Resolutions

Happy New Year!

Well, Happy February at the very least. Yes, I'm sure you're thinking, "How can she see through all those cobwebs on her blog to even type a new post??" Sorry for the pro-longed absence. I've missed writing you you. I hope you have missed me as well. I wanted to post my latest newsletter on here for those of you whose email or home address still escapes my little, grubby hands. ;)

This will catch you up from last year til now, and hopefully I will do a better job at blogging this year. But I'm making no commitments, aloud. After all, if I fail, why should I fail publicly? ;) So, in accordance with my generation, I shall make no commitment at all(chuckle, chuckle). Take that!

Enjoy reading... as I make an honest attempt to enjoy blogging.
Take care!

January

I brought in the New Year with some old WDA students and the Satterfield’s in Athens—it was very special to worship and catch up—the highlight of my winter break! My sister got married to the most hilarious and loving man and my brother had his third baby! I turned 26 and I started my second semester at a very snowy Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

February

I joined a new church! Lawndale Community Church is on the Westside of Chicago, located in an underprivileged, African American and Latino neighborhood. Being there has been a fun adjustment and has provided some unique learning opportunities.

I have been helping the church’s Singles’ leaders think strategically about discipleship. In the spring of ’09, the Singles class studied WDA’s Knowing God series and are currently reading through Colossians. The singles who attend LCC are from all walks of life and very hungry to grow. Praise God!

March

I started dating my friend, Jon. The Lord has been shifting my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs regarding dating, attraction, and sexuality. Pray these lessons would continue. Jon and I dated just for a few months and are now friends, but the process taught me much about myself and stretched my faith in God’s goodness and sovereignty. I am thankful for the experience and for a friend who was patient and understanding as I stumbled, albeit, dragged myself, forward in exploring this area of my life.

April

In April, I served with the Gospel Coalition’s executive administrative team for the
2009 conference. That’s right—I edited announcements with D.A. Carson, was Mark Driscoll’s neighbor at the Hyatt, and rubbed shoulders with John Piper C.J. Mahaney! What a dream! Ha—really, we just ran their errands, directed thousands of men, and served so much that we got to attend few sessions ourselves. It was completely exhausting—as are most rewarding experiences. I was honored and filled with joy to serve over 3,500 pastors as they drank in the wisdom from today’s prophetic voices, learning how to better minister to their local church congregations. Those of us that helped, left praising God for his grace, which allowed a small, young, and inexperienced group of adults to pull off such a large and kingdom-significant conference.

May

I finished my first year of graduate school—with good friends and great grades, I might add! Trinity has been a blessing to me, but I miss Athens, my family and friends, and working with WDA. Sometimes I question if I should have gone so far away to get my Masters—but I trust in God’s leading more than my own homesick heart, and know I’m there for a reason. Pray for continued faith and endurance to finish well. One and a half years to go!

June

WDA met for its annual Staff Conference in Johnson City, Tennessee. It was refreshing to hear all that WDA has done this year—globally and in the States—and even more encouraging to spend time with our staff. When God first called me to WDA, I had no idea how much I would grow through the faith and love of our staff members. I am very thankful to be a part of such a grace-filled organization!

July

This summer I was a nanny for FOUR kids. Whew! I told my mom it might be a while before I gave her grandchildren. Although it was tiring and difficult at times, all in all it was a fun, growing experience. Pray for other financial opportunities like this to arise—either through increased donor support or jobs that fit my schedule. Within the last year, my financial support has dropped significantly. If I am to give my time to ministry opportunities—there are many, even on-campus at seminary—I need the Lord to supply for this need! Please pray.

August

I started school back up! This semester was a bit stressful—lots of people around me were in crisis or navigated difficult transitions, I took 17 credit-hours, a counseling practicum that Lawndale Health Clinic (LHC) had offered me fell through so I had to scramble for another site, and I had reoccurring nighttime headaches for about a month. But, as always, God was faithful and brought me through these intense attacks. It was a trial, but I am thankful as I felt the presence of the Lord through it all and am expecting a more restful semester come January 2010.

September

It turned out to be God’s goodness that my practicum fell through at LHC—I would not have had the time or energy for a fall practicum. And, by God’s grace, I was offered an even better opportunity. I have connected with a dynamic group of women who have mentored high school-aged girls in an underresourced community close to Trinity for nearly 8 years. Last summer, they identified a need for sexual abuse counseling among the girls. However, they have not access to counseling in the past. This spring, I will be adding a counseling arm to their ministry. I will lead sexual abuse recovery groups, and Lord willing, lay the groundwork for future Trinity students to meet with these high school girls. I am excited for this opportunity as my supervisors are very encouraging, the field of sexuality has become one of my passions, and it seems that a counseling partnership between Trinity and Girls Connected would be realistically sustained in years to come. Pray that the Lord would go before us.

October

Speaking of sexuality, I took my first class at the Institute of Sexual Wholeness in October! After a few years of weekend courses, I will be a certified sex therapist! Who knew that the Lord had that in mind?? I am continually awed that this would be part of God’s plan for my life and would appreciate your prayers for further direction.

November

I was thankful to spend almost two whole weeks in Georgia! Every time I come home, it becomes harder to return to Illinois. I feel most at peace and most myself when I am down South. I hope this means I’ll be moving back home upon graduation… time will tell!

There are some interesting developments at school as of late. A few of my friends are interested in joining WDA staff or building training partnerships with us. Apparently, I’m quite the little recruiter! One couple spent 2 weekends with some WDA staff in Georgia and another friend may do an internship in Atlanta this summer. Pray for God’s will to be clear for those that are toying with the idea of joining WDA or beginning training partnerships with us. You’ll hear more on this later!

December

Once again, I am home, resting from academia, making Christmas gifts, helping my sister and brother-in-law paint their home, and visiting friends. I hope I get to see you! But, at the very least, thank you for reading about my life, loving me, and continually supporting me. Your faithfulness to give astounds me—especially admits the recession. Truly, I would not be able to do what I am doing without your giving and your friendship! So please, don’t stop ;)…and if you know of anyone who would like to join my support team, please email me at beccakristenbrown@gmail.com. If you would like to donate before the new year for one last tax write off, email me as well and I’ll get you the details! ;)

I wish you all the best this Chirstmas—joy and peace in Jesus as you celebrate his present and future redemption.

Love and gratitude,
Becca Kristen Brown