Showing posts with label InterVarsity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label InterVarsity. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November 7 -31
In a few days, I will be joining almost 800 college students and InterVarsity colleagues for our annual fall conference for Michigan. I am so excited to serve on the staff team. I will be posting more about it later, I am sure, but for today I am thankful for the 31 Albion students that are attending Compelling 2012.
31.
Last year, we had 15.
The year before that, about 10.
The year before that, about 5.
31. 31. 31 students!! And you know what??? If everyone said "yes" that was invited, it would be well over 50.
I am so excited to see how God is growing the chapter here!
Can't wait to spend the weekend deepening relationships with 31 Albion students:)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
As an introvert, I love my job.
Many times, my job with InterVarsity, requires me to be an extrovert. I can fake it, and rely on Jesus to be strength when I don't "feel like it", as long as I take the time I need to rest, refocus, refresh and sabbath. Not every day requires dramatic extroversion, but there times.
And then there are times like today, where I am in introvert paradise, spending time with Lord, my journal and a cup of coffee.
Today, I am focusing on evaluating this past year, and planning for next year. Here are some of the great questions I get to grapple with today!
And then there are times like today, where I am in introvert paradise, spending time with Lord, my journal and a cup of coffee.
Today, I am focusing on evaluating this past year, and planning for next year. Here are some of the great questions I get to grapple with today!
- How am I doing in the midst of my current life stage and life circumstances?
- What is my spiritual health? Am I growing? How are my spiritual disciplines?
- How am I doing in my important relationships? How is my spiritual community?
- What aspects of my character or what behavior patterns need attention?
- What interests or involvements or subjects (outside of work) do I want to pursue?
- In what aspects of my current job do I need to improve?
- What strengths do I want to develop further? What weaknesses do I need to address?
- What new skills, practices or knowledge areas do I want to develop in order to excel?
- What career goals do I want to keep in mind? What might be a possible next role in IV?
- What learning and experience do I need in order to be ready for future opportunities?
- What broad aspects of my personal and professional life do I want to develop over the next few years?
- What current circumstances might positively or adversely affect my work in these goals?
- I n what specific ways do I want to grow this year?
- For each goal, what concrete steps will I take? How? When?
- For each goal, what tools, people or programs will I use? How can I access these?
Please pray for me, for God to lead me as I jump into the next academic school year!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Memes about Me
There are some days that I love my job.
Like really love it.
There are some days that I go to bed thinking about the amazing conversations I had with students, how they are walking closer to Jesus, sharing the gospel with their friends, and how I am so excited to be a part of what God is doing on campus.
There are nights where I go to sleep with a deep satisfaction of how God is working.
And there are some days where I wake up and see these all over facebook.
My students are gearing up for Chapter FOCUS Week, perhaps our most influential week of the year. It is a week of great training for campus ministry, for students to focus on their relationship with the Lord, to build relationships with other InterVarsity students, to be in nature, to be with people, to be alone, and to be refreshed. This year we are hoping to bring 20 from Albion.
And they have a crazy recruitment strategy. As if my face could convince anyone to go to CFW.
Either way, I had a great laugh.
And I love my job.
Like really love it.
There are some days that I go to bed thinking about the amazing conversations I had with students, how they are walking closer to Jesus, sharing the gospel with their friends, and how I am so excited to be a part of what God is doing on campus.
There are nights where I go to sleep with a deep satisfaction of how God is working.
And there are some days where I wake up and see these all over facebook.
(I am 100% that I have actually said that students.)
My students are gearing up for Chapter FOCUS Week, perhaps our most influential week of the year. It is a week of great training for campus ministry, for students to focus on their relationship with the Lord, to build relationships with other InterVarsity students, to be in nature, to be with people, to be alone, and to be refreshed. This year we are hoping to bring 20 from Albion.
And they have a crazy recruitment strategy. As if my face could convince anyone to go to CFW.
Either way, I had a great laugh.
And I love my job.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Detroit Urban Plunge in numbers
-3 Schools (Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University and Albion College)
-3 InterVarsity staff
-48 students
-6 days
-7 organizations that we partnered with
-7 people are able to fit in my NEW car
-52 loaves of bread bought
-4 grocery store trips
-13 pizza's
-1 trip to Urgent care for stitches
-1 house construction for Habitat for Humanity
-1 urban farm
-1 shower, 50 people
-3, the number of showers I had in 6 days
-1 student making a decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior
-6, roughly the number of hours of sleep I had each night
-1 crazy, getting lost experience in Mexican Town, that almost had us in Canada
-600 pieces of fruit, to be eaten (and all but 10 or so were consumed)
-3, the number of toasters we used, to split between 50 people. (We had toast and fruit every day for lunch).
-300, the number of bagged lunches made every day
-1 rap created to encapsulate the trip
-2 sheet cakes
-12 pies
Overall, it was an awesome trip! We served the city of Detroit, learned about injustice and what the Gospel has to say about it. We dealt with poverty, racism and plain brokenness. Loved wrestling through this with students!
I love my job!
