Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Challenging thoughts, rafting, and free coffee

So...I've been here two weeks.
Only three more days of classes. And less than two weeks away from support training.
The last 1.5 weeks of class have challenged me in lots of ways. I enjoy my bible study methods class, I'm learning a lot about myself and ways to communicate the gospel. Which is a blessing...because if you couldn't tell I'm a poor communicator, never mind communicating the gospel. My intro to theology class has challenged a lot of my ideas I had about the bible, the nature of God, and some of the controversies. I have had to wrestle with a lot of things. What do I hold with an open hand, what do I have my fists wrapped tightly around. Mind you, I am not easily blindly accepting everything. I using my college critical thinking skills and weighing these ideas against who I am and bringing them to God in prayer. These aren't major doctrine issues...just opinions and "persuasions" I have. So that's been a real learning process.
So has being around people who have different study habits than me. I write ideas down and I don't dwell on them. So while people are freaking out about a paper about the attributes of God...I'm reading, journaling/talking to God, watching a movie, or finding other free people to hang with(in tonight's case I went for coffee and ended up on a half hour long bike ride around campus). But I have been spending a lot of time in the coffee shop, CCCI provides, downing free coffee (which I'm drinking right now), providing laughs and my insights on the homework. So that's been some sweet time.
This past weekend I went downtown a lot. I went by myself on Bohemia Night and listened to some "psychedelic" blue grass which I loved. I journaled and found my new favorite coffee shop. The next time I went out for ice cream with a bunch of people from New Staff Training. That was funny. A lot of moments where a bunch of twenty somethings behaved like children. And a Kentucky based punk band of teenagers. The next night I went and had some good Asian influenced cuisine (not quite authentic thai curry - but oh well). I realized Fort Collins' active nights are Thursday and Friday. Saturday is basically dead...which is weird to me.
Saturday morning I went white water rafting! It was awesome. We named our group "Paul's Poudre Paddling Pirate Possy." Paul was our guide...and he had something against me. He tried to pull me out of the raft into the water, he had everyone high five my helmet, and he called me a redneck because I'm from Missouri. But it was fun and I definitely want to go again.
Me and my roommate, Amy.
Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures because my little camera died on me. :(
This weekend I'm going on a prayer walk through Estes Park. I'm so pumped to further enjoy the awesome creation that God has put me in the middle of.
Oh and some good news! I'm so close to my NST goal for support. But keep praying! I want to be at the baseline when I start my "real" support.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Just a little reminder


So I just found this on my camera. Hope this makes you smile if you're a cru woman. And if you're not I'm sure these attributes apply to you too. So take heart that people see these things in you even when you don't.


And if you're not a woman...sorry.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Hello from New Staff Training!

So I have been here in Fort Collins, CO for over a week.
First off: the weather is GORGEOUS. I am continually amazed by this blessing everyday when I walk outside.
My drive here was long and complete with a few time stressors but it all worked for the best, because as always God provides. And in this case (like He had in new places before) He provided people in my way who are so awesome and sweet to my soul.
My first week was fun and encouraging. I felt close to my calling and encouraged in it. We talked about the history of the organization and the doubts that come along. All of those tops were fascinating and extremely helpful.
The weekend rolled along and I flew home to go to my dear friend Dianna's wedding. The flight to Missouri was rough. I realized that (once again) that I'm not on the level I wish to be and some realizations of the teachings I had just heard that day were flung in my face. I had to take a deep breath and confront the day. And the day was gorgeous and I was so privileged to be included. The best part was bonding with the women of the bridal party and being a part of such a significant event in someone dear's life. I'm so excited to see what happens in her and DJ's marriage and their ministry through their marriage.
And then I returned. A lot of doubts sprung on me when I returned. Would I be able to fit back in? Had I missed vital information (they leave the weekends open - so of course not)? Was this still the right place for me? All of these doubts were wiped away and I sprang back into routine. With a few kinks thrown in because I left my meal card, key and pass key at home in Missouri. For the lack of patience I had for that flight to Missouri, God gave me an abundance in dealing with that situation. It wore on the third day but I made it through without getting mad at any rude dining staff! That's an accomplishment. Especially with how mad I was just a few days earlier.
Classes began this week and the tension was suddenly turned on for new staff. We are learning to balance graduate work loads with Jesus time and fellowship. I am super thankful for my last semester of school teaching me how to let go of my perfectionist attributes and letting things flow. Because with out that lesson...I would be a mess here. But thanks also to a work ethic I learned from my mom (work like it's a normal work day) I get done in an orderly time. I have learned so much this week already and I have been thoroughly challenged to sharpen my beliefs. But through all of this I have been trying to be proactive about hanging out with people and as the week is about to end my body and mind just want rest.
Real rest. That's another thing I'm learning. To still have sweet rest with God while taking seminary level classes. There's a part of me who at the end of the day doesn't want to look at the bible after staring at it for homework assignments. But I'm learning to look at it with fresh eyes and just rest in nature as the wind blows sweetly through my window and know that there needs to be a time for study and a time for relationship.
So that's it for now. If you're the praying type please be praying for my support to continue to come in for New Staff Training. And pray for the next week. That we don't get burnt our or let our head sink beneath the water of these work loads. And that we see God's sweetness through out it.
My view from my room