Monday, December 14, 2009
A season of engagements!
These past several months have been a season of engagements for many couples. There are several of mine and Stevens friends that have gotten engaged lately!! CONGRATS TO ALL!!! yay...very EXCITING time!! Steven and I will be husband and wife...eight months from today!!! I finished up my finals today...so the intense wedding planning can begin. I love the loaded questions that I have gotten the last several months about wedding planning....and my answer has been to every wedding related question... we have a date and I have a dress....that's pretty much all I have done so far. Now that the stresses of school are over for a little while....I shall began to plan!!!!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
AUGUST 14, 2010
Steven & I have set a date for our wedding!!!
We will be getting married August 14, 2010 at Christway Church in Gardendale!!!!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I'M ENGAGED!!!!!!!
As of October 2, 2009 I am an engaged woman!!!!
I am a little behind on posting....it has been a crazy semester.
This weekend I am going to look for a wedding dress and Steven & I are going to nail down a for sure wedding date :) We are so excited!!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Desiring God Blog Post
The Tornado, the Lutherans, and Homosexuality
August 20, 2009 | By: John Piper | Category: Commentary
I saw the fast-moving, misshapen, unusually-wide funnel over downtown Minneapolis from Seven Corners. I said to Kevin Dau, “That looks serious.”
It was. Serious in more ways than one. A friend who drove down to see the damage wrote,
On a day when no severe weather was predicted or expected...a tornado forms, baffling the weather experts—most saying they’ve never seen anything like it. It happens right in the city. The city: Minneapolis.
The tornado happens on a Wednesday...during the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's national convention in the Minneapolis Convention Center. The convention is using Central Lutheran across the street as its church. The church has set up tents around it’s building for this purpose.
According to the ELCA’s printed convention schedule, at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 19, the 5th session of the convention was to begin. The main item of the session: “Consideration: Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality.” The issue is whether practicing homosexuality is a behavior that should disqualify a person from the pastoral ministry.
The eyewitness of the damage continues:
This curious tornado touches down just south of downtown and follows 35W straight towards the city center. It crosses I94. It is now downtown.
The time: 2PM.
The first buildings on the downtown side of I94 are the Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran. The tornado severely damages the convention center roof, shreds the tents, breaks off the steeple of Central Lutheran, splits what’s left of the steeple in two...and then lifts.
Let me venture an interpretation of this Providence with some biblical warrant.
1. The unrepentant practice of homosexual behavior (like other sins) will exclude a person from the kingdom of God.
The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
2. The church has always embraced those who forsake sexual sin but who still struggle with homosexual desires, rejoicing with them that all our fallen, sinful, disordered lives (all of us, no exceptions) are forgiven if we turn to Christ in faith.
Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
3. Therefore, official church pronouncements that condone the very sins that keep people out of the kingdom of God, are evil. They dishonor God, contradict Scripture, and implicitly promote damnation where salvation is freely offered.
4. Jesus Christ controls the wind, including all tornados.
Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41)
5. When asked about a seemingly random calamity near Jerusalem where 18 people were killed, Jesus answered in general terms—an answer that would cover calamities in Minneapolis, Taiwan, or Baghdad. God’s message is repent, because none of us will otherwise escape God’s judgment.
Jesus: “Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)
6. Conclusion: The tornado in Minneapolis was a gentle but firm warning to the ELCA and all of us: Turn from the approval of sin. Turn from the promotion of behaviors that lead to destruction. Reaffirm the great Lutheran heritage of allegiance to the truth and authority of Scripture. Turn back from distorting the grace of God into sensuality. Rejoice in the pardon of the cross of Christ and its power to transform left and right wing sinners.
This post was on John Pipers Desiring God Blog.
August 20, 2009 | By: John Piper | Category: Commentary
I saw the fast-moving, misshapen, unusually-wide funnel over downtown Minneapolis from Seven Corners. I said to Kevin Dau, “That looks serious.”
It was. Serious in more ways than one. A friend who drove down to see the damage wrote,
On a day when no severe weather was predicted or expected...a tornado forms, baffling the weather experts—most saying they’ve never seen anything like it. It happens right in the city. The city: Minneapolis.
The tornado happens on a Wednesday...during the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's national convention in the Minneapolis Convention Center. The convention is using Central Lutheran across the street as its church. The church has set up tents around it’s building for this purpose.
According to the ELCA’s printed convention schedule, at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 19, the 5th session of the convention was to begin. The main item of the session: “Consideration: Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality.” The issue is whether practicing homosexuality is a behavior that should disqualify a person from the pastoral ministry.
The eyewitness of the damage continues:
This curious tornado touches down just south of downtown and follows 35W straight towards the city center. It crosses I94. It is now downtown.
The time: 2PM.
The first buildings on the downtown side of I94 are the Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran. The tornado severely damages the convention center roof, shreds the tents, breaks off the steeple of Central Lutheran, splits what’s left of the steeple in two...and then lifts.
Let me venture an interpretation of this Providence with some biblical warrant.
1. The unrepentant practice of homosexual behavior (like other sins) will exclude a person from the kingdom of God.
The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
2. The church has always embraced those who forsake sexual sin but who still struggle with homosexual desires, rejoicing with them that all our fallen, sinful, disordered lives (all of us, no exceptions) are forgiven if we turn to Christ in faith.
Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
3. Therefore, official church pronouncements that condone the very sins that keep people out of the kingdom of God, are evil. They dishonor God, contradict Scripture, and implicitly promote damnation where salvation is freely offered.
4. Jesus Christ controls the wind, including all tornados.
Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41)
5. When asked about a seemingly random calamity near Jerusalem where 18 people were killed, Jesus answered in general terms—an answer that would cover calamities in Minneapolis, Taiwan, or Baghdad. God’s message is repent, because none of us will otherwise escape God’s judgment.
