I bowled a 108. and then a 106. and i was mocked by steve, who bowled a 62, then a 65. he claims he's a better bowler because he improved his score. and i did not. this is my life....
and i love it.
i went bowling tonight with a group of people from the church i've been attending the last few weeks. the church is called st. thomas' and we go to the evening gathering. it's a more contemporary style, so it reminds me of home. there are a lot of university students, like the group we hung out with tonight. danielled invited me to go, which was nice. we're going to join their cell group, which meets weekly. it's exciting to be involved in a group outside of the oakes, and have some new friends to boot!! i'm very blessed. i know that.
i'm feeling like maybe, just maybe, God's got something crazy going on here. don't really know what that could be, but i feel it stirring inside of me. random side note.
as for life here at the oakes, sara has decided to leave early. and i'm truly saddened by that. she's amazing. and we get along so well. but she's just not feeling like this is where God wants her to be. and i can understand that feeling. so she's going home in a couple of weeks. we're gonna try to pull of a quick trip to london before she goes. we'll see if that happens. i'd love to do it, but working on a missionaries salary doesn't necessarily allow for things like that. so i have to do some finance stuff this week. gross.
i was told today that i was inspiring. and i've honestly never had anyone say that to me. what a compliment!! i just hope i can live up to the standards of an inspiring person! i'm not even sure what those standards are. but they've got to be high up there. woo, the pressure is starting to set in! i apologize in advance to those of you who do not find me inspiring and are reading this simply to have something to mock me about later. add this to the list.
well my loves, it's time for me to get some shuteye. big day of working tomorrow. can't wait to clean some toilets and do some more laundry. i love being on housekeeping. maybe tomorrow i'll get to mop and scrub mud off walls. ok, a girl can dream can't she?
goodnight!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
insomnia
i'm not sleeping well these days. i was ill last week, and slept all day for 3 days straight just about, and now i think my body is reacting? i don't know. it's a little annoying that it's almost 3am and i'm still awake. and it's been like this for the last 3 or 4 days. i get really tired about midday and then i'm wide awake again.
anyways, if you all wouldn't mind praying for me, i'd appreciate it. i'm sure this lack of sleep will catch up with me eventually.
the flipside to insomnia however is that i get to listen to my roommate talk in her sleep. there have been nights where i've had to stifle my laughter with my pillow so as not to wake her and ruin my fun.
anyways, i'm going to try and crash now. love you all.
anyways, if you all wouldn't mind praying for me, i'd appreciate it. i'm sure this lack of sleep will catch up with me eventually.
the flipside to insomnia however is that i get to listen to my roommate talk in her sleep. there have been nights where i've had to stifle my laughter with my pillow so as not to wake her and ruin my fun.
anyways, i'm going to try and crash now. love you all.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
today rachael and i went on a quest. we had a mission. we were bound and determined to find the absolute ugliest sheets and duvett cover for my bed. we succeeded. i'll be sleeping on a mint green sheet, with a sonoran red and navy blue southwestern print. it actually has camels on it. i'll take a picture to post soon. i can't be bothered to get off my bed and do it now.
i'm so english you don't even know.
i've already picked up on a lot of the commonly used words and phrases.
rubbish- trash, garbage, when something is awful
bin- trash can
wee- pee (i've been made fun of for saying pee)
toilet- bathroom
football- soccer
can't be bothered- too lazy
cheers!- thanks, your welcome, yes please (pretty much anything you want it to be)
cinemas- theaters
film- movie
half six- 6:30. they don't say thirty unless they're counting
minger- bad, dirty
glorious- replaces fabulous for us west coasters
I've even caught on to some of their habits....
tea after every meal and intermittently throughout the day
(prepare yourself for this one...) NO SALT on my food. i know, shocking.
squash- concentrated juice mixed with water in individual cups (not too fondof this)
I'm loving it. Absolutely loving it.
