't been my home for the past four years. From September to May I would call Upland, IN home and from June to August I would call Lansing, IA home and occasionally I would call Wheaton home if I was going home for Christmas or Easter. There was a short period between transitions from Lansing to Upland or Lansing to Lafayette where I would have called myself homeless. My belongings were all in boxes and bins and while I had a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in home was just not home anymore. How can you call the place where you live out of a suitcase on visits home? This house that I grew up in now was just a house where my parents live. Even though this is a rather sad realization to make, that none of these places are considered home anymore, each of them helped me shape my worldview and gave me community.
Which brings us to where I am now. A month ago when I moved to Colorado to start my 11 month long internship at Flatirons Community Church I came in with my own, rather skeptical, view of mega churches. After visiting Willow Creek in Barrington, IL this past January my view was slightly better but still skeptical. My skepticism primarily came from the idea that I didn't see true community happening in a mega church. But this past week my skepticism was proved wrong.
In the course of 24 hours two events happened that have altered my thoughts of community in the mega church. First one happened last night at the intern guys' apartment. Last night we all got together for brinner (breakfast for dinner). We had a blast in the kitchen cooking the pancakes, eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls. After we finished eating we sat on the floor of the family room and started talking about why we chose to do the internship and what some of our struggles have been since starting and how we have already seen God do a number on our lives. If you had told me a month ago that I would be willing to share some of my deepest struggles with my fellow interns I would have probably told you that you're nuts. It's only my closest friends that I have known for years that I share those things with. But that's exactly what happened. I shared some stuff that I'm struggling with to my fellow interns. I was willing to be vulnerable with a group of people I met for the first time a month ago and it feels like we've been friends for years.
The second event that happened was just this morning at staff devos. Each Tuesday morning at 9 AM we all gather to share stories and updates from the past week, then a devo is given by one staff person, then we sing some worship songs, then we share prayer requests and then close in prayer. This morning started off like any other staff devo until we hit the prayer requests portion. One person shared a trial going on in their family and it was a like a spring board. After that person there was another and another and another that shared tough things happening in their families and households. I just sat there taking in all that I was witnessing happening before me. It was incredible. It was so cool to see community happening before my very own eyes. In that moment I realized that I thought, "Wow, I have a really awesome church family." That is when I took a double take. Wait, did I just call Flatirons, a church of 20,000 my church family? Yes, I did. It was really strange moment for me. Because for the past 16 years of my life I have called Glen Ellyn Bible Church my church family. Now, GEBCers, don't get me wrong, you are still my family. In fact, it is because of you that I am where I am today. Because you were such an awesome church family for 16 years it made any church I attended during college hard to call my church family which is probably why that never happened. So thank you. With that being said, today I am feeling incredibly blessed to work at a place that is in fact messy and that we embrace that messiness and live life alongside one another. I'm thankful for this community that is vulnerable with one another and allows others to be a part of some of the hardest parts of their lives. Thank you Flatirons for being a place that is broken and messy but filled with grace and compassion and a "me too" environment.
Finally, I want to leave you all with a passage from Acts 2:42-47, which is all about a community of believers who come together in community and fellowship. "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Which brings us to where I am now. A month ago when I moved to Colorado to start my 11 month long internship at Flatirons Community Church I came in with my own, rather skeptical, view of mega churches. After visiting Willow Creek in Barrington, IL this past January my view was slightly better but still skeptical. My skepticism primarily came from the idea that I didn't see true community happening in a mega church. But this past week my skepticism was proved wrong.
In the course of 24 hours two events happened that have altered my thoughts of community in the mega church. First one happened last night at the intern guys' apartment. Last night we all got together for brinner (breakfast for dinner). We had a blast in the kitchen cooking the pancakes, eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls. After we finished eating we sat on the floor of the family room and started talking about why we chose to do the internship and what some of our struggles have been since starting and how we have already seen God do a number on our lives. If you had told me a month ago that I would be willing to share some of my deepest struggles with my fellow interns I would have probably told you that you're nuts. It's only my closest friends that I have known for years that I share those things with. But that's exactly what happened. I shared some stuff that I'm struggling with to my fellow interns. I was willing to be vulnerable with a group of people I met for the first time a month ago and it feels like we've been friends for years.
The second event that happened was just this morning at staff devos. Each Tuesday morning at 9 AM we all gather to share stories and updates from the past week, then a devo is given by one staff person, then we sing some worship songs, then we share prayer requests and then close in prayer. This morning started off like any other staff devo until we hit the prayer requests portion. One person shared a trial going on in their family and it was a like a spring board. After that person there was another and another and another that shared tough things happening in their families and households. I just sat there taking in all that I was witnessing happening before me. It was incredible. It was so cool to see community happening before my very own eyes. In that moment I realized that I thought, "Wow, I have a really awesome church family." That is when I took a double take. Wait, did I just call Flatirons, a church of 20,000 my church family? Yes, I did. It was really strange moment for me. Because for the past 16 years of my life I have called Glen Ellyn Bible Church my church family. Now, GEBCers, don't get me wrong, you are still my family. In fact, it is because of you that I am where I am today. Because you were such an awesome church family for 16 years it made any church I attended during college hard to call my church family which is probably why that never happened. So thank you. With that being said, today I am feeling incredibly blessed to work at a place that is in fact messy and that we embrace that messiness and live life alongside one another. I'm thankful for this community that is vulnerable with one another and allows others to be a part of some of the hardest parts of their lives. Thank you Flatirons for being a place that is broken and messy but filled with grace and compassion and a "me too" environment.
Finally, I want to leave you all with a passage from Acts 2:42-47, which is all about a community of believers who come together in community and fellowship. "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Monday, September 29, 2014
Post Grad Blues
I remember time and time again, as a senior in college, hearing college graduates talk about things they wished they would have known before graduation. One of those things that makes the list every single time is that making friends outside of school is tough. A lot tougher than one might think. For the first time in our lives, as a fresh out of school grad, we are faced with everything new. Well, for the most part. Some may move back home, while others move across country, while some even move to a whole new country altogether. Nonetheless, each of us is experiencing something new. For me, this was a move to a new state, new town, new job, new house, new church (which is also my job), and even a new time zone.