Jesus: “Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5)
6. Conclusion: The tornado in Minneapolis was a gentle but firm warning to the ELCA and all of us: Turn from the approval of sin. Turn from the promotion of behaviors that lead to destruction. Reaffirm the great Lutheran heritage of allegiance to the truth and authority of Scripture. Turn back from distorting the grace of God into sensuality. Rejoice in the pardon of the cross of Christ and its power to transform left and right wing sinners.
This post was on John Pipers Desiring God Blog.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Romans 1: 18-32
God's Wrath Against Mankind
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Powerful Text to Ponder.
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Powerful Text to Ponder.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Update:
I finished up the summer semester here in Auburn yesterday. I have been frantically studying for the GRE this week. I take it on Monday in Bham. I am so nervous about taking it Eekkk!!! Please keep me in your prayers. This week has been so LONG. Tomorrow after I finish tutoring I am out of here till Tuesday!! Tutoring...yes tutoring. I teach English to 5 Korean individuals. This will carry over into the Fall as my job. It has been a learning experience but also fun. On to other news. Blake moves to Auburn Wednesday. I am really excited about his move. It is going to be a great experience for him...I know he'll do wonderful down here. We will be living together so that should be fun! Thursday Mom and I head out for a much needed girls trip to the beach. We are so excited to get away and relax! Then back to reality with school starting back up on the 17Th.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Rascal Flatts
Steven surprised me with Rascal Flatts tickets. We went to Atlanta to see them last Friday night. It was so much FUN!!!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
When we are weak...He is STRONG!!
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
QUESTION: How many times have you talked to God about whats going on in your life? About your trial? Heartaches? Pain? THORNS?
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
QUESTION: How many times have you talked to God about whats going on in your life? About your trial? Heartaches? Pain? THORNS?
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Joy
What is it? Lately, this word has continued to come up in different readings, conversation, and even in our scripture memorization this past week at church. The passage was from James 1: 2-4 " Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (NIV) James is talking about JOY with trials? For a long time I thought joy was a feeling that you felt or expressed only when you were happy. Hmm...Not real sure I'm always happy when trails come my way. So what is up with this JOY word? Oh wait....its a fruit of the spirit...even better! Galatians 5:22 " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..."
I like the way Eliza Morgan from TCW put it. Talking about the difference between happiness and joy. " Where happiness is circumstantial, joy is not. Joy is more than happiness. The Old Testament describes joy as a quality of life as well as an emotion. The spontaneous songs of worship contained in the Psalms illustrate this kind of joy. Joy is something deep that celebrates God's character despite the circumstances. Joy is about God and his character-and what we really believe about him. Such joy is more than the happiness that happens when life happens to go the way we want. Joy reveals to us what we believe about God to those who are watching and wondering how we'll respond when life happens to let us down."
I would like to introduce you to Rachel a lady that exemplified JOY perfectly. I ran across her website earlier today. The name of her site is Death is not Dying..a faith that saves. On her site www.deathisnotdying.com there was a video clip of her speaking to a group of women. I listened to her speak about the trial of being diagnosed a second time with terminal cancer. She is a wife and mother of two very small children. She knows she has weeks to live. As I listened to this woman it became very clear that she was representing the epitome of JOY. If you have time I recommend listening to the last fifteen minutes of her talk.
So joy is more than an emotion. It is in my words being content knowing God and where He has you despite the circumstance. We live in a fallen world. We are going to experience trials of hardship and pain. When faced with these trials will we have joy in the midst?
I like the way Eliza Morgan from TCW put it. Talking about the difference between happiness and joy. " Where happiness is circumstantial, joy is not. Joy is more than happiness. The Old Testament describes joy as a quality of life as well as an emotion. The spontaneous songs of worship contained in the Psalms illustrate this kind of joy. Joy is something deep that celebrates God's character despite the circumstances. Joy is about God and his character-and what we really believe about him. Such joy is more than the happiness that happens when life happens to go the way we want. Joy reveals to us what we believe about God to those who are watching and wondering how we'll respond when life happens to let us down."
I would like to introduce you to Rachel a lady that exemplified JOY perfectly. I ran across her website earlier today. The name of her site is Death is not Dying..a faith that saves. On her site www.deathisnotdying.com there was a video clip of her speaking to a group of women. I listened to her speak about the trial of being diagnosed a second time with terminal cancer. She is a wife and mother of two very small children. She knows she has weeks to live. As I listened to this woman it became very clear that she was representing the epitome of JOY. If you have time I recommend listening to the last fifteen minutes of her talk.
So joy is more than an emotion. It is in my words being content knowing God and where He has you despite the circumstance. We live in a fallen world. We are going to experience trials of hardship and pain. When faced with these trials will we have joy in the midst?
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The end is in sight....
Tomorrow will be my last day of classes here at the Institute. Wow...it has been an amazing journey! The Lord has taught me so much personally...I can't wait to get back and tell people about this journey. I have been terrible about blogging this semester. Time just hasn't been on my side....
Last night we had our last small group meeting. Being apart of that small group has been a vital piece of the refining process I've been walking through. Every week we check in with everyone before we get started. Checking in is just telling everyone how your week has been and just where your at. Everyone went around and was talking about how they were sad it was over and that they are scared about going back etc..
As it got to me I just gave three adjectives Ready-Enjoying-Depending. I said you know it may sound bad but I am actually READY to go back. This has been an amazing season. I have come out here and received extraordinary teaching, spiritual growth, and amazing authentic community. It has been a great sabbatical of equipping and refining. I am now equipped to go back. I know that my life is back in Alabama right now. I am ready to go and be Salt & Light. I am ready to share the knowledge I have gained over the semester. I also talked about what the Lord is teaching me now. I have been seeking the Lord for a need that I know only He will answer and it has put me in a place of dependence on Him. This is very hard for our flesh to relinquish control and just give it all to the Lord. So I am practicing everyday by laying my will and my actions down at the feet of the cross. I ended it with just talking about Enjoying where the Lord has me right now and what He is doing in my life.
So the end is near....
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I want to learn how to swim......