-3 InterVarsity staff
-48 students
-6 days
-7 organizations that we partnered with
-7 people are able to fit in my NEW car
-52 loaves of bread bought
-4 grocery store trips
-13 pizza's
-1 trip to Urgent care for stitches
-1 house construction for Habitat for Humanity
-1 urban farm
-1 shower, 50 people
-3, the number of showers I had in 6 days
-1 student making a decision to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior
-6, roughly the number of hours of sleep I had each night
-1 crazy, getting lost experience in Mexican Town, that almost had us in Canada
-600 pieces of fruit, to be eaten (and all but 10 or so were consumed)
-3, the number of toasters we used, to split between 50 people. (We had toast and fruit every day for lunch).
-300, the number of bagged lunches made every day
-1 rap created to encapsulate the trip
-2 sheet cakes
-12 pies
Overall, it was an awesome trip! We served the city of Detroit, learned about injustice and what the Gospel has to say about it. We dealt with poverty, racism and plain brokenness. Loved wrestling through this with students!
I love my job!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Join me for Lent
Throughout my life, Lent has never been a part of my spiritual life. I grew up in a very Catholic town, so I was very aware of Lent, and went to the St. Mary's fish fry dinners on Friday nights almost every week as a kid with my parents and grandparents. That still does not constitute celebrating Lent.
I celebrate Advent, and have been a part of churches that celebrate Advent. Advent is beautiful as each week we prepare ourselves for the coming King. Doesn't it just make sense that we would do the same as we prepare and worship the One who takes away the sins of the world? If it wasn't for Easter, Christmas is not all that important.
I do think there is a significant difference between half heartedly giving up addictive items for Lent, and looking carefully at the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross and deciding to sacrifice as a response.
This year World Vision and InterVarsisty have partnered together to create a "Lent Experience." They don't say experience, I do, because I am not sure what to call it. If I had to call it something other than experience, it would be Bible Study/Prayer Time/Process Time/Watching Videos/Learning about sacrifice/Seeing how other people sacrifice/ Actually sacrificing/ sacrificing with other people/advocation/education. Experience sounds better, right?
The Experience can be as little or as much as you want to make it. Each week of Lent (6 weeks) is a different theme.
Check out the website Watch the video. If you are interested, feel free to sign up. I will be blogging on my experience, sharing what I am learning and inviting you to the same.
Why am I making a big deal about this?
1. I think it is a good discipline for Christians to set time aside this time of the year and refocus their life as they look to the cross.
2. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. As a christian, I both want to celebrate and worship Him for that, as well as follow His example to make significant sacrifices in our lives.
3. Our church has been reading the book Radical, and asking how then shall we live? This is a great piggy back to Radical and what my pastor has been preaching/teaching/challenging and exhorting us for the last 8 months.
4. As a community of believers, let's make sacrifice, stand up for our faith and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Please join me!!
A thought before we start....
"To get ready, ask yourself what sacrifice means to you. Spend time thinking about how our generation can sacrifice to change ourselves and the world around us—and to ultimately reflect Christ’s sacrifice for us. "
Are you in? Leave a comment.
Did you answer the questions about sacrifice? Leave a comment.
Have questions? Leave a comment.
You get the idea.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Why Staffwork is Good for Your Kids
I work with InterVarsity as a campus staff member. I love my job. I absolutely love my colleagues and cannot believe that God allows me to be a part of the great mission of His.
One of the many things that I love about InterVarsity is that being on staff with InterVarsity is good for your kids. So good in fact, that I will be featuring this on my blog on a regular basis. Here is installation #1.
Apparently college students are way funnier than normal people. Staff work is good for your kids, because it gets them to laugh once in a while, even if there is food in their mouth.
Staff work is good for your kids, because they see young people studying the word of God and excited to apply truth to their lives. (And excited about manuscripting. Do you have to be an IV geek to know what I am talking about?) Even if Caleb was distracted by the pumpkin muffins, he is still seeing a love for Scripture, a prayer that I pray for him every day.
Staff work is good for your kids, because they learn about mentoring relationships, how to disciple and help one other person strive to be like Jesus.
Staff work is good for your kids because of the array of available babysitters. When mommy and daddy get to go out, they come home happy. Happy parents = happy kids.
Yep, it's true. Staff work is good for your kids.
One of the many things that I love about InterVarsity is that being on staff with InterVarsity is good for your kids. So good in fact, that I will be featuring this on my blog on a regular basis. Here is installation #1.
Apparently college students are way funnier than normal people. Staff work is good for your kids, because it gets them to laugh once in a while, even if there is food in their mouth.
Staff work is good for your kids, because they see young people studying the word of God and excited to apply truth to their lives. (And excited about manuscripting. Do you have to be an IV geek to know what I am talking about?) Even if Caleb was distracted by the pumpkin muffins, he is still seeing a love for Scripture, a prayer that I pray for him every day.
Staff work is good for your kids, because it gives them someone to look up to.
Staff work is good for your kids, because they begin to fall in love with the students. They love having them added to their family and seeing them around campus.
Staff work is good for your kids, because they learn about mentoring relationships, how to disciple and help one other person strive to be like Jesus.
Staff work is good for your kids because of the array of available babysitters. When mommy and daddy get to go out, they come home happy. Happy parents = happy kids.
Yep, it's true. Staff work is good for your kids.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Gifts from around the world
I love receiving gifts. Definitely my love language.
You know what's great about working with international students and students who travel abroad? Gifts from around the world!!
In the last week, I have received:
-Coffee from Inodnesia
-Coffee from China
-Earrings from Kenya
-Kenyan Curry (ok..maybe it was for Jon)
As if I needed another reason to love my job.