Needless to say, there have been some ups and downs since graduation. At the start of summer life was what I would call a "normal" summer. I went to work at Village Creek, the place that I have called my summer job of the past three summers, and just did my thing. I was able to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. But in general this summer was the same old summer. Nothing to dramatically new other than a different job title. I remember thinking, "Wow, those college grads got it all wrong with making friends post grad! I've made lots of friends!"Then I remember that I am not really in a typical job setting yet. The challenging, real life, big kid job was still ahead of me, as well as a move across the country.
Now that I have been living in Colorado for a little over a month I wish I could eat my thoughts from just two months ago. Making friends has proven to be a challenge and reality. Don't get me wrong I love my housemates and the people I work with. However, you do need friends outside of both the work and house environment. For me, the people at the house also happen to be awesome people that I work with everyday. With all that being said, if there was one thing that I wish I would have known before graduation it would be that making friends outside of school is tough. But I wouldn't leave it at that.
It didn't hit me until this past weekend how much I truly miss Taylor University and the wonderful people that I was able to do life with. I miss being able to wander the rooms of Third Center Olson and stop in to chat with each of the girls. I miss wing worship and "ding winners." I miss chapel. I miss, oddly enough, my classes. I miss the awesome 12 CE majors that were able to conquer the massive P. Strat paper with me. I miss the fellowship. I miss my professors who not only cared about my academics but cared for me as an individual. So, again, if there was one thing that I wish I would have known before graduation it would be that you don't realize how difficult it is to find a Taylor equivalent community until you realize the impact that the Taylor community has had on your life. This includes the friendships that were made. To be quite honest, I have been more homesick for Taylor over the past 24 hours than I have ever been. I thought I missed Taylor when it was the last day of summer and I couldn't wait to get back to my home away from home the next day. But I was wrong. I miss Taylor now more than anything.
With that being said, Taylor University, thank you for setting my standards for a Christian community so high. Thank you for challenging me beyond what I thought possible. Thank you for the memories and laughter and tears. Thank you for a beyond exceptional education that prepared me to work and serve with excellence at my current job. Thank you for an education that is grounded in Scripture and in Christ. Even though, I may have the 'post grad blues' right now. I am incredibly thankful that God gave me the opportunity to attend Taylor University and to be involved not only in the lives of those at Taylor but also involved in the Upland community. It is because of Christ that I can do anything and for Christ that I can do everything.
Needless to say, there have been some ups and downs since graduation. At the start of summer life was what I would call a "normal" summer. I went to work at Village Creek, the place that I have called my summer job of the past three summers, and just did my thing. I was able to reconnect with old friends and make some new ones. But in general this summer was the same old summer. Nothing to dramatically new other than a different job title. I remember thinking, "Wow, those college grads got it all wrong with making friends post grad! I've made lots of friends!"Then I remember that I am not really in a typical job setting yet. The challenging, real life, big kid job was still ahead of me, as well as a move across the country.
Now that I have been living in Colorado for a little over a month I wish I could eat my thoughts from just two months ago. Making friends has proven to be a challenge and reality. Don't get me wrong I love my housemates and the people I work with. However, you do need friends outside of both the work and house environment. For me, the people at the house also happen to be awesome people that I work with everyday. With all that being said, if there was one thing that I wish I would have known before graduation it would be that making friends outside of school is tough. But I wouldn't leave it at that.
It didn't hit me until this past weekend how much I truly miss Taylor University and the wonderful people that I was able to do life with. I miss being able to wander the rooms of Third Center Olson and stop in to chat with each of the girls. I miss wing worship and "ding winners." I miss chapel. I miss, oddly enough, my classes. I miss the awesome 12 CE majors that were able to conquer the massive P. Strat paper with me. I miss the fellowship. I miss my professors who not only cared about my academics but cared for me as an individual. So, again, if there was one thing that I wish I would have known before graduation it would be that you don't realize how difficult it is to find a Taylor equivalent community until you realize the impact that the Taylor community has had on your life. This includes the friendships that were made. To be quite honest, I have been more homesick for Taylor over the past 24 hours than I have ever been. I thought I missed Taylor when it was the last day of summer and I couldn't wait to get back to my home away from home the next day. But I was wrong. I miss Taylor now more than anything.
With that being said, Taylor University, thank you for setting my standards for a Christian community so high. Thank you for challenging me beyond what I thought possible. Thank you for the memories and laughter and tears. Thank you for a beyond exceptional education that prepared me to work and serve with excellence at my current job. Thank you for an education that is grounded in Scripture and in Christ. Even though, I may have the 'post grad blues' right now. I am incredibly thankful that God gave me the opportunity to attend Taylor University and to be involved not only in the lives of those at Taylor but also involved in the Upland community. It is because of Christ that I can do anything and for Christ that I can do everything.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
One month down!
It's hard to believe that tomorrow marks the one month anniversary since moving to Colorado. At times it seems like I've been here for a lifetime and at other times I definitely feel like I've been here for a month. In the last couple of weeks I have started attending Merge, a ministry for Young Adults. Here is what I wrote on Facebook after my first night of Merge: Tonight I did something that I don't do. Like. Ever. I went to a young adult ministry at Flatirons tonight called Merge. About 300-400, 18-26 year olds gathered together for community and fellowship. Being the introvert that I am I was terrified to go. However, I knew that if I didn't go the only young adults I will ever meet during my time at Flatirons will be the other interns. I love the other interns. They are awesome. But I knew that going to Merge would need to happen if I'm going to start to make friends. So after the dinner and speaker time we split into groups by age and from there into smaller groups of 6-8. I told myself that if I'm going to make friends I need to talk during the small group portion. And that is just what I did. There were moments throughout the night where I thought "What the crap am I doing?" Then peace settled in. I know that if friendships are something that I truly desire out of people then God is going to help me each step of the way to make friends. I'm so thankful that I was able to step out of my comfort zone tonight to talk in a small group to a group of complete strangers. The even cooler thing is that we didn't just talk surface level stuff we actually started talking about our struggles and fears and where we lack trust for God to come through. Tonight, I am feeling incredibly exhausted from all the people I have been around but I'm also feeling incredibly filled. Ready to pour out and into those around me. I'm feeling incredibly thankful for the leading of the Holy Spirit in my life that prompted me to speak with vulnerability to people that I didn't know.