Today we had a guest speaker in class. He told his testimony about coming out of homosexuality. It was powerful! He ended with this video. The video doesn't say but the Dad didn't know how to swim before the triathlon so he told his son " I will learn to swim". I want to learn how to swim.....to carry someone across the finish line of life. Wow..what a great imagery of Christ....how he carries us! Relationships are so important who's life are we investing in and helping them run the race { whether it is running beside them, walking with them, picking them up when they fall, or literally carrying them}????
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
St. Mary's Glacier
Saturday a group of the FFI students went up to St. Mary's Glacier to snowshoe. It was a blast. It was about a mile hike to the base of the glacier and then about another mile up the glacier. I love a good physical challenge and it was indeed that. The scenery was absolutely amazing!!
This week has started off good so far. Busy! Today I met with one of my professors and it was very refreshing. I am so excited about Spring break next week. I can't wait to see my family and Steven. It has been way to long since I have seen them. It is a much needed week.
A plug for the Institute. This week on the broadcast they are talking about the Institute. Everyone should listen. www.focusonthefamily.com
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Soli Deo Gloria
Today has been a very stimulating day. Good but just packed full with information. This morning for Dr. Tacketts class we had two guest speakers from Focus. One talked about stem cell research and the other about homosexuality. I'm sure many are aware of the news this week with Obama reversing Bush's restrictions on stem cell research. Stem cell research is not beneficial nor necessary. Mr. Haley talked about the basic perspective of homosexuals today. He made us aware of all the false information we are receiving from the gay community that so many are unaware of. He also showed some very disturbing videos of how people are trying to equalize homosexuality with heterosexuality in the school system to students as young as first grade. I was appalled at what kids are being exposed to and being taught as 'truth' which is so far away from the truth.
I guess I say all of this because as Christians (myself included) and the Church. What are we doing to speak out and reach out to the hurting whether it is a mother who just had a abortion or a homosexual? We are quick to judge but how quick are we to love and love as Christ did? Tolerance is so normal now. This is not something that should be accepted in the Christian community. We should stand up for what is RIGHT in a whimsical way and show love and compassion to those hurting. I feel we need to be more proactive in what we are teaching and saying to children at home. As parents there is a calling to protect your kids. That means standing up to school boards and letting them know you want go for false teaching to be taught to your child. I'm not a parent yet but I feel this is such a high calling that is being replaced with daycares and busyness that we forget to observe and sensor what our children are being taught. I guess I'm just saying we can't look down on our kids or others if we are not willing to stand up and doing something about it. I feel such a need for the Christian community to be aware of the issues of abortion, homosexuality, pornography, stem cell research, as well as many other topics that we don't like to talk about in our churches. Who better than us Christians to help those people and show them there is HOPE. We can't wait for other people to do it. I feel it is my responsibility just as yours to be PROACTIVE.
On a lighter note; us students sat in on a broadcast today with Dr. Juli Slattery, Dr. Bill Myer, and their two guest authors Dr. Conway and Jada Edwards. The topic of the broadcast was dating/courtship. It was very interesting to listen to all the different perspectives. They talked a lot about the season of singleness. I was able to ask a question during the broadcast ( so listen for me on the radio in June) about the issue of a woman prompting vs. leading conversation with the male she is dating or engaged to. Their answers were great. I really enjoyed the broadcast it gave me confirmations, questions, and great information about dating.
After the broadcast I had practicum. Every Wednesday we have a group meeting for about two hours with everyone in the counseling practicum. In Wednesday's meeting we typically learn about different situations that you will come across in the counseling room. We have talked about domestic violence, eating disorders, had trauma debriefing, family of origin, and today reactive attachment disorder. I didn't really know much about RAD. RAD is a very interesting and traumatic disorder for many.
As you can tell I have had an abundance of information thrown at me today. Do you ever feel like on my goodness I just want to know so much more about a particular subject? That is the way I feel about every subject that I learned about today. Just tell me more ;)
I guess I say all of this because as Christians (myself included) and the Church. What are we doing to speak out and reach out to the hurting whether it is a mother who just had a abortion or a homosexual? We are quick to judge but how quick are we to love and love as Christ did? Tolerance is so normal now. This is not something that should be accepted in the Christian community. We should stand up for what is RIGHT in a whimsical way and show love and compassion to those hurting. I feel we need to be more proactive in what we are teaching and saying to children at home. As parents there is a calling to protect your kids. That means standing up to school boards and letting them know you want go for false teaching to be taught to your child. I'm not a parent yet but I feel this is such a high calling that is being replaced with daycares and busyness that we forget to observe and sensor what our children are being taught. I guess I'm just saying we can't look down on our kids or others if we are not willing to stand up and doing something about it. I feel such a need for the Christian community to be aware of the issues of abortion, homosexuality, pornography, stem cell research, as well as many other topics that we don't like to talk about in our churches. Who better than us Christians to help those people and show them there is HOPE. We can't wait for other people to do it. I feel it is my responsibility just as yours to be PROACTIVE.
On a lighter note; us students sat in on a broadcast today with Dr. Juli Slattery, Dr. Bill Myer, and their two guest authors Dr. Conway and Jada Edwards. The topic of the broadcast was dating/courtship. It was very interesting to listen to all the different perspectives. They talked a lot about the season of singleness. I was able to ask a question during the broadcast ( so listen for me on the radio in June) about the issue of a woman prompting vs. leading conversation with the male she is dating or engaged to. Their answers were great. I really enjoyed the broadcast it gave me confirmations, questions, and great information about dating.
After the broadcast I had practicum. Every Wednesday we have a group meeting for about two hours with everyone in the counseling practicum. In Wednesday's meeting we typically learn about different situations that you will come across in the counseling room. We have talked about domestic violence, eating disorders, had trauma debriefing, family of origin, and today reactive attachment disorder. I didn't really know much about RAD. RAD is a very interesting and traumatic disorder for many.
As you can tell I have had an abundance of information thrown at me today. Do you ever feel like on my goodness I just want to know so much more about a particular subject? That is the way I feel about every subject that I learned about today. Just tell me more ;)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Mission statement for Marriage and Family Class
WHO AM I?
