More thirsty every day. As I am diving headfirst into the Word and discovering the life He has for me, I'm realizing how empty I am. I have nothing to offer, really. Nothing to give except myself. And He fills me like an empty jar until I am overflowing onto others.
That's the goal, anyway. I fall short... a lot. Luckily, there is grace. But it's still not fun. His Word is so so life giving. I'm working my way through Paul's letters, and the way he presents truth is so simple, yet so incredible. I am constantly blown away by a single sentence or phrase, realizing that it was meant for me to see. Like today:
"We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." -1 Thessalonians 2:4
Um, what? I've spent more time than I would like to admit trying to please people. Some of that is a caring servant heart, but some of that is definitely looking for affection and approval in others. Do they like my designs? Do they think I'm funny? Does it really matter?
No. Not as much as I would like to think. I'm discovering how much I need the Word every day, which is super humbling. This morning I went to work and tried to lead without much prayer or thought at all... yikes. Not my best day. Learning, though. Learning. Learning to be a prayer warrior, how to serve, how to surrender and allow God to teach me, to give me a new heart. And I'm learning that the journey to a new heart isn't a quick one, nor does the heart of stone give up easily. There are layers of stone, hurt, and scars that God has to gently remove before I can be pure. But during the whole process He promises to be right there, and He is :)
This is our first official week leading the project. Everyone is nervous, but everyone is so encouraging too! It's such a beautiful thing to see. I can't wait to see how God uses this next five weeks in our lives, the city, and when we leave to scatter around the world. We've had students accept Christ on our campuses, and we are hoping for many more. God is so faithful. I'm changing my campus focus to U of Chicago, which is a very different atmosphere than what I'm used to, for sure. Very academic and science focused, so be praying about that one.
At Crossroads we are still working on IndyCC and the Bridges International Conference, among many other things. I'll post pictures when more things are finalized :) pray for me to lead like Jesus. With grace, humility, confidence, and joy.
Our theme for the next five weeks is "In Him I am". This week is "Chosen", based off the book of Ephesians. I can't think of anything more perfect to study as we grow in Christ. In Him I am complete, confident, whole, joyful, overflowing. So good.
My wonderful small group:
Pizza!:
4th of July:
Exploring:
The group:
City shots never get old:
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