You know what's great about working with international students and students who travel abroad? Gifts from around the world!!
In the last week, I have received:
-Coffee from Inodnesia
-Coffee from China
-Earrings from Kenya
-Kenyan Curry (ok..maybe it was for Jon)
As if I needed another reason to love my job.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Afternoon Chat
How are you? I haven't been around in a while. Not because I have been without blogging ideas, but because I have not wanted to go in my cold office and sit on the computer. :( Even with new windows it is cold. Probably because the space heater doesn't work and we are yet to put curtains up...so yes, it is cold.
Ready for the randomness that is in my head?
1. I was going to blog about the I hate Religion/I love Jesus video. But I'm not. It doesn't need more attention. And I don't know that I can add more to the conversation than what other people have already said. And I want to put my time else where. And it doesn't need more publicity. And I am T I R E D of people mentioning that video. So I am not going to do (even though I just did.)
2. TOMORROW I am going to be on a conference call with other InterVarsity staff, the president of Wycliffe Bible translators, International Justice Mission and World Vision. SO SO SO excited. Except that I only get cell service in my office. And it is cold in my office. And Caleb may or may not nap during that time. Other than that....SO SO SO SO SO excited.
3. I haven't taken a photo since Christmas.
4. I am memorizing Romans 6. I am thinking about doing a video blog reciting what I have memorized each week and doing a little chat about Romans. Would you be interested in hearing my voice?
5. I have a mentor. An amazing mentor. It is so funny how I am excited and completely nervous. Yesterday I was supposed to call her to talk at 3pm my time (she lives a few states away). All day, I was so nervous. I knew that she was going to ask questions that were hard. I knew that she might be used by God to uncover some wounds, that instead of the immediate healing, she might open up the hard, broken parts of my heart. And make me cry. And she did. She even told me that there are a lot of tears ahead on this road and that I will never be "there." I will never be done on this process, just more confident in how God has made me. And yet....I love it. I love being challenged in that way. I love the words she has to say, the life she has been through, the wisdom that she has and the boldness to press in. I guess I call her again in a month.
6. My fingers are really cold. I need to finish this post and wrap myself up in a blanket and wrap my fingers around a hot cup of tea. Wait....do I have tea in the house? I don't drink tea. I should ask some of my students if I have tea in the house.
7. I am currently addicted to listening to Jesus Culture on Grooveshark.
8. I love Pinterest. I hate that it sends you updates when people have repinned your pins. I finished a ton of Pinterest projects over Christmas break.
9. I want to make my room into a sanctuary type place. A place where Jon and I can leave the worries of life (including laundry) and rest. And you know.....do other stuff. And because my parents and grandma reads this blog, I will just stop there. (Wink wink nudge nudge)
10. I found myself praying a lot today for Caleb. Praying that God would give me grace and mercy with him. That I would love Caleb well, and discipline him well, knowing that he is two and does not understand everything, but knowing that he is two and understands a whole lot. After a time out, two spanks and some yelling, I told Caleb that we should talk to Jesus and ask Jesus to help mommy be a good mommy and help Caleb to learn right from wrong. Caleb did not want to talk to Jesus. We did anyways. Because I am the mom. And boy do I need the grace of Jesus.
11. Single most frustrating moment of my life.....any time Caleb is in his crib. He throws everything out of his crib and then realizes what happens and wants them back. For instance, yesterday during nap time, for two hours, T W O L O N G hours, he would throw his pacifier, puppy and Thomas pillow out of the bed and start crying. I would put them back in, and talk to him. After an hour, I told him if he did it again he would get his hands spanked. That threat didn't work, so spanks happened. I am so so so tired of this. This weekend, we are putting the toddler bed up. Hopefully this will help keep my sanity.
12. I am on day 21 of P90X and LOVE it. Love Love Love it. And sometimes Jon and I work out together. I never thought I would work out with Jon. (Wendi, stop laughing).
13. I can't wait to start getting busyer with the photography business. It was a great break, but ready to start up again.
14. On my reading list: "Longing for More: A Woman's Journey to Transformation in Christ," "Women in the Church," "Sacred Marriage," "Red Hot Monogamy", and reading the Bible through again in 2012. What is on your reading list?
For the sake of my cold hands, this blog is done. Love to you!!
Ready for the randomness that is in my head?
1. I was going to blog about the I hate Religion/I love Jesus video. But I'm not. It doesn't need more attention. And I don't know that I can add more to the conversation than what other people have already said. And I want to put my time else where. And it doesn't need more publicity. And I am T I R E D of people mentioning that video. So I am not going to do (even though I just did.)
2. TOMORROW I am going to be on a conference call with other InterVarsity staff, the president of Wycliffe Bible translators, International Justice Mission and World Vision. SO SO SO excited. Except that I only get cell service in my office. And it is cold in my office. And Caleb may or may not nap during that time. Other than that....SO SO SO SO SO excited.
3. I haven't taken a photo since Christmas.
4. I am memorizing Romans 6. I am thinking about doing a video blog reciting what I have memorized each week and doing a little chat about Romans. Would you be interested in hearing my voice?