• I am nothing apart from Christ.
• I am a child of the King.
• I am struggling to be REAL.
• I am journeyer… Discovering more of who God is.
• I am seeking the will of God.
• I am learning to rely on Christ.
• I am in a personal relationship with Yahweh.
• I am not running away.
Vision
I have dedicated and continue to live my life to the GLORY OF GOD. I am a young woman searching for more of who God is. I am determined to live my life in reflection to my Heavenly Father’s ultimate will. I am aware this road is going to be rough and very difficult at times but I know I serve a God who is alive and working in my life at all times. I pray for continuous vulnerability, brokenness, and exposure. I want to be as transparent as possible living a life blameless and reverent before my one true Savior. I want to find myself constantly gazing on the face of God. A renewing of my mind is essential in my daily walk. The ultimate thing that I always have to remember is….IT’S NOT ABOUT ME…..IT’S ABOUT CHRIST WHO LIVES IN ME!!!!!
Verses to live by
• …..; apart from me you can do NOTHING. John 15:5b
• Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: Psalm 37:5
• The heavens declare the GLORY OF GOD; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
• Declare the GLORY among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For GREAT is the Lord and most WORTHY of praise; he is to be FEARED above all gods. 1 Chronicles 16: 24
• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
• I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Many of God's leadings will require you to choose between being comfortable and building a godly character, amassing money and seeking first God's kingdom, being a winner in the world's eyes and being a winner in God's eyes.- Bill Hybels
• I am nothing apart from Christ.
• I am a child of the King.
• I am struggling to be REAL.
• I am journeyer… Discovering more of who God is.
• I am seeking the will of God.
• I am learning to rely on Christ.
• I am in a personal relationship with Yahweh.
• I am not running away.
Vision
I have dedicated and continue to live my life to the GLORY OF GOD. I am a young woman searching for more of who God is. I am determined to live my life in reflection to my Heavenly Father’s ultimate will. I am aware this road is going to be rough and very difficult at times but I know I serve a God who is alive and working in my life at all times. I pray for continuous vulnerability, brokenness, and exposure. I want to be as transparent as possible living a life blameless and reverent before my one true Savior. I want to find myself constantly gazing on the face of God. A renewing of my mind is essential in my daily walk. The ultimate thing that I always have to remember is….IT’S NOT ABOUT ME…..IT’S ABOUT CHRIST WHO LIVES IN ME!!!!!
Verses to live by
• …..; apart from me you can do NOTHING. John 15:5b
• Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: Psalm 37:5
• The heavens declare the GLORY OF GOD; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
• Declare the GLORY among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For GREAT is the Lord and most WORTHY of praise; he is to be FEARED above all gods. 1 Chronicles 16: 24
• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
• I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Many of God's leadings will require you to choose between being comfortable and building a godly character, amassing money and seeking first God's kingdom, being a winner in the world's eyes and being a winner in God's eyes.- Bill Hybels
Baptized a year yesterday
On March 9, 2008 I was baptized at Lakeview. That was one year ago yesterday. As I laid in bed Sunday night thinking about things, it hit me that it had been one year. I can honestly say my baptism means more to be today then it did a year ago. This has been an amazing year in the Lord. Some people might ask why I waited till I was twenty to be baptized. Well as a young child I just never realized the importance or felt like I had to. Last spring I was walking through several different things in my walk with the Lord. One was obedience to go before Lakeview and ask to be baptized. My flesh of course didn't want to do this because I knew people would be looking at me saying now why hasn't she been baptized already since she has been a believer for so long. I can still remember everything about March 9 of last year. I have just come to rejoice in Christ and His work in my life and the lives of people around me. He is truly amazing and I'm so blessed to be a child of His.
Here are some pictures from Pulpit rock here in the Springs a couple of days ago. Ashley and I went there to read and enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather.
Snowboarding on Saturday
This past Saturday all FFI students went to Cooper Mountain for a day of skiing/snowboarding. The weather was awful. It snowed really bad which made it hard to see snowboarding down the mountain. It was very cold to say the least. I have finally mastered snowboarding. Oh my goodness it is toooo much FUN!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Dr. Dobson steps down
James Dobson resigns as Focus on the Family chair
By ERIC GORSKI – 6 days ago
DENVER (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that James Dobson has resigned as chairman of the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family.
Jim Daly, president and chief executive officer of the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based ministry, said Friday that Dobson will continue to host the organization's flagship radio program and speak out on moral issues.
The departure of the 72-year-old Dobson as board chairman is part of a succession plan. He founded the group in 1977.
Dobson began relinquishing control of the group six years ago by stepping down as president and CEO.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Last Friday at chapel Dr. Dobson stepped down. It was a very momentous moment for the ministry. Dr. Dobson is such a class act. I really admire him and Shirley for recognizing it is time to step down and handing the reigns over. The new President and CEO Jim Daly is an amazing man. I got to meet him a couple of weeks ago and he is just a great great man. The ministry is in excellent hands. I am so excited to see where the ministry is headed. I know the Lord has great things in store for it.
Snowboarding
This past weekend I went snowboarding for the first time. It was so much fun but so tiring. I have never snow skied or snowboarded. So since I have wake boarded I thought I would try snowboarding. I LOVE a challenge!!! I went with Ashley (another student here at the Institute from Auburn) and some of her friends that are here in CO doing an internship. There was eight of us that went up to the mountains. Five of us were snowboarding for the first time. So we were all learning together. It was so much FUN! I fell so much...I'm still sore from the trip last Saturday. We are going snowboarding again this weekend to Copper Mountain with FFI. I'm super excited!
One sad report about our trip. Danny one of the guys that went with us fell on the last run of the day and broke his arm :(
Caving in Canon City, Colorado
I am having an AMAZING opportunity to be part of the Counseling practicum here at Focus. I am learning so much. If this was the only thing that I came to Focus for it would be totally worth it. I'm telling you....this is a great opportunity. I am learning so much about counseling. So two weekends ago the counseling department took us caving. The caving was not for fun but it was to show us and teach us about experimental therapy.