I wrote that post two weeks ago. Since then I have had the opportunity to go back to Merge and to go out to dinner after the Saturday night services with many other young adults. Slowly but surely I am starting to make friends and I'm feeling very confident that my efforts, that are stretching me out of my comfort zone, will not go to waste.
This past weekend I got to go the the Rockies game with one of my roommates, Anne. I had a great time getting to see a little bit of Denver and being in the baseball atmosphere. I love a good baseball game. Rockies won 15-2. There were also some awesome fireworks afterwards to end with a bang. Pun intended.
Later on that weekend I got to chat with one of my wonderful college roommates, Jenn, over Skype. It was so great getting to catch up with her. Ministry wise this weekend I served in the 3rd through 5th grade room. I got to lead a small group for both the 5:00pm and 6:45pm services. During the 6:45pm service I was even lead in the classroom. I have absolutely loved being able to lead small groups for the kids. I love being able to see them engaged with the Bible stories and excited about what they are learning. I also got to take lead of the explanation of the small group activity during the leader meetings. It was nice to be able to step into this role to begin building the trust and respect of the elementary team as well as being able to interact more with the leaders. For the Sunday services I helped lead the small group portion of the leader meetings and then attended service and a leader training meeting.
This past Monday we had one of our first "family dinners". The boys came over and cooked spaghetti and meatballs for us. We had a great time just sitting around the table fellowshipping with one another. There are always good laughs to be had when you get our group of interns together.
This week I started a focus in Student Ministries. This means that for the next two weeks I will spend 5-10 hours a week working with Student Ministries. Last night I got to attend Revolution, the high school youth group. I had a great time getting to sit in on a small group of freshman girls. Hearing about what is going on in their lives and being reminded of the drama that comes with high school and how awesome my youth leaders were and are for putting up with our oh so important drama. So if you were one of my youth leaders reading this. THANK YOU! Tonight I will get to attend Controlled Chaos, the junior high youth group. I've heard that there is a huge difference between what I experienced last night and what I will experience tonight. I'm excited to see how crazy and energetic this 6th-8th graders are.
Overall, I've really enjoyed my time at Flatirons so far. I have loved the work environment and the other interns. One of my favorite parts of the week other than the child interaction has been the all staff devos on Tuesday mornings. I love being able to listen to the ministry stories from other departments and spend time in prayer and worship through singing. I also love that it just starts my work day on Tuesday with an awesome start. I've enjoyed getting to learn more about the ins and outs of the elementary department in Summit Kids Ministry.
Prayer Requests:
I've been struggling to find a time of the day that I can devote to spending time in the Word. If I do it in the morning I'm not awake enough. If I do it after work I'm exhausted from a long day. So I guess that leads to praying for sleep. I've been having difficulty sleeping for a couple of nights now. Since being involved this week with student ministries it means I have some late nights which doesn't help because my start time in the morning stays the same. At the end of October I will be going on Merge's CO3 weekend retreat in Estes Park. I'd love prayer for all of the young adults who will be going as well as prayer that it would be an influential weekend for me to get to know more people and be able to spend some time enjoying the mountains and learning more about my walk with the Lord.
I wrote that post two weeks ago. Since then I have had the opportunity to go back to Merge and to go out to dinner after the Saturday night services with many other young adults. Slowly but surely I am starting to make friends and I'm feeling very confident that my efforts, that are stretching me out of my comfort zone, will not go to waste.
This past weekend I got to go the the Rockies game with one of my roommates, Anne. I had a great time getting to see a little bit of Denver and being in the baseball atmosphere. I love a good baseball game. Rockies won 15-2. There were also some awesome fireworks afterwards to end with a bang. Pun intended.
Later on that weekend I got to chat with one of my wonderful college roommates, Jenn, over Skype. It was so great getting to catch up with her. Ministry wise this weekend I served in the 3rd through 5th grade room. I got to lead a small group for both the 5:00pm and 6:45pm services. During the 6:45pm service I was even lead in the classroom. I have absolutely loved being able to lead small groups for the kids. I love being able to see them engaged with the Bible stories and excited about what they are learning. I also got to take lead of the explanation of the small group activity during the leader meetings. It was nice to be able to step into this role to begin building the trust and respect of the elementary team as well as being able to interact more with the leaders. For the Sunday services I helped lead the small group portion of the leader meetings and then attended service and a leader training meeting.
This past Monday we had one of our first "family dinners". The boys came over and cooked spaghetti and meatballs for us. We had a great time just sitting around the table fellowshipping with one another. There are always good laughs to be had when you get our group of interns together.
This week I started a focus in Student Ministries. This means that for the next two weeks I will spend 5-10 hours a week working with Student Ministries. Last night I got to attend Revolution, the high school youth group. I had a great time getting to sit in on a small group of freshman girls. Hearing about what is going on in their lives and being reminded of the drama that comes with high school and how awesome my youth leaders were and are for putting up with our oh so important drama. So if you were one of my youth leaders reading this. THANK YOU! Tonight I will get to attend Controlled Chaos, the junior high youth group. I've heard that there is a huge difference between what I experienced last night and what I will experience tonight. I'm excited to see how crazy and energetic this 6th-8th graders are.
Overall, I've really enjoyed my time at Flatirons so far. I have loved the work environment and the other interns. One of my favorite parts of the week other than the child interaction has been the all staff devos on Tuesday mornings. I love being able to listen to the ministry stories from other departments and spend time in prayer and worship through singing. I also love that it just starts my work day on Tuesday with an awesome start. I've enjoyed getting to learn more about the ins and outs of the elementary department in Summit Kids Ministry.
Prayer Requests:
I've been struggling to find a time of the day that I can devote to spending time in the Word. If I do it in the morning I'm not awake enough. If I do it after work I'm exhausted from a long day. So I guess that leads to praying for sleep. I've been having difficulty sleeping for a couple of nights now. Since being involved this week with student ministries it means I have some late nights which doesn't help because my start time in the morning stays the same. At the end of October I will be going on Merge's CO3 weekend retreat in Estes Park. I'd love prayer for all of the young adults who will be going as well as prayer that it would be an influential weekend for me to get to know more people and be able to spend some time enjoying the mountains and learning more about my walk with the Lord.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Week One; Done
It's hard to believe that week one is already behind me! I survived! Here are some highlights from the past week.
