little suprises

I am weak!

To be honest, there are definitely days when I feel like I've had enough and need to hide in my room to be alone for a while. It typically comes after some double-booked appointments, a list of too many "To Do's", and failed attempts to multi-task. Other times, however, there isn't a reason.

Yesterday fit into the latter. I guess it was a typical full day, but there wasn't any apparent reason for me to dread Bible study. 'Dread' may be a strong word in this case, but needless to say- I wasn't in the mood. I didn't think I could be enthusiastic or prepared enough for my freshmen girls....but I couldn't consider cancelling- we were completing the 5th chapter of the Crux study! The Crux is an initial 5 week study on FOCUSequip that lays down the foundation of Jesus. Many students enter in already knowing about Jesus...but usually have never considered the Gospel message before and why Jesus matters in their lives. The fifth chapter is the end: the most important tie-it-all-together chapter. The plan is to finish the Crux and individually recap with the students- making a specific invite to them to pursue a relationship with Jesus....and there I was prepping for Bible study not really wanting to go.  ....What?!

I went....and only one girl showed up. Another temptation to call it quits- but we carried on!

Our study started with her sharing how she had been implementing a new method of prayer I taught them last week. She was so excited about it and even shared it with her roommate! (uh...she's a little miss evangelizer and she doesn't even know it!) From there, we had the beautiful opportunity to talk about Jesus being "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and where her relationship with Jesus is. If Jesus is who He says He is...and if He is the way to Heaven, then wouldn't we want to follow Him?? What are the repercussions if we don't? Who is He, what did He do...and why does it matter?? A lot of times we become desensitized to this very reality- thinking we are too far removed in time and space from the pivotal moment that someone proved His love for us by dying in the most embarrassing and gruesome way...and who would have done it still even if you were the only one alive.

wow. Wait, I almost considered passing this up?! hold the phone!

Our conversation went well beyond the typical question-answer-awkward-silence that comes with fresh Bible studies. Last night, my lone attendee was hungry to learn how to be in relationship with Jesus and not just go through the motions anymore. Our time together was full of "aha!" moments, connections made from previous discussions, and resolutions to move forward.

Thank you, Jesus, for leading me to study!!

I left the University Center repeating praise to God, while realizing the attacks of war the evil one wages on campus and this mission. Whether that be through my own concupiscence or the trials of a hard day- God's grace is sufficient for me- His power is made perfect in my weakness  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  I should never trust my bad moods amidst the mission; they are fleeting- and typically a sign that God has great plans in store!



Thank you God for having mercy on me. I am weak and simple-minded, and can't lead anyone to you without your help...as I can't even love you without your help!  Thank you for bringing others to yourself and letting me be your little missionary, allowing me to play a small role in it all. This is how disciples are made, Jesus- how exciting! Please help us follow you along your path to Heaven!

I caved...

I've always enjoyed English & writing, but whenever I came to the idea of blogging- it was a fleeting thought. It's definitely a trend, so I'm going to be honest: my pride was keeping me from ever making what was fleeting a reality. But here I am. I caved. 

I'm okay with it- I am going to give it a fair try. As I am in my third year serving as a missionary on
campus with FOCUS- The Fellowship of Catholic University Students, the fleeting thought to begin a blog started to stick around. My motive is not to captivate your attention or daily devotion with all the interesting and not-so-interesting ramblings of my life- but mostly, I want to be more active in sharing the mission and action on campus with family, friends, and mission partners across the country! Believe me, there is a LOT more that goes on around here than what fits on a two-sided newsletter every 3 months and I want to share it with you! I hope to share about students, events, random things and thoughts of my life- but mostly as it pertains to what I do! I live and work on campus to engage college students in a relationship with Christ and His mission of "making disciples of all nations." (Matt 28:19) Why keep it to myself...and limit the good stuff only to students?? 

MEET PRAY LOVE is the title of my quarterly newsletter with FOCUS, so I found it only fitting to make it the name for the blog as well. You may know the movie/book "EAT PRAY LOVE" that I am using for my wordplay...which doesn't quite reference the same praying and loving I do on campus (or the eating, praying, and loving that Jesus does in the pic) -but regardless- I enjoy that the sequence succinctly explains what my mission is: to meet students (not eat students), pray for & with them....and to LOVE them- to share the great love of God in the person of Jesus Christ! 

So here we are, on my very own blog. Welcome!