5. I have a mentor. An amazing mentor. It is so funny how I am excited and completely nervous. Yesterday I was supposed to call her to talk at 3pm my time (she lives a few states away). All day, I was so nervous. I knew that she was going to ask questions that were hard. I knew that she might be used by God to uncover some wounds, that instead of the immediate healing, she might open up the hard, broken parts of my heart. And make me cry. And she did. She even told me that there are a lot of tears ahead on this road and that I will never be "there." I will never be done on this process, just more confident in how God has made me. And yet....I love it. I love being challenged in that way. I love the words she has to say, the life she has been through, the wisdom that she has and the boldness to press in. I guess I call her again in a month.
6. My fingers are really cold. I need to finish this post and wrap myself up in a blanket and wrap my fingers around a hot cup of tea. Wait....do I have tea in the house? I don't drink tea. I should ask some of my students if I have tea in the house.
7. I am currently addicted to listening to Jesus Culture on Grooveshark.
8. I love Pinterest. I hate that it sends you updates when people have repinned your pins. I finished a ton of Pinterest projects over Christmas break.
9. I want to make my room into a sanctuary type place. A place where Jon and I can leave the worries of life (including laundry) and rest. And you know.....do other stuff. And because my parents and grandma reads this blog, I will just stop there. (Wink wink nudge nudge)
10. I found myself praying a lot today for Caleb. Praying that God would give me grace and mercy with him. That I would love Caleb well, and discipline him well, knowing that he is two and does not understand everything, but knowing that he is two and understands a whole lot. After a time out, two spanks and some yelling, I told Caleb that we should talk to Jesus and ask Jesus to help mommy be a good mommy and help Caleb to learn right from wrong. Caleb did not want to talk to Jesus. We did anyways. Because I am the mom. And boy do I need the grace of Jesus.
11. Single most frustrating moment of my life.....any time Caleb is in his crib. He throws everything out of his crib and then realizes what happens and wants them back. For instance, yesterday during nap time, for two hours, T W O L O N G hours, he would throw his pacifier, puppy and Thomas pillow out of the bed and start crying. I would put them back in, and talk to him. After an hour, I told him if he did it again he would get his hands spanked. That threat didn't work, so spanks happened. I am so so so tired of this. This weekend, we are putting the toddler bed up. Hopefully this will help keep my sanity.
12. I am on day 21 of P90X and LOVE it. Love Love Love it. And sometimes Jon and I work out together. I never thought I would work out with Jon. (Wendi, stop laughing).
13. I can't wait to start getting busyer with the photography business. It was a great break, but ready to start up again.
14. On my reading list: "Longing for More: A Woman's Journey to Transformation in Christ," "Women in the Church," "Sacred Marriage," "Red Hot Monogamy", and reading the Bible through again in 2012. What is on your reading list?
For the sake of my cold hands, this blog is done. Love to you!!
Friday, November 25, 2011
November 24
On thanksgiving Day, should I write a "more thankful than average post?" Let me just type and we can see what comes out, ok? :) Deal. Because it's my blog, I can type what I want.
I am thankful for a bathroom in our bedroom. This will only last one more day, but it is so wonderful to climb out of bed and walk right into the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. It is such motivation. I love it, even if it is just our vacation room.
I am thankful for Krista. A friend that I love deeply and have been walking through life with since college. I sat on the couch while everyone was watching football today and wrote her a really long letter. I am so glad that we are still writing letters to each other and pouring our hearts to each other.
I am extremely thankful for Ruth Hayley Barton--an author that is kicking my butt. I am finishing up a book of hers, and it is a very hard read. I read a chapter tonight that I just wanted to throw across the room, because I knew if I applied the truths in that chapter it would be a lot of hard and painful work. I am not sure if I want to do it. Even though this is frustrating, I am thankful that God uses people in my life to challenge me, even if they are authors I have never met.
I am thankful for the text that Wendi sent me today. I am very grateful for her friendship and our chance meeting. So glad that God brought us together and looking forward to many years of life together.
I am thankful for my sister in law. I am thankful that I can count on her texts making me smile during some hard times. I am thankful that we are coming together as family, and not just "Jon's brother's, girlfriend." (Er....now wife.....but when I first met her).
I am grateful that I have a job that I love, a job that is flexible, a job that has eternal meaning, a job that brings such joy to my life.
I am grateful for my external bounce flash. Taking pictures inside are much easier with my bounce flash pointed at the ceiling.
I am thankful for a chance to go to bed early today.
Thank you Lord, forgiving me so much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for a bathroom in our bedroom. This will only last one more day, but it is so wonderful to climb out of bed and walk right into the bathroom to shower and get ready for the day. It is such motivation. I love it, even if it is just our vacation room.
I am thankful for Krista. A friend that I love deeply and have been walking through life with since college. I sat on the couch while everyone was watching football today and wrote her a really long letter. I am so glad that we are still writing letters to each other and pouring our hearts to each other.
I am extremely thankful for Ruth Hayley Barton--an author that is kicking my butt. I am finishing up a book of hers, and it is a very hard read. I read a chapter tonight that I just wanted to throw across the room, because I knew if I applied the truths in that chapter it would be a lot of hard and painful work. I am not sure if I want to do it. Even though this is frustrating, I am thankful that God uses people in my life to challenge me, even if they are authors I have never met.
I am thankful for the text that Wendi sent me today. I am very grateful for her friendship and our chance meeting. So glad that God brought us together and looking forward to many years of life together.