I miss you all. But love my new friends. Cheers!
i'm so english you don't even know.
i've already picked up on a lot of the commonly used words and phrases.
rubbish- trash, garbage, when something is awful
bin- trash can
wee- pee (i've been made fun of for saying pee)
toilet- bathroom
football- soccer
can't be bothered- too lazy
cheers!- thanks, your welcome, yes please (pretty much anything you want it to be)
cinemas- theaters
film- movie
half six- 6:30. they don't say thirty unless they're counting
minger- bad, dirty
glorious- replaces fabulous for us west coasters
I've even caught on to some of their habits....
tea after every meal and intermittently throughout the day
(prepare yourself for this one...) NO SALT on my food. i know, shocking.
squash- concentrated juice mixed with water in individual cups (not too fondof this)
I'm loving it. Absolutely loving it.
I miss you all. But love my new friends. Cheers!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Route 66
Tuesday I had an amazing opportunity to sit in on Route 66, a conference that travels Europe, speaking on youth ministry. We had 4 key speakers that came and covered different aspects of youth ministry. I was particularly touched by the 3rd speaker, Dave Wright, who spoke to us on "Authentic Biblical Community". I took notes all day, but as I've gone back through them, I see that I took clearer notes during this session. So I thought I would share them with you, as I wrote them. I may add to them for clarification, but for the most part, this is what I processed as I listened.
Koinonia...
A group
A misunderstood word
A powerful way of relating
Authentic Biblical Community
1. Starts with Scripture rather than experience
2. Expects supernatural transformation *We are not meant to grow alone*
3. It's not about us, it's only about God.
The Call to Community
Starts in Genesis 1- The Trinity created the world.
John 17:21 "That they all may be one, as You Father are in Me, and I in You;"
Ephesians 4:2 "...with all the lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love., endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church and gives us a wonderful illustration of what an authentic Biblical community should look like.
In todays church...
The Culture of Care
1. Welcoming people
2. Building healthy relationships
3. Develop spiritual friendships
4. Conflict resolution, forgiveness, reconciliation
*It's all about loving each other*
The Body Provides
1. Discipline and Structure
2. Accountability
3. Grace and Forgiveness
4. Support and Strength
The Body is where we
-Mentor
-Grieve
-Heal
-Confront
-Speak truth
-Model
-Disciple
The Power of Authentic Community
*Transforms lives
*fertile soil for evangelism and discipleship
*Fosters living as we were meant to live
Indicators of a group that understands and seeks authentic community...
-Spiritual conversations are natural and spontaneous
-Groups become inclusive socially
-More integration in the whole of the church
-More service in the community
-Encouragement and accountability in spiritual discipline
-More leadership
-More vulnerability in hearts
Obstacles in today's church
-Few models of it (kids faith reflects their parents)
-Programs don't foster it (games, focus, room arrangement, etc.)
-Apathy
-Too much focus on conversion, decision
-Overemphasis on relational ministry (kids attending simply because they adore the leader)
-Catering to consumerism
-'Fun' drives the program (if you aim simply to have fun, that's all you'll get)
-Entertainment driven models
-Authentic community has never been experienced
Community Killers
- Cliques
- Cronyism (only looking out for your friends)
- Competition (can be healthy, but can also be deadly)
- Consumerism
Thats where my notes end. But my thought process did not end there. I began thinking of how this works in "big" church, in youth ministries, in children's programs. I then held my current church home up to these standards, and I whole heartedly believe that at The Rock Eternal, authentic Biblical community not only exists, but is continuously growing and improving. I realized before I left that I had a great church family. It's no doubt that RE has some amazing people attending, but this session confirmed for me that it's a community of believers as God intended. He wants us to grow closer to Him as a community. Yes, it's important to have a one on one relationship with Christ. But He never intended for us to be alone in this world. We need the companionship, the accountability, the friendship of other believers. We are a body. We all work together for His glory. What a wonderful reminder that we are not alone. I am not alone.
Be blessed my loved ones.
Koinonia...
A group
A misunderstood word
A powerful way of relating
Authentic Biblical Community
1. Starts with Scripture rather than experience
2. Expects supernatural transformation *We are not meant to grow alone*
3. It's not about us, it's only about God.
The Call to Community
Starts in Genesis 1- The Trinity created the world.