Our guide Tim( our supervisor and counselor at Focus) use to work for a Psychiatric Hospital and would take his patients to the cave for experimental therapy. So we got to go and experience what a therapy session in the cave would look like. We were all kind of skittish upon going in. Once we got in the cave that we entered through a very small whole in the side of a cliff. We got in and met in the front of the cave so our eyes could get adjusted. After that we slid down an area and came to another part where we turned our head lamps off. Turning our head lamps off we talked about how we felt being in the total dark. He was teaching us to retrain our brains to understand that dark is not always associated with bad. To some people being in the dark is a terrible fear. Although we were in the dark we were safe so he says this is a great way to retrain our brains to thinking about being in the dark. After we did that we started going through the cave. I'm not going to lie I was a little uncomfortable. We got to a spot where honestly I have no idea how we got threw it. It looked like I was trying to go through the size of a toilet bowl space. Very small! I made it through but was very scared. All along the way Tim was being very good about walking us through what we were doing and being ok with it. So we get to the other side of this hole and we get to explore the rest of the cave on our own for a little while. Jessy and I paired off and wanted to do the most difficult space first.
This space was very hard for me. You had to lay on your side with one hand forward and slide through a body length hole on your side. You couldn't lay down flat and you couldn't raise up. It was so tight and hard. I really had a hard time with this space b/c it reminded me of a story that I heard about my Pap going through a tunnel in Vietnam and the tunnel only being big enough for him and he knew if anyone was in that tunnel with him then someone was going to die. It was hard to think about that. What a brave man my Pap was. I miss him like crazy!!!
After we made it through that hard spot we went to the next place. This place was physically challenging. We climbed up the side of this rock and then had to lay down on our bellies and slide under a rock overhead with a cliff to my right. Now this was very difficult because I had to make sure my hands and feet were in the right places at all times. So I had to really connect with my body to be safe and to conquer the space. I made it but it was definitely challenging.
This caving trip was awesome. I walked away from it learning actually things that I could also apply to my life. The whole time we were in the cave Tim kept empathizing the importance of keeping our emotions in the present and not letting them drift to the future which causes anxiety. So in the moments where the spaces was very small and I didn't feel like I was going to make it...I just kept telling myself...ok Destinee right now at this point you are ok...you are safe and you are not in danger. Actually telling myself this and focusing on the present I was able to control my emotions and make it through the cave. This was a great experience but I honestly can say I don't think I would do it again :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hello Hello..
I have been really busy and stressed this week. I apologize for not being able to blog and keep everyone up to date on what's going on out here in Colorado. The sun is shining and there's a slight breeze which equals perfect weather. That is one thing I have loved about being out here is the weather. The sun is always shining!!
Today the counseling practicum is going caving. I'm a little nervous because I don't really know what to expect. Hopefully I'll have some time later on this weekend to fill you in on some class content that we covered this week. I attached some pictures of a tour I took at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.
Monday, February 16, 2009
............
" For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord," and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, " and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." -Jeremiah 29:11-14
Often times verse eleven is quoted by itself. I think at some point in our walk we are all guilty of quoting it by itself. The following verses intrigue me. " Then you will call upon me" hmmm....and then he goes on to say that " I will be found by you". Amazing that we are to seek him and that by us seeking him he will find us.
Often times verse eleven is quoted by itself. I think at some point in our walk we are all guilty of quoting it by itself. The following verses intrigue me. " Then you will call upon me" hmmm....and then he goes on to say that " I will be found by you". Amazing that we are to seek him and that by us seeking him he will find us.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
An Evening of Elegance
Thursday night we had a night of pampering. The guys at FFI hand delivered us invitations about a week ago inviting us to an evening of elegance. We were instructed to dress our best and be prepared to be served. We arrived at FFI and there was a group of boys valet parking. The doors were opened for us and we were escorted by a guy(Scott) to the International ballroom. Once we got there we had one of the guys( Bill) find our table number and then we were escorted in by Cam. They took our jackets and we were lead into the ballroom. The room was dark with christmas lights around the side. The tables were decorated with red, white, and candlelight. It was stunning. So we took lots of pictures. After we all got seated we began to be served. The guys did a great job of serving us and planning the whole event. They even provided us entertainment compliments of them. It was a fabulous night of being served. There are some great guys here with huge servants hearts. Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
It's not about me...period
I love this verse from Galatians 2:20 " I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Raise your right hand if you as a Christ follower believe this and live a self-less life. Sadly I can't even come close to raising my hand. I fail at this miserably. Yes, I understand that no one can honestly raise their hand and say that every day of their life they live it self-lessly. Now this is a result of the fall of man back in Genesis, but do we strive to live self-less lives is the question. These past lets say six or seven months the Lord has really been working on my heart about being self-less and understanding it's not about me. Now to alot of people this is just crazy...you may say well that's not possible b/c every way I turn people are telling me to do what makes me happy and to do what I want to do. Yes you are right. This world has become so self-absorbed and preaches the it's all about me mentality. This past fall in Auburn, Ashley and I took a class at our church called Perspectives: On the Christian World Movement. It was a phenomenal course. But something we learned and usually every time after we left we talked about it was: WOW I'm really starting to realize and understand it's not about me. Now coming to this realization was a big day...haven't fully accomplished this but I'm working on it and striving to make it part of who I am.
So what is life about then? Isaiah 43: 7 "..everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for MY GLORY, whom I formed and made." Hmm...so I'm here for His GLORY? Colossians 1: 16 says " For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and FOR HIM." For Him????? So there you go...life is about giving Glory to the one who created us.
Society has formed this Me Me Me attitude. We are ran by self-actualization. What is self-actualization? Self-actualization is: "What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization…It refers to the desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially. This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming."1
I'll let you ponder on this definition and form your own opinion what you think about it. Abraham Maslow came up with this theory of Hierarchy of Needs. Now this theory is taught in school and a lot of people go by this. Get this...research can not prove that this process is accurate or correct. Because it tickles peoples ears and it's about the individual people have fell in love with this idea. CRAZY!!!!!!