I am thankful for my sister in law. I am thankful that I can count on her texts making me smile during some hard times. I am thankful that we are coming together as family, and not just "Jon's brother's, girlfriend." (Er....now wife.....but when I first met her).
I am grateful that I have a job that I love, a job that is flexible, a job that has eternal meaning, a job that brings such joy to my life.
I am grateful for my external bounce flash. Taking pictures inside are much easier with my bounce flash pointed at the ceiling.
I am thankful for a chance to go to bed early today.
Thank you Lord, forgiving me so much to be thankful for.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Novemeber 20
This morning, our church had a ministry spotlight on InterVarsity.
I am thankful for a church that is faithfully encouraging me and praying for me as I work among college students.
I am thankful for Grace, who shared among the church about what God is doing among the students at Albion College.
I am grateful for what God is doing among students. I am so thankful for His work. It is crazy to see, and I am so awestruck. I am thankful that God has asked me to partner with Him.
And just in case you wanted to see a picture of what God is doing on campus, here ya go....
I am thankful for a church that is faithfully encouraging me and praying for me as I work among college students.
I am thankful for Grace, who shared among the church about what God is doing among the students at Albion College.
I am grateful for what God is doing among students. I am so thankful for His work. It is crazy to see, and I am so awestruck. I am thankful that God has asked me to partner with Him.
And just in case you wanted to see a picture of what God is doing on campus, here ya go....
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
November 16
Today I am grateful for my staff meeting. I am grateful for the organization that I work for.
Our staff meeting today was training on longevity in ministry. It was, in so many ways so so good. There was a time of teaching and a time of journaling, back and forth 3 times. Um, yes! Exactly how my brain works. It was also so so hard. It forced me to confront some issues that I have been putting aside, sweeping under the rug and running from. That wasn't so fun, but I am leaning into the work that Jesus is doing in my heart. Not fun, but good.
I am thankful for the community that I have with InterVarsity staff. There are few people in this world that I can be transparent with and one specific colleague is a person that asks specific questions, challenges me, and encourages me. Over lunch she was asking me how I have been doing practicing my spiritual gifts. I love that a) she asks those questions, b) that we have a relationship where she knows what my gifts are, c) that she keeps me accountable and d) that she cares whether or not I am working in my giftings.
Jon and I were working with a student tonight, having a tough conversation. I was so grateful that I can be in ministry with my husband. Grateful for the work that God has done in the life of my husband.
Thank you Jesus!!
Our staff meeting today was training on longevity in ministry. It was, in so many ways so so good. There was a time of teaching and a time of journaling, back and forth 3 times. Um, yes! Exactly how my brain works. It was also so so hard. It forced me to confront some issues that I have been putting aside, sweeping under the rug and running from. That wasn't so fun, but I am leaning into the work that Jesus is doing in my heart. Not fun, but good.
I am thankful for the community that I have with InterVarsity staff. There are few people in this world that I can be transparent with and one specific colleague is a person that asks specific questions, challenges me, and encourages me. Over lunch she was asking me how I have been doing practicing my spiritual gifts. I love that a) she asks those questions, b) that we have a relationship where she knows what my gifts are, c) that she keeps me accountable and d) that she cares whether or not I am working in my giftings.
Jon and I were working with a student tonight, having a tough conversation. I was so grateful that I can be in ministry with my husband. Grateful for the work that God has done in the life of my husband.
Thank you Jesus!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
November 14
Thankful for sleeping in. I don't know the last time that I have done, and I am not sure when I will be able to do it again.
Thankful that the Lord gives rest to those He loves, and that taking a sabbath is a command. A command that is hard to follow through, but one that I fully enjoy.
Thankful that I could meet my mom and my grandma halfway, at the airport today to pick up Caleb. Which makes me thankful that my parents watched Caleb for the weekend.
Thankful for the Gospel, and how it impacted a student tonight. I don't know that I have ever shared so passionately, but God spoke through me. It was great to see things click and for her to have an even clearly picture of God's heart.
Thankful for students who want to know God's heart, and want to pursue it.
Thankful for students that want to end sex trafficking.
Thankful for new faces at InterVarsity tonight.
Thankful for some men wanting to lead with IV.
Going to bed with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Thankful that the Lord gives rest to those He loves, and that taking a sabbath is a command. A command that is hard to follow through, but one that I fully enjoy.
Thankful that I could meet my mom and my grandma halfway, at the airport today to pick up Caleb. Which makes me thankful that my parents watched Caleb for the weekend.
Thankful for the Gospel, and how it impacted a student tonight. I don't know that I have ever shared so passionately, but God spoke through me. It was great to see things click and for her to have an even clearly picture of God's heart.
Thankful for students who want to know God's heart, and want to pursue it.
Thankful for students that want to end sex trafficking.
Thankful for new faces at InterVarsity tonight.
Thankful for some men wanting to lead with IV.
Going to bed with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
November 13
My third favorite day of the year.
Today it was extra special. It was fun to celebrate with 700 of my closest friends. It was meaningful to see Albion students step out in God's call in mission. It was fun to hear my brother in law wish me "Happy Birthday" no less than 15 times. I am grateful for a dinner for 2 at Outback after Compelling with my husband--even if I did leave him there (we drove separate) because I fell asleep on the table. I am grateful that God grants rest for the ones He loves.