John 17:21 "That they all may be one, as You Father are in Me, and I in You;"
Ephesians 4:2 "...with all the lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love., endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Acts 2:42-47 describes the early church and gives us a wonderful illustration of what an authentic Biblical community should look like.
In todays church...
The Culture of Care
1. Welcoming people
2. Building healthy relationships
3. Develop spiritual friendships
4. Conflict resolution, forgiveness, reconciliation
*It's all about loving each other*
The Body Provides
1. Discipline and Structure
2. Accountability
3. Grace and Forgiveness
4. Support and Strength
The Body is where we
-Mentor
-Grieve
-Heal
-Confront
-Speak truth
-Model
-Disciple
The Power of Authentic Community
*Transforms lives
*fertile soil for evangelism and discipleship
*Fosters living as we were meant to live
Indicators of a group that understands and seeks authentic community...
-Spiritual conversations are natural and spontaneous
-Groups become inclusive socially
-More integration in the whole of the church
-More service in the community
-Encouragement and accountability in spiritual discipline
-More leadership
-More vulnerability in hearts
Obstacles in today's church
-Few models of it (kids faith reflects their parents)
-Programs don't foster it (games, focus, room arrangement, etc.)
-Apathy
-Too much focus on conversion, decision
-Overemphasis on relational ministry (kids attending simply because they adore the leader)
-Catering to consumerism
-'Fun' drives the program (if you aim simply to have fun, that's all you'll get)
-Entertainment driven models
-Authentic community has never been experienced
Community Killers
- Cliques
- Cronyism (only looking out for your friends)
- Competition (can be healthy, but can also be deadly)
- Consumerism
Thats where my notes end. But my thought process did not end there. I began thinking of how this works in "big" church, in youth ministries, in children's programs. I then held my current church home up to these standards, and I whole heartedly believe that at The Rock Eternal, authentic Biblical community not only exists, but is continuously growing and improving. I realized before I left that I had a great church family. It's no doubt that RE has some amazing people attending, but this session confirmed for me that it's a community of believers as God intended. He wants us to grow closer to Him as a community. Yes, it's important to have a one on one relationship with Christ. But He never intended for us to be alone in this world. We need the companionship, the accountability, the friendship of other believers. We are a body. We all work together for His glory. What a wonderful reminder that we are not alone. I am not alone.
Be blessed my loved ones.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Today's lesson...
I've come to the conclusion that I have some of the most amazing friends. I've been uploading my pictures to an online photo album, and am overwhelmed by the memories of good times. We've had a lot of laughs together, a lot of tears, and a whole lotta love! I'm seriously so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.
As I sat in my one on one time with Jane this afternoon, I was asked a simple question. "How are you getting along with your housemates?" My immediate answer was that everything was great. I think my housemates are wonderful, and so far so good. But as my thought process started to shift, I began to realize something. I've been holding back, not opening myself up to my housemates. I haven't given them a chance to really get to know me. I haven't talked about my past, or my story, or my dreams for the future with any of them. I thought my life was an open book, but apparently I was wrong. I've always thought I wore my heart on my sleeve. But no one here really knows me. So then I asked myself why?
I've come to the conclusion that I'm afraid. I'm afraid to let people in, to see the real me. Why? Because it feels like in doing so, I'm trying to replace the amazing friends I have at home. Like somehow, I'm betraying the intimate relationships I have with people at home by allowing myself to become intimate with anyone here. And looking at that, I feel absolutely ridiculous. I know that there is no possible way for ANYONE to replace the friends I already have. I won't love them any less, nor will they love me any less. Friendships are a vital part of my life, but I can make some room for new ones. Being here for 8 months, I could potentially shut people out, only let them see the surface. I'll be missing out though. Missing out on some incredible relationships. And that's not something I'm willing to do.
I love my friends at home. Nothing will change that. But here, in England, at the Oakes, I'm going to allow myself to make some new friends. Friends that will hopefully be around for a lifetime.
Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times..." And I intend on having friends, and being a friend that loves at all times. With the Oakes team, my crew back home, and whoever else God puts in my path.
As I sat in my one on one time with Jane this afternoon, I was asked a simple question. "How are you getting along with your housemates?" My immediate answer was that everything was great. I think my housemates are wonderful, and so far so good. But as my thought process started to shift, I began to realize something. I've been holding back, not opening myself up to my housemates. I haven't given them a chance to really get to know me. I haven't talked about my past, or my story, or my dreams for the future with any of them. I thought my life was an open book, but apparently I was wrong. I've always thought I wore my heart on my sleeve. But no one here really knows me. So then I asked myself why?
I've come to the conclusion that I'm afraid. I'm afraid to let people in, to see the real me. Why? Because it feels like in doing so, I'm trying to replace the amazing friends I have at home. Like somehow, I'm betraying the intimate relationships I have with people at home by allowing myself to become intimate with anyone here. And looking at that, I feel absolutely ridiculous. I know that there is no possible way for ANYONE to replace the friends I already have. I won't love them any less, nor will they love me any less. Friendships are a vital part of my life, but I can make some room for new ones. Being here for 8 months, I could potentially shut people out, only let them see the surface. I'll be missing out though. Missing out on some incredible relationships. And that's not something I'm willing to do.
I love my friends at home. Nothing will change that. But here, in England, at the Oakes, I'm going to allow myself to make some new friends. Friends that will hopefully be around for a lifetime.
Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times..." And I intend on having friends, and being a friend that loves at all times. With the Oakes team, my crew back home, and whoever else God puts in my path.
Monday, January 8, 2007
abersoch, wales
2 days in abersoch, wales.
we did nothing.
it was amazing.
it was such a great opportunity to just hang out and get to know the team a little better. we drove up friday night, in a minibus....
Stopped for dinner at a Little Chef (aka Denny's)...
Then we made it on to Abersoch. It was half past 1am by the time we got there, so we all just crashed. The next day though, this was the view from my bedroom window....
It was so fun. We had a great time walking around in the town of Pwhellhi...
This is Sarah, Becca and Danielle, although we're not really sure why Dani's eyes are closed. I say "cheese" and she closes her eyes. Whatever.
As for the rest of the trip, well it was fun. Relaxing, enjoyable. And after all the hard work I put in this week it was needed....
I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks. We've got Route 66 training tomorrow, which is a conference held mutliple times over the year, at different locations for youth workers. We have a few guest speakers in that'll take us through some workshops to help prepare us for the next semester. It'll be a great time. Then this weekend we have Bistro, where supporters of the Oakes have the chance to come and take a look around, meet the team, and see where we're headed. I'm looking forward to that as well. It's going to be a fun couple of weeks as we get started into camps on the 19th, and then it's full speed ahead after that. I'm itching to get started with camps, although they have put me in crafts, my most favortie of all activities (read while rolling eyes) but I asked God to push me and pull me while I was here, and He's wasting no time. It'll be good for me to be involved in things I'm not crazy about, but things that are essential to children's ministry. And if that means glueing cotton balls to cut out sheep, then so be it. I'm here to serve. However, wherever and whenever they need me.
Thursday, January 4, 2007
jet lag
sucks. i was fine all day yesterday and thought for sure that i'd kicked jet lag right in the back side. and then today happened. i was fine when i woke up but after sitting through a couple of hours of review, i was done for. i fell asleep curled up against a radiator and slept for almost 3 hours. it was glorious. except now i'm wide awake. but i'm thinking i'll be tired in a bit and be able to sleep through the night. that's the plan anyhow.
tomorrow is last day of review and then we're off to wales. i'm sure i'll have more to report then, and some pictures to share as well. i've got some pictures but i am currently trying to charge my computer so i'm not going to upload pictures just yet. maybe i'll post again later tonight. maybe. probably not, but maybe. anyways, i'm off for a bit! have a lovely friday!
tomorrow is last day of review and then we're off to wales. i'm sure i'll have more to report then, and some pictures to share as well. i've got some pictures but i am currently trying to charge my computer so i'm not going to upload pictures just yet. maybe i'll post again later tonight. maybe. probably not, but maybe. anyways, i'm off for a bit! have a lovely friday!