-All staff devos. Super cool. The whole staff gathers every Tuesday morning to tell ministry stories from the past week. After a while of stories one staff member shares a devo and then we sing some worship songs and then take up prayer requests and end our time in prayer. It's such a cool time for all of us to come together and fellowship with one another.
-On Saturday I started my first weekend in Summit Kid's Ministry. I started off by attending the Leadership meeting for all CM staff and then headed to the volunteer leader meeting for the babies hub. After that I went to the 5:00pm service and then came back to serve in the 11-14 month classroom. Yes, they separate their nursery by months. It blows my mind! But I got to play with toddlers and feed them goldfish and clean a wet diaper. It was fun. Nothing new during that hour however.
-On Sunday, Summit hosted the Leader Palooza to show our appreciation for the 500+ volunteers and their families. I spent all morning loading up pick up trucks and unloading pick up trucks to bring the supplies to the local park. One of the bigger tasks I had of the day was constructing a balloon arch. It was pretty sweet, although a little frustrating at first because the helium wasn't working. It turned out pretty awesome as seen in the picture below. At the end of the day I was exhausted but the event was super successful and the leaders were very appreciative of the event.
-Yesterday I started with the elementary team. I will be with them for the next month before I rotate to a new area in Summit. I'm excited for what this month will hold as I continue to grasp what a day in the life of a Summit intern will look like.
-As interns, each month we are responsible for reading one book as a group. Every Wednesday morning we gather and discuss the reading that was assigned. We are currently reading Deep and Wide: Creating Churches that Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley. I have really enjoyed this book so far. One of the things that is discussed in the book is Grace and Truth and how most of the churches out there today are not that welcoming to people who have never attended church before and live lives that are in desperate need of grace and truth. I have really enjoyed reading this book because it is helping me to better understand why Flatirons does what they do. I'm learning that in all churches alike there is always going to be a difficulty between people because we are all sinful and broken and in need of Jesus. I'm looking forward to seeing how God is going to move during this year at Flatirons and looking forward to seeing God's grace and truth revealed to his people.
-Another new part added to my life, as if moving 14 hours from home and starting a new job and a new state wasn't enough, I decided to join a gym. Luckily for me it only costs me $5 a month! WHAT A DEAL!?!?! All of my housemates are also a part of the gym so we try to go together when our schedule allows us. I love being able to add this part into my schedule. When I leave work at 5 I don't have to do homework so I actually have time to spend an hour at the gym every day.
-We also got internet at our house this week. To celebrate we watched Mean Girls on Netflix. We also took a celebratory picture of all of us together in the house at the same time!
Prayer Requests
-Continued growth in relationships with my housemates and other interns
-The ability to be a sponge and take in everything that I am experiencing
-Making a consistent time in my day to spend in God's word
-Begin to make friendships with people who are outside of the intern world
-All staff devos. Super cool. The whole staff gathers every Tuesday morning to tell ministry stories from the past week. After a while of stories one staff member shares a devo and then we sing some worship songs and then take up prayer requests and end our time in prayer. It's such a cool time for all of us to come together and fellowship with one another.
-On Saturday I started my first weekend in Summit Kid's Ministry. I started off by attending the Leadership meeting for all CM staff and then headed to the volunteer leader meeting for the babies hub. After that I went to the 5:00pm service and then came back to serve in the 11-14 month classroom. Yes, they separate their nursery by months. It blows my mind! But I got to play with toddlers and feed them goldfish and clean a wet diaper. It was fun. Nothing new during that hour however.
-On Sunday, Summit hosted the Leader Palooza to show our appreciation for the 500+ volunteers and their families. I spent all morning loading up pick up trucks and unloading pick up trucks to bring the supplies to the local park. One of the bigger tasks I had of the day was constructing a balloon arch. It was pretty sweet, although a little frustrating at first because the helium wasn't working. It turned out pretty awesome as seen in the picture below. At the end of the day I was exhausted but the event was super successful and the leaders were very appreciative of the event.
-Yesterday I started with the elementary team. I will be with them for the next month before I rotate to a new area in Summit. I'm excited for what this month will hold as I continue to grasp what a day in the life of a Summit intern will look like.
-As interns, each month we are responsible for reading one book as a group. Every Wednesday morning we gather and discuss the reading that was assigned. We are currently reading Deep and Wide: Creating Churches that Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley. I have really enjoyed this book so far. One of the things that is discussed in the book is Grace and Truth and how most of the churches out there today are not that welcoming to people who have never attended church before and live lives that are in desperate need of grace and truth. I have really enjoyed reading this book because it is helping me to better understand why Flatirons does what they do. I'm learning that in all churches alike there is always going to be a difficulty between people because we are all sinful and broken and in need of Jesus. I'm looking forward to seeing how God is going to move during this year at Flatirons and looking forward to seeing God's grace and truth revealed to his people.
-Another new part added to my life, as if moving 14 hours from home and starting a new job and a new state wasn't enough, I decided to join a gym. Luckily for me it only costs me $5 a month! WHAT A DEAL!?!?! All of my housemates are also a part of the gym so we try to go together when our schedule allows us. I love being able to add this part into my schedule. When I leave work at 5 I don't have to do homework so I actually have time to spend an hour at the gym every day.
-We also got internet at our house this week. To celebrate we watched Mean Girls on Netflix. We also took a celebratory picture of all of us together in the house at the same time!
Prayer Requests
-Continued growth in relationships with my housemates and other interns
-The ability to be a sponge and take in everything that I am experiencing
-Making a consistent time in my day to spend in God's word
-Begin to make friendships with people who are outside of the intern world
Monday, September 1, 2014
#AlisonGoesWest
Hey Supporters and Prayer Warriors,
I'm happy to announce that I am all settled into my house in Lafayette, CO. I moved in on Thursday and hit up Bed Bath and Beyond and the local King Soopers grocery store to get the first round of food to cook for myself.
However, before moving in mom and I arrived at my cousin Aaron and Jess' place in Frederick to spend the night. It's so nice knowing that I have family close by to visit when I need a little taste of home. We spent some time with them and then on Thursday Aaron joined us to pick up my house key from the church. Once at the church we started peeking into classrooms to see what this church looks like as I had never placed foot into Flatirons before Thursday. We were walking around and Justin the 3rd-5th grade director stops us and gives us a tour of the place. Needless to say I got very excited and very overwhelmed at the same time. I got to meet a few of the other children's ministry staff as well. It will be nice to go into the office tomorrow and know a few of the faces.