I am grateful for the song that the Spirit won't let leave my heart, mind and soul today. "There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain." I am so grateful that through my tears, I have the hope in His power.
Preach.
Today it was extra special. It was fun to celebrate with 700 of my closest friends. It was meaningful to see Albion students step out in God's call in mission. It was fun to hear my brother in law wish me "Happy Birthday" no less than 15 times. I am grateful for a dinner for 2 at Outback after Compelling with my husband--even if I did leave him there (we drove separate) because I fell asleep on the table. I am grateful that God grants rest for the ones He loves.
I am grateful for the song that the Spirit won't let leave my heart, mind and soul today. "There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain." I am so grateful that through my tears, I have the hope in His power.
Preach.
November 12
How can I possibly explain what God is doing in the lives of 700 college students across the state of Michigan today? I am not going to try. I will never do it justice. God, may you get all the glory!!
Today, I am grateful for God's call on my life. I am grateful that He is teaching me how to teach, that He has placed great coaches and trainers in my life to help me get to the next step. I am grateful for the men and women who have gone before me in this process.
Today, I am grateful for God's call on my life. I am grateful that He is teaching me how to teach, that He has placed great coaches and trainers in my life to help me get to the next step. I am grateful for the men and women who have gone before me in this process.
November 11
11-11-11
A day that I have been spending months preparing for and praying for.
Thankful that it is here! Thankful for the way God has sustained me. Thankful for how God has worked in me, and hoping that He will work through me.
Thankful for the start of Compelling2011!
A day that I have been spending months preparing for and praying for.
Thankful that it is here! Thankful for the way God has sustained me. Thankful for how God has worked in me, and hoping that He will work through me.
Thankful for the start of Compelling2011!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
November 8
From the time I woke up today until the late hours into the night, the Lord has reminded me of how much He has given me and how much I have to be thankful for.
Yesterday I was feeling really sick to my stomach. Today...much better. I am thankful that I can eat again!
I have loads and loads of laundry that need to be put away. I am thankful that I have loads and loads of laundry. I am grateful for my drawers that are full and a full closest. I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer.
I am grateful for the pile of dishes in my sink right now. It means that my family had enough food to eat today. I am also grateful that I am going to go put them all in the dishwasher and I don't need to wash them by hand.
I am thankful for the joy that an afternoon cup of coffee brought me.
I am thankful that God blessed us enough that we could give some significant money away this afternoon to World Vision, and 4 missionaries. It's all His money anyways, we are just to be stewards of it.
I am thankful that I heard Caleb's first words when he woke up from his nap today.... singing the ABC's.
I am thankful that I have a little boy that climbs on me and tells me, "Mumma nuggle peez." (Mumma, Snuggle please:)
I am thankful that I have two computers. When my laptop was dying today, I didn't have to get upset, just had to save my work, email it to myself and work on the desktop.
I am thankful that Jon took Lila crazy dog on a run today. She is sleeping soundly.
I am thankful at the sheer level of productivity that I have had today. I have no idea where it came from, but I want more of it:)
I am thankful for my brother in law. Just found out some things about his life, and this man is a man after God's heart. A man of integrity. I am grateful that I am related to him.
I am grateful for FSB. Don't know him? If you work with InterVarsity, then you know what I mean:) This man has the craziest schedule I have ever seen. He is always doing something, always has another project, is always traveling. In the last few months he has come alongside of me, coaching me on how to write a track for a conference from scratch. He has prayed for me, he has encouraged me, he has challenged me and he has sent me back to the drawing board causing many revisions. I am grateful for the way he has poured into me and the way he has sought my own staff development this year. I am so excited for Compelling. It is so soon. I am excited to try this new track out, and see what students think, to help them engage with God through the scriptures and to equip them for manuscript study. FSB has had a very large role in making the 1 Samuel track happen.
I am thankful that I have a huge mess of a house to go clean up. It means that Caleb had a great time playing with his toys. It means that we have enough "stuff" to have a mess.
Tonight, I am simply going to bed thankful. Thankful for so much.
Yesterday I was feeling really sick to my stomach. Today...much better. I am thankful that I can eat again!
I have loads and loads of laundry that need to be put away. I am thankful that I have loads and loads of laundry. I am grateful for my drawers that are full and a full closest. I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer.
I am grateful for the pile of dishes in my sink right now. It means that my family had enough food to eat today. I am also grateful that I am going to go put them all in the dishwasher and I don't need to wash them by hand.
I am thankful for the joy that an afternoon cup of coffee brought me.
I am thankful that God blessed us enough that we could give some significant money away this afternoon to World Vision, and 4 missionaries. It's all His money anyways, we are just to be stewards of it.
I am thankful that I heard Caleb's first words when he woke up from his nap today.... singing the ABC's.
I am thankful that I have a little boy that climbs on me and tells me, "Mumma nuggle peez." (Mumma, Snuggle please:)
I am thankful that I have two computers. When my laptop was dying today, I didn't have to get upset, just had to save my work, email it to myself and work on the desktop.
I am thankful that Jon took Lila crazy dog on a run today. She is sleeping soundly.
I am thankful at the sheer level of productivity that I have had today. I have no idea where it came from, but I want more of it:)
I am thankful for my brother in law. Just found out some things about his life, and this man is a man after God's heart. A man of integrity. I am grateful that I am related to him.