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
the great room swap
i was under the impression i would be staying with saz, but alas, i am not. i'm actually rooming with becca and hannah. both very nice girls. i'm sleeping on a top bunk. yes that's right, a bunk bed. i'm loving life. :) seriously though, things have been great so far. i've been so warmly welcomed, and everyone's been so nice. i'm sure that i'll get along great with everyone here, as soon as i'm awake enough to show them my true colors! oh, did i mention the community bathrooms? yeah, that's right, it's like living in a dorm. i avoided going to college so that i didn't have to live in dorms, and yet here i am anyways. at least i know there won't be any late night partying, last minute papers or finals.
as for the rest of the trip, i can't really recall most of it. i slept on and off through the flights, the layover and the train ride, so i don't have much to report. except that i did see a rainbow at the train station in sheffield.
as for the rest of the trip, i can't really recall most of it. i slept on and off through the flights, the layover and the train ride, so i don't have much to report. except that i did see a rainbow at the train station in sheffield.
and i was again reminded of the promise God makes to us. that He loves us, and will take care of us. so, as i leave now to eat some dinner before i crash in bed again, be encouraged by this....GOD LOVES YOU. i'm off to dinner!! ciao!
Monday, January 1, 2007
O'Hare
after spending new years eve in downtown tempe, with 150,000 of my closest friends, i sat on the couch at lindy's apartment waiting. danni, katie and eden were sleeping all around me, and i was watching little house on the prairie to kill time. 4:30 hit, and my stomach dropped. it was go time. i had packed, unpacked, and re-packed my carry-ons 4 times. i had double checked my visa, passport, and flight itinerary 4 times. i looked at myself in the mirror once (it was too unbearable to do it again!) i was ready.
sitting in the airport with my family and my best friends in the entire world, i realized how absolutley blessed i am. i've always known that i've got a good life. but when the people that love you are willing to get out of bed at 4:30am to be at the airport on new years day, you know that love is real. and i felt that love all the way down to my toes. as i hugged everyone goodbye, fighting back tears, i willed my heart to hold on. just hold on, a little longer. i knew that once i got on the plane, i'd fall asleep, and i'd be ok. but those hugs, full of love, had the power to kill me. saying goodbye to the people that mean the absolute most to me in life is an undescribable feeling. i know it's not permanent, and that september is right around the corner, but it's hard to walk away from such a good thing.
thank God for lindy. cracking jokes, making us laugh and temporarily forget that we won't see each other for another 8 months. she's the best. lindy, you are my best friend.
in 12 hours i'll be in england, my new temporary home. but my heart will never leave az. because my heart is my friends and family. they are what make me who i am. and i'm so blessed to know each and everyone of them.
i love you all. so very much. thank you for supporting me in this journey.
sitting in the airport with my family and my best friends in the entire world, i realized how absolutley blessed i am. i've always known that i've got a good life. but when the people that love you are willing to get out of bed at 4:30am to be at the airport on new years day, you know that love is real. and i felt that love all the way down to my toes. as i hugged everyone goodbye, fighting back tears, i willed my heart to hold on. just hold on, a little longer. i knew that once i got on the plane, i'd fall asleep, and i'd be ok. but those hugs, full of love, had the power to kill me. saying goodbye to the people that mean the absolute most to me in life is an undescribable feeling. i know it's not permanent, and that september is right around the corner, but it's hard to walk away from such a good thing.
thank God for lindy. cracking jokes, making us laugh and temporarily forget that we won't see each other for another 8 months. she's the best. lindy, you are my best friend.
in 12 hours i'll be in england, my new temporary home. but my heart will never leave az. because my heart is my friends and family. they are what make me who i am. and i'm so blessed to know each and everyone of them.
i love you all. so very much. thank you for supporting me in this journey.
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