The Greenhouse STP

STP 2010 has been amazing so far. We are studying the book of Colossians and really just running after God in this two week period. The first week is done and while it seemed like the longest week of my life, it has also been such a good week.

Our daily Schedule

• 8:30-9am: Breakfast
• 9-9:20am: Worship through music
• 9:20-11:20: Bible study prep
• 11:20-12:20: Bible study in our teams
• 12:20-1: Lunch
• 1-5: Work (I work in the dining hall, go figure=)
• 6-7: Dinner
• 7-whenever: Nav Night or team bonding

With all that I am learning here, I am somewhat disappointed. I imagined that God would just change my life through me studying Colossians but I honestly do not feel like I am getting anything from the study itself. I am learning so much from all the other things. Here are some questions that have stuck out in my mind.

Have been thinking critically about what I believe about God?
Is God and His word what drives my thinking or do I use Him as a resource, not the source?
Am I being transparent and vulnerable?

I am realizing how much I am not vulnerable with my sin and that is hindering me from getting beyond this sin. I am more worried about my standing with people than getting past these sins I fall into over and over again. I also got to do evangelism with a stranger for the first time yesterday. I shared the bridge with a girl named Stefanie from Switzerland and it was so exciting. She did not jump all over wanting to be saved because she doesn't see a need for God but it made me realize I have a heart for the international students. I think I want to do an IBD with I-House next semester.

God has been so gracious here at STP and I cannot wait to share more, but for now I am going to go eat dinner. I love you all!

Pre-STP: The Close of My Fourth Semester at CSULB

Well, I am now officially moving into my third year at CSULB. It is super crazy just how much things are changing in my life. Just thinking about where I was at the beginning of this semester and how God is changing my heart has been astounding and mind boggling. I am truly blessed, even when the changes hurt.

As I prepare to head to Summer Training Program with the Navigators at Pine Valley Bible Camp, I am thinking about what I want to see happen. I really want to spend a lot of quiet time with God. I know that once I get home, I might get distracted with matters in CC. I am praying that this intentional time with God will carry me home and help me seek consistency in my walk with Christ. I do not really know what to expect for STP, I just know God is going to work and I am excited to see that.

I am also working through not being sad about all of the friends who are graduating or moving far away. I had a good cry about that on the way back from the beach today and I am just praying to God that He comforts my heart and blocks out the lies that satan is telling me in that I will never see these people again. I hope that even if that be the case that I will be ok with that and be happy for these wonderful friends and the journey that God has in store for them. I know that someday, approaching quite soon, I will be one of these people who leave to continue the journey elsewhere. God has work that is to be done and I am trying to get to a place where that doesn't frighten me so.

This summer is looking so promising. I am praying that God will help me in CC, working with my home church and the youth that are there, I am planning some ideas for fun outreach days with the youth. I also want to be a blessing to my Dad's best friend, Steve Knight. As of right now, it looks like I may be working with his campaign this summer. I just pray that God's hand is visible in this campaign. I hate politics but Steve is like my Uncle and I adore him. He is a great person and truly loves God. I just pray that I can be a light in the dark political world as he has been too!

I am running on very little sleep after an all-night adventure [which was amazing] and so I think I shall conclude this blog post. I love you all and pray that you are seeking God above all else!