After getting a tour of the church we headed to the house where Aaron got to work unloading my car. I'm pretty sure I only brought one thing down the stairs to my room. Kudos to Aaron for his abilities to carry boxes downstairs. After getting all of my belongings into my room we said goodbye to Aaron and then the madness of figuring out where everything went and what I needed to purchase began. A few emotions let loose as I was overwhelmed but by the end of the day I felt comfortable enough to leave everything where it was for dinner with mom, Aaron and Jess. I spent another night at Aaron's as I had to take mom to the airport on Friday.
After a tearful drive home from the airport I headed back into my house and finished unpacking. By the end of Friday I would say that this place felt like home. My decorations were hanging on the walls and everything was put away.
On Saturday I spent most of the day at the house with my housemates. Lindsey, Ana, and I went to Lucky Pies, a pizza place, for lunch and then headed back to the house. Ana's sister and friend came over later and I chilled with them. We had many laughs and I enjoyed getting to know more people.
On Sunday morning my other two housemates, Anne and Melissa, and I went to Proper Grounds, a local coffee shop, before heading to Flatirons for my first ever service. I really loved the service. The sermon was taught by the executive pastor, Scott, based on Philippians 4. The sermon was perfect for what I was feeling. He talked about casting our anxieties on the Lord and ultimately that we have anxiety because we have fear. It was a great reminder that God is the one in control and that I need to cast my anxieties on Him. I start my first day of work tomorrow. I'm ready to dive in and learn the in's and out's of the children's ministry at Flatirons.
Below are some pictures of the house as well as our neighbors goat that we have named Jedidiah.
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| The view of mountains from my front yard! |
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| Jedidiah the Goat! |
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| My very own room! |
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| My desk |
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| The Downstairs living room. |
I would greatly appreciate prayer for the following things this week:
- Unity amongst the interns
-Unity amongst my housemates
-Building of new friendships that are grounded in Christ
-Strength to ask for help when I need, (I'm not good at doing this)
If you would like to send me mail my address is:
290 N 120th St
Lafayette, CO 80026
Thanks so much!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Where did the summer go?
I am realizing that the summer is coming closer and closer to an end as my contract end date becomes something that is 2 1/2 weeks away instead of 2 1/2 months away. It's crazy how fast time can fly past. This summer I have had the opportunity to go and serve at Village Creek Bible Camp in a facet that I have never done before. This summer I was the support staff supervisor and the d-team leader. There were aspects of my job that I did not enjoy at all. There were aspects that I disliked at first and learned to love. There were aspects that I have loved from day one. There were aspects that I loved at first and have grown to dislike. At the start of summer during staff training, Camie, the director, challenged the staff to get outside of their comfort zones and do something that we have never done before. I can recall the first week of camp being told that I would be working in the office. Office work is something that I enjoy, for the most part. However, my least favorite aspect of the office is the telephone. I HATE talking on phone to people that I don't know. When I learned that phones were a part of my job description and when I had my first office hour I prayed that the phone wouldn't ring. Surprisingly it didn't ring! :D However, that was not the case the next time I was in the office and will never be the case ever again. So, I've stepped out of my comfort zone and I've answered and talked to more people on the phone than any introvert cares to admit. A fun way that I stepped out of my comfort zone was by going down camps zipline at night! SO MUCH FUN! First drop was a little terrifying and I screamed however after that it was so cool to just sail through the sky. Because it was dark I didn't even notice the height that I was at because I couldn't see.
One aspect of my job that I loved from the get go was d-team leader. This part of my job required me to meet one-on-one with most of the girl staff. I loved being able to meet each of the girls and just talk about life with them. I loved being able to build friendships with some really great high school students and meet some new awesome college age staff. It was a strange feeling to be considered as part of the "old" staff. I guess having a college degree gives you that label. ;) Anyways, I loved chatting with these girls and coming alongside them as they journey through life and seeing how God is using them and growing them.
The support staff supervisor part of my job was not my favorite at the start of camp. There are still aspects of the job that I am grappling with and I think that just has to do with my personality. In this role I go around camp and find cleaning projects for support staff to do when they do not have other assignments to work on. They can be projects from cleaning toilets, mopping floors to taking out the trash to watching sleeping campers. I struggle with this part because most of the day I sit in the office doing office stuff when I could be the one out there doing the cleaning. But I've learned that I cannot do everything and that delegation is important in any kind of ministry.
Another part of my job that is hard is confronting people with their faults. I struggle with this because I know I have my own faults and as human nature goes we are so quick to point out the faults in others before ourselves. I've learned that the discipline needs to happen. If all of staff got away with being on their phones we would miss out on what is happening in front of us. I'm also really learned to dislike my radio. It is just this thing that is attached to me that talks all the time and I can't choose to ignore it like I do my phone.
This summer has been one of the longest summers that I have worked at camp. I started on May 26th and finish up on August 16. With that being said as the summer comes closer to a finish I am having to rely on my Christ for strength to get through each day. My patience runs thin and I grow weary but HE strengthens me and uses me despite my cranky mood sometimes. I have also seen God through the people who work with me. Last week, Terri, a wonderful woman from town who works in the office with me, invited three of us over to her place for coffee and conversation. It was so refreshing and so needed. It was so great to sit in someone's home and enjoy fellowship and not worry about what was happening in the Valley. During our conversation the two girls who told me that they feel at peace when I walk into the room and they just enjoy the presence of someone who has "been through it before". Being a college grad they look up to me as an a model to follow. I was so encouraged and it was in that moment when God was like listen to this Alison because this is the answer to why you are working at camp this summer. It was so great to hear the encouragement from those girls. It was such a great reminder that Christ works through us even when we do not realize it.
This summer has by far been the most stretching and growth filled summers that I have had. I got to use some of my gifts to write the curriculum for the children's chapels for family camp as well as compile resources for the family devotions time. I'd say that this summer has been unlike any other. I'm incredibly blessed by Village Creek Bible Camp and the people there who have been able to pour into me and be able to see my grow in my faith from being a little junior camper to cabin leader to leadership staff.
