Dumpster Diving...

Hmmm… I’m not sure that I can publish this on the internet. But it has to do with my groceries. You can use your imagination. ;)

Church and Ministry

I’d like to ask you to pray. Beginning in October, I’ve been attending Lakeland Evangelical Free Church in Gurney, Illinois. The church is about 20 minutes from Trinity and I really like it. The pastor is humble, honest, gospel-centered, funny, and seems to really understand how people grow and operate. The people worship enthusiastically and it is a very family-centered church. I’ve had a hard time connecting relationally, however. This week, I plan to join a small group and hope that will help bridge some of the relational gaps I’ve been experiencing. Pray that the Lord would connect me and use me as an encouragement.

For the first couple of months here, I met with a pastor at another local church. This church was very excited about WDA and discipleship. We met consistently for about 2 months, but the Lord began to make it clear that they weren’t to pursue a partnership with WDA and I wasn’t to be a member of their church. The process of brainstorming and meeting was exciting, but ultimately, as the pastor decided not to continue with WDA, the end was saddening for me, personally. I was disappointed not to continue on to serve them through WDA, but trust the Lord’s will and timing in the decision. Please pray for this church. Pray that the Lord would bless them and that they would continue their efforts to grow the members of their church.

I have yet to find a place of formal ministry, but that does not mean that opportunities have been lacking. Last semester, once a week, a group of students met in my home for a meal. We shared our hearts, prayed for, and encouraged one another. This time was sweet, honoring to the Lord, and helpful to encourage growth in each of us. At first, I didn’t label this weekly meal as “ministry”. Then one night, as I cooked in my kitchen, I prayed, “Lord, I really wish I had a place of ministry.” The Lord answered my plea, “Becca, look around you, this is your place of ministry.”

So, ministry may not look formal this year, it might look like caring for the people that God places in my life when the opportunity arises. And if this past semester is telling, the opportunities are plentiful. Pray that I would continue to see them as they come. I so want to be faithful to the Lord and ready when he returns.

honorable mention goes to....

Can you hear the drum roll?? Heather is playing our game... she spotted the name change in the blog and my pic... Good job, lady!

There are more changes, however. Anyone else want to give it a go??

Blogs to come:

*Why I want to be a Sex Therapist (at least part-time)
*Mercy Triumphs over Judgment
*What a Cute Boy Can Teach You
*Dumpster Diving for Groceries
*WDA, International Happenings
*Church Life
*Seminary isn't What it Seems
*Ministry, as a Covert Operation
*My Name is Becca
*School's for Fools... and for Missionaries

Hope that wets your appetite so you keep coming back for more!

a little thanksgiving...

There is snow on the ground and the wind is howling. For the first time this morning, I’ve come to realize that I will wake up to this winter wonderland more times in the next month than I have in my entire life. It certainly is different here. But I’m thankful. I suppose Thanksgiving has that effect. I appreciate thanksgiving in that it is a slow and thoughtful holiday. Usually, my family spends the entire day together, eating, visiting, playing football outside, taking naps together, recalling what has transpired in the last year, and of course, eating again. Apart from the ominous pile of dishes in the kitchen awaiting our attention, the day passes slowly, free of agendas and stress. I wasn’t able to go home this year. Though, I did see one of my cousins and her husband’s family in Wheaton. We chatted and laughed about transition awkwardness and adjustment woes, as we both recently moved away from Georgia. It was refreshing to see a familiar face. It was refreshing to relax in community firmly established, instead of having to create it. It made me excited to go home in a few weeks and be with friends and family once more.

Though I am anxious to return home, I am thankful to be here. I am thankful to learn from professors who are wise and have renowned reputations. I am thankful for new friends. I am thankful that new places often bring challenge, dependence upon God, and humor. Whether, it’s the many strange encounters with the Starbucks boy, who thinks I am someone he knows and has a crush on; an increased awareness of my personal idiosyncrasies, sin, or strengths gained from my classes; the frustration of continually not knowing where I am on the road; silliness that comes from classroom crushes; or weariness that comes from homesickness, each aspect is part of God’s plan for my life. Each aspect is good and deserving of gratitude. So I am thankful to be here, even if I do wake up to snow each morning.

You opened the window and winter blew in...

Guess that's how I feel lately. As if I've just arrived and still need my windows open for the summer breeze. Summer has come and gone... and will soon be replaced by glimmering snowflakes.

The last few months have flown by. This week, I've made it my goal to resuscitate my blog. It will be like playing "Where's Waldo" or "I see it!"... I'll update and you can guess what's changed.

Prizes will go to the most observant and best memory. Let the games begin!