We are reading the book " In the Name of Jesus" by Henri J.M. Nouwen. It has some great quotes that I will leave with you. " But far more importantly, it is Jesus who heals, not I; Jesus who speaks words of truth, not I; Jesus who is Lord, not I."2 I thought Nouwen said this well as far as christian leaders " The way of the Christan leader is not the way of upward mobility in which our world has invested so much, but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross. This might sound morbid and masochistic, but for those who have heard the voice of the first love and said yes to it, the downward-moving way of Jesus is the way to the joy and the peace of God, a joy and peace that is not of this world."3
So as a believer living a life of counter-culturalism is the key. Not buying into the lies of the world about pointing all the fingers back to me. We are not here to store up and hoard everything we possibly can. I'm not saying you shouldn't have nice things or work towards bettering yourself educationally. I love nice things and seeking education is fundamental. But putting those nice things in front of God and making them your idols is what I'm talking about staying away from. This earth is a temporary place so why focus on the misery of it's all about me attitude. You are never satisfied when you seek the things of this earth. What are we doing with the blessing of nice things we have been given and what are we doing with our education? I lived this " all about me" life a long time so if you want to talk more then I can give you lots of insight to the misery that comes with living for yourself. So to Him be the Glory!! My prayer is that each day I die to self and live my life in a manner and way that honors and glorifies Christ.
1 Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation, Psychological Review 50, 370-96.
2-3. Nouwen, H. (2002). In the Name of Jesus. 58.
So what is life about then? Isaiah 43: 7 "..everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for MY GLORY, whom I formed and made." Hmm...so I'm here for His GLORY? Colossians 1: 16 says " For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and FOR HIM." For Him????? So there you go...life is about giving Glory to the one who created us.
Society has formed this Me Me Me attitude. We are ran by self-actualization. What is self-actualization? Self-actualization is: "What a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization…It refers to the desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially. This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming."1
I'll let you ponder on this definition and form your own opinion what you think about it. Abraham Maslow came up with this theory of Hierarchy of Needs. Now this theory is taught in school and a lot of people go by this. Get this...research can not prove that this process is accurate or correct. Because it tickles peoples ears and it's about the individual people have fell in love with this idea. CRAZY!!!!!!
We are reading the book " In the Name of Jesus" by Henri J.M. Nouwen. It has some great quotes that I will leave with you. " But far more importantly, it is Jesus who heals, not I; Jesus who speaks words of truth, not I; Jesus who is Lord, not I."2 I thought Nouwen said this well as far as christian leaders " The way of the Christan leader is not the way of upward mobility in which our world has invested so much, but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross. This might sound morbid and masochistic, but for those who have heard the voice of the first love and said yes to it, the downward-moving way of Jesus is the way to the joy and the peace of God, a joy and peace that is not of this world."3
So as a believer living a life of counter-culturalism is the key. Not buying into the lies of the world about pointing all the fingers back to me. We are not here to store up and hoard everything we possibly can. I'm not saying you shouldn't have nice things or work towards bettering yourself educationally. I love nice things and seeking education is fundamental. But putting those nice things in front of God and making them your idols is what I'm talking about staying away from. This earth is a temporary place so why focus on the misery of it's all about me attitude. You are never satisfied when you seek the things of this earth. What are we doing with the blessing of nice things we have been given and what are we doing with our education? I lived this " all about me" life a long time so if you want to talk more then I can give you lots of insight to the misery that comes with living for yourself. So to Him be the Glory!! My prayer is that each day I die to self and live my life in a manner and way that honors and glorifies Christ.
1 Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation, Psychological Review 50, 370-96.
2-3. Nouwen, H. (2002). In the Name of Jesus. 58.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
What does rest look like?
Busy Tuesday has come once again and not quite over yet. I usually wouldn't have time to sit down and blog today but this weekend I worked ahead so I wouldn't have any homework. I'm actually going to make this short b/c I'm fixing to leave for small group. Yesterday class was canceled due to one of our professors being sick. Class today was good. Marriage and Family was today with the Pampeyans. I'm just going to touch on a couple of things we went over in class today.
We started out class going over a ministry styles assessment we took. I'm supposedly a researcher and refiner? Our passages came from Genesis 1-3 & Ephesians 5:21-33 for the rest of the material we covered in class. A quote from one of the books we read Intimate Allies p. 24 states " A marriage is no better than the vision we have for one another and the willingness we have to sacrifice for each other; to suffer to see growth occur". I love this quote from Dr. Arch Hart " It isn't about finding the right partner. It's all about becoming the right partner."
Building Blocks of Marriage
- God's love & grace
- Unity and diversity
- Love and respect
- Humility
- Trust and trustworthiness
- Acceptance and value
- Willingness to listen and change
- Fun
- Lifelong commitment to God and to each other
I'll end with a quote from Dr. James Dobson:
" The basic needs of each gender are straightforward. Women need to be loved, all year round. Men need to be respected, especially when the going gets tough...Love and respect: it's an unbeatable combination."
We started out class going over a ministry styles assessment we took. I'm supposedly a researcher and refiner? Our passages came from Genesis 1-3 & Ephesians 5:21-33 for the rest of the material we covered in class. A quote from one of the books we read Intimate Allies p. 24 states " A marriage is no better than the vision we have for one another and the willingness we have to sacrifice for each other; to suffer to see growth occur". I love this quote from Dr. Arch Hart " It isn't about finding the right partner. It's all about becoming the right partner."
Building Blocks of Marriage
- God's love & grace
- Unity and diversity
- Love and respect
- Humility
- Trust and trustworthiness
- Acceptance and value
- Willingness to listen and change
- Fun
- Lifelong commitment to God and to each other
I'll end with a quote from Dr. James Dobson:
" The basic needs of each gender are straightforward. Women need to be loved, all year round. Men need to be respected, especially when the going gets tough...Love and respect: it's an unbeatable combination."