I'm so excited for what God has in store for the next chapter of my life. After a little break after camp finishes I will be off to Lafayette, CO to start my internship at Flatirons Community Church in their children's ministries department. I would greatly appreciate prayers as I transition into my house and job in Colorado. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that the Lord has given me to live in CO for the next 11 months and I know that it will be a very growing and stretching experience for me and my walk with the Lord.
One aspect of my job that I loved from the get go was d-team leader. This part of my job required me to meet one-on-one with most of the girl staff. I loved being able to meet each of the girls and just talk about life with them. I loved being able to build friendships with some really great high school students and meet some new awesome college age staff. It was a strange feeling to be considered as part of the "old" staff. I guess having a college degree gives you that label. ;) Anyways, I loved chatting with these girls and coming alongside them as they journey through life and seeing how God is using them and growing them.
The support staff supervisor part of my job was not my favorite at the start of camp. There are still aspects of the job that I am grappling with and I think that just has to do with my personality. In this role I go around camp and find cleaning projects for support staff to do when they do not have other assignments to work on. They can be projects from cleaning toilets, mopping floors to taking out the trash to watching sleeping campers. I struggle with this part because most of the day I sit in the office doing office stuff when I could be the one out there doing the cleaning. But I've learned that I cannot do everything and that delegation is important in any kind of ministry.
Another part of my job that is hard is confronting people with their faults. I struggle with this because I know I have my own faults and as human nature goes we are so quick to point out the faults in others before ourselves. I've learned that the discipline needs to happen. If all of staff got away with being on their phones we would miss out on what is happening in front of us. I'm also really learned to dislike my radio. It is just this thing that is attached to me that talks all the time and I can't choose to ignore it like I do my phone.
This summer has been one of the longest summers that I have worked at camp. I started on May 26th and finish up on August 16. With that being said as the summer comes closer to a finish I am having to rely on my Christ for strength to get through each day. My patience runs thin and I grow weary but HE strengthens me and uses me despite my cranky mood sometimes. I have also seen God through the people who work with me. Last week, Terri, a wonderful woman from town who works in the office with me, invited three of us over to her place for coffee and conversation. It was so refreshing and so needed. It was so great to sit in someone's home and enjoy fellowship and not worry about what was happening in the Valley. During our conversation the two girls who told me that they feel at peace when I walk into the room and they just enjoy the presence of someone who has "been through it before". Being a college grad they look up to me as an a model to follow. I was so encouraged and it was in that moment when God was like listen to this Alison because this is the answer to why you are working at camp this summer. It was so great to hear the encouragement from those girls. It was such a great reminder that Christ works through us even when we do not realize it.
This summer has by far been the most stretching and growth filled summers that I have had. I got to use some of my gifts to write the curriculum for the children's chapels for family camp as well as compile resources for the family devotions time. I'd say that this summer has been unlike any other. I'm incredibly blessed by Village Creek Bible Camp and the people there who have been able to pour into me and be able to see my grow in my faith from being a little junior camper to cabin leader to leadership staff.
I'm so excited for what God has in store for the next chapter of my life. After a little break after camp finishes I will be off to Lafayette, CO to start my internship at Flatirons Community Church in their children's ministries department. I would greatly appreciate prayers as I transition into my house and job in Colorado. I'm so thankful for the opportunity that the Lord has given me to live in CO for the next 11 months and I know that it will be a very growing and stretching experience for me and my walk with the Lord.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
In the course of a week...
In the course of a week...
...I finished my undergraduate degree at Taylor University
...Was a bridesmaid for one of my dear friends weddings! Love you, Katie!
...Spent a few days at staff training at Village Creek Bible Camp
...Participated in a proposal scavenger hunt for one of my best friends from high school!
With that being said the past week has been CRAZY but wonderful! I have been able to spend time with friends from many different areas of my life.
I remember on the last day that I was at Taylor walking back to Olson Hall one last time, after having lunch in the Union with some great friends, thinking that this is the last time as a TU student that I will walk across campus. Instead of rushing back I took my time. I walked slowly and while walking was flooded with memories that had happened all around me in the Upland community. I even stopped at one point and took a picture of the bell tower, which had previously been looked upon in a rather negative light because of the symbolic lights that shine on it at night signifying "the integration of faith and learning." During my time at Taylor this phrase became a buzzword as well as "intentional community." Except this time when I looked at the bell tower I didn't grumble. Instead I thought about how Taylor actually strives to incorporate the faith we have in Christ with our everyday work in the classroom. Even though saying goodbye to Taylor and the people there was not easy I know that they have had a lasting impact on my life that I will never forget.
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After coming home I spent a whirlwind of 24 hours at home where I unpacked to pack again for my long weekend in Iowa for Katie's wedding and staff training. I left bright and early on Friday morning and arrived in Tama, Iowa by noon to help set up decorations for the reception. But my help was not needed because they had finished everything. We then had some lunch and Katie took us to her house that she and Dustin will be living in. It's a quaint little farm house. Not my cup of tea but it suits them perfectly. After killing some time we left for Sigourney for the dinner rehearsal. After the rehearsal all of us bridesmaids went on a mission to find things for the "just married" vehicle. After that we had a nice dinner at Katie's place. After everyone left we started playing Broadway Just Dance and then headed to bed to get rest for the big day ahead. Saturday morning came and we all got fancied up for the ceremony. I put a few curls in my hair. I asked Gwen if she could do the back but she didn't really know what to do so we stuck to curls in the front. While Katie was having her makeup done we put in Beauty and the Beast, her fave Disney movie, and blew up balloons for the "just married" vehicle. The we took some pictures and headed to the church. After some lunch we gathered around Katie and prayed for her and Dustin and their marriage. Then the ceremony started. It was short and sweet. It fit them perfectly. After having more pictures the bridal party boarded the party bus to head to the reception. All I'll say about that is that it was the most interesting and entertaining bus ride I've had in my life. When we finally made it to the reception we entered in and ate food! I was SO hungry by the time we got there! After eating there were some speeches and then we cleared tables to let the dancing begin! At one point the DJ called the bridal party to the dance floor. All of us looked at Katie with the same expression of "What is happening?" Her answer, "I thought it would be fun to do a slow dance!" In that moment shock took over my face. I went to Katie and told her I've never done a slow dance before. Let alone danced with another man who was drunk and married. #privateschoolprobs So we grabbed our partner. Surprisingly it wasn't too bad. But the look on his face when he asked me what my major was in school was priceless. As it always is when a non-believer asks me what I studied in school. After many more hours of dancing I decided it was time to go. So I gave my goodbye hug to Katie and headed to the hotel to sleep and rest before camp. All in all, it was a really good day. I'm so glad that I chose to be a part of Katie's big day rather than going to my own graduation.