I am grateful for FSB. Don't know him? If you work with InterVarsity, then you know what I mean:) This man has the craziest schedule I have ever seen. He is always doing something, always has another project, is always traveling. In the last few months he has come alongside of me, coaching me on how to write a track for a conference from scratch. He has prayed for me, he has encouraged me, he has challenged me and he has sent me back to the drawing board causing many revisions. I am grateful for the way he has poured into me and the way he has sought my own staff development this year. I am so excited for Compelling. It is so soon. I am excited to try this new track out, and see what students think, to help them engage with God through the scriptures and to equip them for manuscript study. FSB has had a very large role in making the 1 Samuel track happen.
I am thankful that I have a huge mess of a house to go clean up. It means that Caleb had a great time playing with his toys. It means that we have enough "stuff" to have a mess.
Tonight, I am simply going to bed thankful. Thankful for so much.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
It's a random kind of day
Nothing was on the schedule today. Not that I didn't have to DO anything, but I did not have to rush out of the house for anything, very strange, and definitely strange on a Wednesday.
The day started by turning off my alarm clock on 5:30am. I took the time to sleep a little extra and woke up at 7:30a. Sweet extra sleep. So good. Isn't sleep just as good for the soul as it is for the body?
Caleb and I played, and played and played. We read, we giggled, we tickled. We had a great morning. It was so fun to concentrate on being his mommy.
He is down for a nap, I have some comfy clothes on, coffee in hand, and feel like writing a completely random blog post.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Some students on campus are participating in the One Dress Project. They are wearing one dress for at least a month, some until he new year in order to raise awareness and money about human traffiking. I am so proud of their initiative, of their desire to seek God's justice, of their boldness and hearts. It is definitely, an "I love my job" kind of day.
Speaking of which....I love my job. So many great things are happening on campus, and I get to be part of it! I get to be a part of training students in how to study the Bible inductively. I get to wrestle with students as they are dealing with tough heart issues and road blocks to faith. I get to pray and see answers to prayers. I get to see students gain a heart for the campus, that everyone would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I get o read books as part of my job, because it is classified as training and discipleship. I get to study the Bible for my job. I can work out of my home.....or I don't have to. I have 30 tubs of cookie dough in my fridge because of my job. Just lots to be grateful for!
Next week, my brother in law, who is in InterVarsity student at (cough, cough, insert rival school name, cough, cough)is coming to Albion to share with students how God has changed their InterVarsity chapter through prayer and evangelism. I am excited to hear what he is going to share. I am excited for Albion students to "get it," and to be mobilized in mission.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The photography business......growing like crazy. We met with a business consultant last night and let me say... O V E R M Y H E A D. There is a reason I am not in business. So much to do! But, we are growing and need to be legal, pay taxes, etc, so it is time to start this thing.
There is never NOT something to do with the photography business. Always seem like there is something to edit, a cd to be made, a client to get back to, props to make or buy, research on business planning, etc. Always somethin. I love and hate it. I love that it is growing and is giving me some extra income and allowing me to pursue a passion. Not so excited that I go to bed guilty knowing that I have 2 weddings, to 2 senior sessions to be edited. Not to mention the 5000 pictures of Caleb on my computer that I have never even looked at, let alone edit, because I have to do work pictures first.
The plumber's house always has the leaky faucet, right? :)
________________________________________________________________________________
Currently reading:
Still finishing the Bible------almost through the Old Testament
God on Campus
Longing for More
Women in the Church
Romans
* I could probably write a whole blog post on what I am learning through each of these books*
_______________________________________________________________________________
I love fall.
I love the coolness, the leaves, the clothes, the colors, the flavors. LOVE IT.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Tonight the Strike Team from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City is coming to Albion. Cannot wait. Caleb will be with me, so I imagine that it will be an early night, but still. Cannot wait.
I had a summer goal to make it to the International House of Prayer in Elkhart, IN, but for reasons beyond my control, could not make it there this summer. Who wants to go with me this year? On a Tuesday night I believe.....
________________________________________________________________________________
I really like coupon shopping.
________________________________________________________________________________
Caleb is huge.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Hello, my name is Kristin, and I am addicted to Pinterest.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The randomness, must come to an end.
The day started by turning off my alarm clock on 5:30am. I took the time to sleep a little extra and woke up at 7:30a. Sweet extra sleep. So good. Isn't sleep just as good for the soul as it is for the body?
Caleb and I played, and played and played. We read, we giggled, we tickled. We had a great morning. It was so fun to concentrate on being his mommy.
He is down for a nap, I have some comfy clothes on, coffee in hand, and feel like writing a completely random blog post.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Some students on campus are participating in the One Dress Project. They are wearing one dress for at least a month, some until he new year in order to raise awareness and money about human traffiking. I am so proud of their initiative, of their desire to seek God's justice, of their boldness and hearts. It is definitely, an "I love my job" kind of day.
Speaking of which....I love my job. So many great things are happening on campus, and I get to be part of it! I get to be a part of training students in how to study the Bible inductively. I get to wrestle with students as they are dealing with tough heart issues and road blocks to faith. I get to pray and see answers to prayers. I get to see students gain a heart for the campus, that everyone would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. I get o read books as part of my job, because it is classified as training and discipleship. I get to study the Bible for my job. I can work out of my home.....or I don't have to. I have 30 tubs of cookie dough in my fridge because of my job. Just lots to be grateful for!