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Do you really need communication??
Last night I went to Woodmen Valley Chapel to sit in and observe their premarital counseling class for my practicum at Focus. I actually believe that Woodmen is where I'm going to worship, while I'm here in the Springs. I went last Sunday and it was great, so I went this Sunday and it was amazing as well. So I think I have found a church home for the short three months I am going to be here. Anyways so back to the Marriage counseling. I went with a couple of girls from the counseling department. We got there and sat at a table with a mentor couple, which lead the table, and with actual engaged couples. The topic of the night was COMMUNICATION. How appropriate RIGHT??? since I'm the worlds worst communicator. Now let me clarify that I'm not talking about Steven and my communication skills. I'm talking about my everyday relationships and in general when it comes to communication...I STINK AT IT. If you know me that's true. BUT...guess what that's something I'm working on and I'm definitely going to come back refined in that area. So let me just tell you about a couple of the things that I learned or took in last night. All this might not apply directly to me right now but it will one day. So I mise well start learning now. :)))
~ Communication is the source and root of the relationship developing.
~ What makes up a message? Content-Tone-Nonverbal
~ 5 Communication killers
1. Starting out with assuming.= Women do a very good job at this.
2. Passive/ Aggressive Manipulation.
3. Nagging & Harassing. Just be direct. Don't try to be their mother.
4. SARCASM. - I'm not going to say anymore. This can KILL a relationship.
5. Blaming & Overgeneralizing. { Avoid using always & never-also try using I statements...I feel}
~ I haven't read the book above. I have heard it's good and I'm definitely going to try to read it after Focus (due to not having time to read it here). So when trying to explain the reason men answer the infamous question " What are you thinking about?" they answer " Nothing", they referred to this book. Now that has always been an answer I didn't like. I always thought they were lying because as women we don't understand how they can't be thinking about anything. So they explained that the book compared men to waffles. Waffles have those defiant boxes/sections that don't connect directly. Well they said that men have boxes that don't have thoughts or words in them. Strange I know and maybe once I read the book it will make more sense. But I was glad to know they weren't lying when they say that they really are thinking about nothing :)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hmmm.....HOLY?????
Isaiah 6: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 6:2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 6:3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." 6:4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.6:5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." 6:6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.6:7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"6:9 He said, "Go and tell this people: " 'Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' 6:10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. [fn] Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." 6:11 Then I said, "For how long, O Lord?" And he answered: "Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, 6:12 until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken.6:13 And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land."
This passage intrigues me! My week has been great here at the Institute. It has been really really busy. I've learned so much. Every night when I go to bed...my brain is on overload because I have taken in so much during the day. Last night we got to take a break and have some fun. We went and saw a movie and just took some personal time. Today I'm back at it again. I have a lot going on this next week so I'm going to spend today and tomorrow getting ahead. Tonight I have to go to a marriage counseling session for my practicum, which should be interesting. I MISS EVERYONE!!!
This passage intrigues me! My week has been great here at the Institute. It has been really really busy. I've learned so much. Every night when I go to bed...my brain is on overload because I have taken in so much during the day. Last night we got to take a break and have some fun. We went and saw a movie and just took some personal time. Today I'm back at it again. I have a lot going on this next week so I'm going to spend today and tomorrow getting ahead. Tonight I have to go to a marriage counseling session for my practicum, which should be interesting. I MISS EVERYONE!!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I serve an AMAZING GOD!
So the Lord is teaching me so much. Honestly I don't even know where to start. It's so evident that I'm suppose to be here this semester. This is a time of personal refining, redeeming, and growth. The Lord is so good and FAITHFUL!!!
I have the world's BEST roomies!! They are so AMAZING and beautiful!!!!!! This is a picture of us at school today.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Week one in review!
I have not had time this past week to blog. I apologize...I've been really busy! So let me just tell you about my amazing week.
Monday: I got up around 6 had my devotional got ready for class. Class starts at 8:10. Each morning our classes start out with matins( which is the class devotion). So on Monday my first class was Christian Worldview Studies with Dr. Leland. It was amazing!! He opened with this question " Why did you get up this morning?". This class is going to be great; but very challenging at the same time. Monday we got our practicum sites. I'm in the counseling department. I'm so excited because this is just where I wanted to be.
* The way FOF counseling department works is there is not one on one counseling. They counsel by phone. So people call FOF counseling department and they get counseling via phone. At first I wasn't for sure about how that would work (tell you more below). So I'll sit in on the phone counseling 3 hours a week and then we have a group counseling learning session and then we have self care groups once a week. Also through the semester we are going to go sit in on marriage counseling, going to a psychiatric hospital, treatment facility, trauma debriefing training, partake in experimental therapy( we will be caving). I am very excited about my practicum.* So after our meeting for practicum I headed home rested for a few minutes then we cook supper and started reading. Didn't get in bed till after twelve.
Tuesday: Woke up at 6 had devo and headed to class. Class on Tuesday was Marriage and Family Studies. It is taught by Dr. Ted and Linda Pampeyan ( they have become our buddies we have made a very fun relationship with them..love love them). After their class I had practicum. It was so neat to sit in there and listen to the counselor counsel the patients over the phone. There were calls from all across the spectrum. I loved it because the counselor had the freedom to speak truth into the hurting peoples lives. She had the freedom to pray and encourage them. I just loved that part of it. After my practicum I came home for an hour and then went back up to the Institute for family dinner ( this is where once a week all the students eat dinner with all the faculty and staff and their families). I sat at the kids table, it was fun getting to talk to them. After that came home and was up till after twelve reading.
Wednesday: Woke up at 6 had devo and headed to class. This morning our class was taught by Dr. Del Tackett which is Family, Church and Society Studies. It was amazing. He is the one that started The Truth Project. http://www.thetruthproject.org/
When we leave we will be trained to lead a small group teaching The Truth Project. Exciting! I'm more excited to sit under Dr. Tackett and be taught by him. So after class which was great, we had our first group session for counseling. After that headed home took a short nap b/c I was soooo tired! Got ready and went over to the Pampeyans for supper. After that came home and read till after twelve.