Sunday I arrived at camp. I felt as if I was on cloud 9 for the whole 2 days I was there. I love that place so much. I'm really looking forward to this summer and my new role on leadership. I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into this new role. I also learned that I will be writing the curriculum for family camp again. Hopefully this time will be much better than the first time. As I now know how to write curriculum. After a few quick days at camp I headed home.
On Wednesday I got to meet up with 2 of my best friends from high school. Although one of them didn't know it because it was a part of her proposal scavenger hunt. It was so much fun to be a part of the day. Kendra has been one of my longest and closest friends for 8 years. Every time we talk she leaves me with a challenge and she always asks me how I am doing with God and gives me encouragement. I couldn't be more excited for the journey that she and Karl will have with each other. My favorite part of the day was when she asked me why I came home so early if my grad party wasn't until sunday. My response, I just knew I needed a little more rest this week. The following day the three of us got together at Starbucks and she said now tell me the truth about why you came home early. I told her it was because I was asked to be a part of the scavenger hunt and I would never want to miss out on such a dear friends exciting day.
I'd say the past week has been filled to the rim with activity but I couldn't be more filled with joy. The Lord has shown me that I have some wonderful friends over the past week and I do not know what I would do without having them to live life with.
...I finished my undergraduate degree at Taylor University
...Was a bridesmaid for one of my dear friends weddings! Love you, Katie!
...Spent a few days at staff training at Village Creek Bible Camp
...Participated in a proposal scavenger hunt for one of my best friends from high school!
With that being said the past week has been CRAZY but wonderful! I have been able to spend time with friends from many different areas of my life.
I remember on the last day that I was at Taylor walking back to Olson Hall one last time, after having lunch in the Union with some great friends, thinking that this is the last time as a TU student that I will walk across campus. Instead of rushing back I took my time. I walked slowly and while walking was flooded with memories that had happened all around me in the Upland community. I even stopped at one point and took a picture of the bell tower, which had previously been looked upon in a rather negative light because of the symbolic lights that shine on it at night signifying "the integration of faith and learning." During my time at Taylor this phrase became a buzzword as well as "intentional community." Except this time when I looked at the bell tower I didn't grumble. Instead I thought about how Taylor actually strives to incorporate the faith we have in Christ with our everyday work in the classroom. Even though saying goodbye to Taylor and the people there was not easy I know that they have had a lasting impact on my life that I will never forget.
Sunday I arrived at camp. I felt as if I was on cloud 9 for the whole 2 days I was there. I love that place so much. I'm really looking forward to this summer and my new role on leadership. I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into this new role. I also learned that I will be writing the curriculum for family camp again. Hopefully this time will be much better than the first time. As I now know how to write curriculum. After a few quick days at camp I headed home.
On Wednesday I got to meet up with 2 of my best friends from high school. Although one of them didn't know it because it was a part of her proposal scavenger hunt. It was so much fun to be a part of the day. Kendra has been one of my longest and closest friends for 8 years. Every time we talk she leaves me with a challenge and she always asks me how I am doing with God and gives me encouragement. I couldn't be more excited for the journey that she and Karl will have with each other. My favorite part of the day was when she asked me why I came home so early if my grad party wasn't until sunday. My response, I just knew I needed a little more rest this week. The following day the three of us got together at Starbucks and she said now tell me the truth about why you came home early. I told her it was because I was asked to be a part of the scavenger hunt and I would never want to miss out on such a dear friends exciting day.
I'd say the past week has been filled to the rim with activity but I couldn't be more filled with joy. The Lord has shown me that I have some wonderful friends over the past week and I do not know what I would do without having them to live life with.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Deep Well Ventures
Some friends of mine have started a business selling water bottles to provide water for people who do not have access to it! Check them out!!http://www.deepwellventures.com/pages/home
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Following with Faith
As of recently this whole idea of following with faith has been a constant theme. I first noticed this theme on Sunday at church. Pastor Joshua had mentioned that around this time of year the prayer requests on the communication cards usually come in masses from seniors in high school and seniors in college who are looking to discover God's will for their lives. Pastor Joshua shared with us that he prays for us but not in the way most people would like him to. He doesn't pray that the Lord would slap us on the face with his will but that we would listen to God because we do not serve a silent God.
Many people know that I have been offered a two year internship in Milwaukee at Transformation City Church to work in their children's ministry. I have also had a phone interview for a church in Colorado for a one year internship in children's ministry. I can honestly say that in going through the application and interviewing processes for both churches that I have had to put full faith in the Lord to guide me where He wants me to go.
When reading in my Bible this past week I was reading about Jesus calling His first disciples. They followed Jesus in faith. They left what they knew to follow something that they were unfamiliar with. As of recently I have really felt that this is my prayer for the next phase of life after college. I've prayed that the Lord would guide me to where He wants me to be rather than where I want to be.
Another example in the past few days that I have seen this 'following with faith' them arise was in chapel on Monday when we sang the song Oceans by Hillsong. If you have not heard this song look it up on youtube. The lyrics are below. The chorus goes like this: "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." These words have been my prayer over the past few days.
With that being said I cannot wait to find out where God will lead me. I'm excited to look into my future and see that I will be where He wants me to be. Whether it be in Colorado, Milwaukee, or living at home in search of a job. I know that as long as I am following with faith that it will be where God wants me to be.
Oceans by Hillsong
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]
I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
Many people know that I have been offered a two year internship in Milwaukee at Transformation City Church to work in their children's ministry. I have also had a phone interview for a church in Colorado for a one year internship in children's ministry. I can honestly say that in going through the application and interviewing processes for both churches that I have had to put full faith in the Lord to guide me where He wants me to go.