Next week, my brother in law, who is in InterVarsity student at (cough, cough, insert rival school name, cough, cough)is coming to Albion to share with students how God has changed their InterVarsity chapter through prayer and evangelism. I am excited to hear what he is going to share. I am excited for Albion students to "get it," and to be mobilized in mission.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The photography business......growing like crazy. We met with a business consultant last night and let me say... O V E R M Y H E A D. There is a reason I am not in business. So much to do! But, we are growing and need to be legal, pay taxes, etc, so it is time to start this thing.
There is never NOT something to do with the photography business. Always seem like there is something to edit, a cd to be made, a client to get back to, props to make or buy, research on business planning, etc. Always somethin. I love and hate it. I love that it is growing and is giving me some extra income and allowing me to pursue a passion. Not so excited that I go to bed guilty knowing that I have 2 weddings, to 2 senior sessions to be edited. Not to mention the 5000 pictures of Caleb on my computer that I have never even looked at, let alone edit, because I have to do work pictures first.
The plumber's house always has the leaky faucet, right? :)
________________________________________________________________________________
Currently reading:
Still finishing the Bible------almost through the Old Testament
God on Campus
Longing for More
Women in the Church
Romans
* I could probably write a whole blog post on what I am learning through each of these books*
_______________________________________________________________________________
I love fall.
I love the coolness, the leaves, the clothes, the colors, the flavors. LOVE IT.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Tonight the Strike Team from the International House of Prayer in Kansas City is coming to Albion. Cannot wait. Caleb will be with me, so I imagine that it will be an early night, but still. Cannot wait.
I had a summer goal to make it to the International House of Prayer in Elkhart, IN, but for reasons beyond my control, could not make it there this summer. Who wants to go with me this year? On a Tuesday night I believe.....
________________________________________________________________________________
I really like coupon shopping.
________________________________________________________________________________
Caleb is huge.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Hello, my name is Kristin, and I am addicted to Pinterest.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The randomness, must come to an end.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Just a little picture of what I do and why I do it!
Transform-Renew-Change from InterVarsity twentyonehundred on Vimeo.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Traverse Vacation: Wedding Edition (Part 2)
The real reason we went to Traverse City was for a wedding of an Albion
InterVarsity student who graduated in May. We met some other Albion
students up there and had a great time!  | |
| Table favors--little jars of jam |
 |
| I believe that Becca said she was trying to be Asian here..... |
 |
| Cara! Your eyes, beautiful!! |
 |
| The happy couple |
 |
| The other happy couple |
 |
| Becca, do you need help working the camera? Doesn't she look cute rockin the side pony? |
 |
| Awwww. Some of my favorite girls (and Jon) |
 |
| Cara and Jon |
 |
| My attempt at being a paparazzi |
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Ending the night on a very very good note
These days have been long and tiring. The past few have been someone difficult as I figure out a schedule for our family, process through some of what the Lord is showing me and walking obedience that is simply terrifying at times. I didn't even want to start today, because I knew what was ahead. I knew that there could be some hard conversations with students, I knew that I would be on campus until 9pm at the earliest and would have to come home and put in a few hours of work and my house is...well, you can tell it is NSO season.
And yet.
What a fabulous day.
So different than I had anticipated.
Difficult small group leaders meeting as we wrestled with scripture and what God might be saying. I had to eat some humble pie during this time. Lord, are you REALLY leading us to step out in faith this way. (I know the answer is yes, but I am hoping that if I keep asking God will change His mind. It works that way, right?)
In spite of the above, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that God has allowed me to partner with Him in His work There is nothing about me that is good that deserves this. I am so grateful for the students I work with. I am constantly blessed and humbled by them.
Ah, the greatness of good conversation.
And then, I had leftovers in my fridge to make some quesadillas for 2 students. A fun impromtu lunch!
Those same students sat on my couch, played guitar and sang for about an hour. Lovely!
Caleb went down for a fabulous nap.
Caleb calls me "George." I have no idea why, but it cracks me up, and I call him George. I think he has started an inside joke with me that I don't know about. Whatever the reason, he gets a pretty big laugh out of me every time he says it.
More greatness....Another great conversation with a student
More greatness....receiving mail from my other half...er....my other 1/3. I went to the mail box today, found a post card from China and Chinese stationary and a card. I simply had to take time to START my letter back to Krista, still not finished. I could write a whole post about Krista and our relationship. Maybe another time. But receiving mail from her....so good. Good news from a distant land.
More greatness......God is working on campus in UNbelievable ways. WOW. I know, vague, right?
More greatness......Jon has had a song idea brewing in his head for months. Tonight, he sat on the couch and played it for me. It is the mesh of two songs and I LOVE it. I love the music, the lyrics, my husband playing it, but most of all I am inspired by his vision of choosing these two songs. It shows me how God is working in His heart and speaking to him through music.
And just as I thought I was going to bed I receive this email from a friend...and cried....because seriously, I am blessed today.
Hey Kristin,
Thinking of you...
3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)
2 I always thank God for ... you, mentioning you in my prayers. 3 I continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 For I know, you Kristin loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers... (I Thess. 1:2-7)
Was sharing a few stories from the past and thought you should know what came to mind. Thanks.
In Christ,
M
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