Thursday: Same thing got up went to class. Thursday class was Gender and Leadership Studies taught by Mr. & Mrs. Thomason. It was fabulous, their stories were amazing! They taught about Identify and self-image. After class I did some work study. I called probably close to 100 prospective students for the summer. After that came home got ready and head to LB's for Koniena( where every Thursday we go over to one of the faculty or staffs home for supper). After that we all went and got ice cream. Then finally I got to come home for a night of somewhat rest. No reading!
Friday: Got up for a tour of Focus. While on the tour we got to record some voices for commericals. It was really neat! After the tour we came back and napped. It was much needed. Last night we went out to dinner. So I've discovered Skype. Thanks to Amy, my roommate, she suggested that it would be a good way to chat with Steven. So I took her up on it and it was really neat to do that.
Today has been a good relaxing day. Slept late, tanned, worked out, went to a couple of shops, enjoyed the Colorado sun (I've been in shorts and t-shirt all day). So now that I'm caught up on blogging I should probably try to get ahead on the reading for next week.
Monday: I got up around 6 had my devotional got ready for class. Class starts at 8:10. Each morning our classes start out with matins( which is the class devotion). So on Monday my first class was Christian Worldview Studies with Dr. Leland. It was amazing!! He opened with this question " Why did you get up this morning?". This class is going to be great; but very challenging at the same time. Monday we got our practicum sites. I'm in the counseling department. I'm so excited because this is just where I wanted to be.
* The way FOF counseling department works is there is not one on one counseling. They counsel by phone. So people call FOF counseling department and they get counseling via phone. At first I wasn't for sure about how that would work (tell you more below). So I'll sit in on the phone counseling 3 hours a week and then we have a group counseling learning session and then we have self care groups once a week. Also through the semester we are going to go sit in on marriage counseling, going to a psychiatric hospital, treatment facility, trauma debriefing training, partake in experimental therapy( we will be caving). I am very excited about my practicum.* So after our meeting for practicum I headed home rested for a few minutes then we cook supper and started reading. Didn't get in bed till after twelve.
Tuesday: Woke up at 6 had devo and headed to class. Class on Tuesday was Marriage and Family Studies. It is taught by Dr. Ted and Linda Pampeyan ( they have become our buddies we have made a very fun relationship with them..love love them). After their class I had practicum. It was so neat to sit in there and listen to the counselor counsel the patients over the phone. There were calls from all across the spectrum. I loved it because the counselor had the freedom to speak truth into the hurting peoples lives. She had the freedom to pray and encourage them. I just loved that part of it. After my practicum I came home for an hour and then went back up to the Institute for family dinner ( this is where once a week all the students eat dinner with all the faculty and staff and their families). I sat at the kids table, it was fun getting to talk to them. After that came home and was up till after twelve reading.
Wednesday: Woke up at 6 had devo and headed to class. This morning our class was taught by Dr. Del Tackett which is Family, Church and Society Studies. It was amazing. He is the one that started The Truth Project. http://www.thetruthproject.org/
When we leave we will be trained to lead a small group teaching The Truth Project. Exciting! I'm more excited to sit under Dr. Tackett and be taught by him. So after class which was great, we had our first group session for counseling. After that headed home took a short nap b/c I was soooo tired! Got ready and went over to the Pampeyans for supper. After that came home and read till after twelve.
Thursday: Same thing got up went to class. Thursday class was Gender and Leadership Studies taught by Mr. & Mrs. Thomason. It was fabulous, their stories were amazing! They taught about Identify and self-image. After class I did some work study. I called probably close to 100 prospective students for the summer. After that came home got ready and head to LB's for Koniena( where every Thursday we go over to one of the faculty or staffs home for supper). After that we all went and got ice cream. Then finally I got to come home for a night of somewhat rest. No reading!
Friday: Got up for a tour of Focus. While on the tour we got to record some voices for commericals. It was really neat! After the tour we came back and napped. It was much needed. Last night we went out to dinner. So I've discovered Skype. Thanks to Amy, my roommate, she suggested that it would be a good way to chat with Steven. So I took her up on it and it was really neat to do that.
Today has been a good relaxing day. Slept late, tanned, worked out, went to a couple of shops, enjoyed the Colorado sun (I've been in shorts and t-shirt all day). So now that I'm caught up on blogging I should probably try to get ahead on the reading for next week.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I am so sorry I have not had time to update the blog. I have been so BUSY!! I put some pictures of the base camp retreat this past weekend at Horn Creek. I will give all the details on the retreat and this past weekend on Friday. This place is simply an Amazing place where the Spirit of God is alive and working in peoples lives. I can't wait to fill everyone in.
Friday, January 23, 2009
BCR
Yesterday was another packed day of orientation. Today we head to Horn Creek for Base Camp Retreat. I think there is suppose to be snow there. I'm excited to see it and play in it. Back to yaw on Sunday!
*Oh and I'll probably post every morning instead of night b/c I have more time in the morning to do so.
*Oh and I'll probably post every morning instead of night b/c I have more time in the morning to do so.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
First day at Focus
I know I'm a little behind on this post but I want to tell everyone about my first day at Focus. It was INCREDIBLE. Everything about FFI has impressed me beyond measure so far. I just can't even start to tell you about the passion that is here. My professors and the staff are just Godly Godly people. Yesterday we had a day of orientation. Class overviews, name badge pictures made, lunch, ITT training, other snap shots, and etc. It was a packed day! When we got done with Focus everyone went to the Garden of Gods. It was pretty neat. I'm telling you the terrain here is STUNNING. The mountains are really indescribable. God's natural beauty is so evident here. You can't help but stand in Awe of his beautiful creations.
I have two amazing roommates. I've known them two days and I have already become attached and loving them. They are beautiful women inside and out. You will definitely hear a lot about them! I finally got all most all of my stuff unpacked and put away. There are still a couple of stray things that need to find there places though. Today we have another day of orientation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