When reading in my Bible this past week I was reading about Jesus calling His first disciples. They followed Jesus in faith. They left what they knew to follow something that they were unfamiliar with. As of recently I have really felt that this is my prayer for the next phase of life after college. I've prayed that the Lord would guide me to where He wants me to be rather than where I want to be.
Another example in the past few days that I have seen this 'following with faith' them arise was in chapel on Monday when we sang the song Oceans by Hillsong. If you have not heard this song look it up on youtube. The lyrics are below. The chorus goes like this: "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters wherever You would call me take me deeper than my feet could ever wander and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior." These words have been my prayer over the past few days.
With that being said I cannot wait to find out where God will lead me. I'm excited to look into my future and see that I will be where He wants me to be. Whether it be in Colorado, Milwaukee, or living at home in search of a job. I know that as long as I am following with faith that it will be where God wants me to be.
Oceans by Hillsong
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]
I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
Monday, January 20, 2014
#CEcapstone14
Over the course of the past 2 weeks my life has taken an unexpected turn. You see, these past 2 weeks I have been traveling throughout the suburbs of Chicago and the city of Chicago with 11 other CE Seniors. Throughout the duration of the trip we visited Willow Creek, Arlington Counseling Center, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, International Teams, Church of the Resurrection, STARS Disability Ministry of College Church, Christianity Today, Awana, Youth for Christ, First Baptist Church of Geneva, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, Community Christian Church, Lawndale Community Church, Nueva Vida, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, Westlawn Youth Network, Four Corners Community Church, and finally Emmaus Ministries. On top of all of these visits we also attended church services at Willow Creek, College Church, Church of the Rez and Westlawn Gospel Chapel.
The night before each ministry visit one of my classmates would research the ministry and based on the website place the purpose of the church or ministry into what is called the Frankena Model. The model consists of 5 boxes, 1) Purpose, 2) Premises, 3) People, 4) Processes, and 5) Practices. After visiting the ministry we would debrief the day and discuss our thoughts on all that we took in during the day.
Although the trip is mentally taxing I have had lots of time to reflect on what I have been learning over the past two weeks. One of the biggest things I have discovered is a clearer sense of my calling in ministry. I always knew that I wanted to work with children. I always knew that I did not want to be in a school system with children. I knew that I wanted to teach kids about having a relationship with Christ and I get the greatest joy in life when I can witness a child accept salvation in Jesus Christ for the first time. However, it wasn't until this past November when I googled for 1-2 year long children's ministry internships that I had been placed at a churches website for a 2 year long urban children's ministry internship located in the hardest part of Milwaukee. This was the first door to open for my pursue of an urban ministry. I have however applied to other positions but Transformation City Church keeps contacting me back and pulling me in. In fact during the duration of the trip in Chicago I scheduled a four day visit to see the church on a Sunday morning service, sit in on a staff meeting, attend Tuesday night youth group, and observe an after school program for children. I became enamored with the after school program. I love the holistic approach to serving the whole child not just his spiritual needs but his need for education, mentors, food, fellowship. While visiting the many churches in Chicago a constant theme was holistic ministry.
Now, before I get to far ahead of myself. The purpose of the capstone trip is to help us to find the topic in which we are going to write our 50 page, 7 chapter long, Philosophy of Ministry paper on in the upcoming semester. Throughout the trip I had many conversations with my professor, Phil, about what I was going to be writing about. I knew I wanted to write about children's ministry at the start of the trip but that was all I knew. After chatting with Phil it was made clear that writing about a holistic after school program for upper elementary kids in an urban setting was the topic for me. As the trip continued my passion and excitement for the topic continued to grow.
In general, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have been given to see and experience the many different ministries throughout Chicago. I have also loved growing closer to my wonderful CE friends and seeing them outside of the typical classroom setting. I have been immensely blessed to have spent the past 3 1/2 years with such great people. Not only do I look forward to spending one last amazing semester with them but I also look forward to seeing how God uses each and everyone of them for His kingdom. #CELovin #CEcapstone14
The night before each ministry visit one of my classmates would research the ministry and based on the website place the purpose of the church or ministry into what is called the Frankena Model. The model consists of 5 boxes, 1) Purpose, 2) Premises, 3) People, 4) Processes, and 5) Practices. After visiting the ministry we would debrief the day and discuss our thoughts on all that we took in during the day.
Although the trip is mentally taxing I have had lots of time to reflect on what I have been learning over the past two weeks. One of the biggest things I have discovered is a clearer sense of my calling in ministry. I always knew that I wanted to work with children. I always knew that I did not want to be in a school system with children. I knew that I wanted to teach kids about having a relationship with Christ and I get the greatest joy in life when I can witness a child accept salvation in Jesus Christ for the first time. However, it wasn't until this past November when I googled for 1-2 year long children's ministry internships that I had been placed at a churches website for a 2 year long urban children's ministry internship located in the hardest part of Milwaukee. This was the first door to open for my pursue of an urban ministry. I have however applied to other positions but Transformation City Church keeps contacting me back and pulling me in. In fact during the duration of the trip in Chicago I scheduled a four day visit to see the church on a Sunday morning service, sit in on a staff meeting, attend Tuesday night youth group, and observe an after school program for children. I became enamored with the after school program. I love the holistic approach to serving the whole child not just his spiritual needs but his need for education, mentors, food, fellowship. While visiting the many churches in Chicago a constant theme was holistic ministry.
Now, before I get to far ahead of myself. The purpose of the capstone trip is to help us to find the topic in which we are going to write our 50 page, 7 chapter long, Philosophy of Ministry paper on in the upcoming semester. Throughout the trip I had many conversations with my professor, Phil, about what I was going to be writing about. I knew I wanted to write about children's ministry at the start of the trip but that was all I knew. After chatting with Phil it was made clear that writing about a holistic after school program for upper elementary kids in an urban setting was the topic for me. As the trip continued my passion and excitement for the topic continued to grow.
In general, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have been given to see and experience the many different ministries throughout Chicago. I have also loved growing closer to my wonderful CE friends and seeing them outside of the typical classroom setting. I have been immensely blessed to have spent the past 3 1/2 years with such great people. Not only do I look forward to spending one last amazing semester with them but I also look forward to seeing how God uses each and everyone of them for His kingdom. #CELovin #CEcapstone14
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