One of my all-time favorite worship songs, sung during our impromptu jam session by the bonfire at IVCF's Spring Conference, 2009... it may not be the most "polished" rendition, but it's simply wonderful none the less.
Props to Samster the Hamster for filming it!! Thank you! :)
Showing posts with label InterVarsity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label InterVarsity. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Prayer Request
For the few of you who may read this that are NOT in IVCF at USF...
Please pray, we are in a pretty crappy situation at the moment. We have lost our room reservations for the rest of the year, which could potentially destroy our ministry. Yes, we did something wrong, we did break a rule, but we had no idea the repercussions would be so severe. Here's the situation in more detail, if you wanna know:
The good news is that after a day of headaches and meetings, we got a room confirmed for next semester (which is a huge relief!), but we're still without a home for this semester. Why do my groups always get kicked out of places?? The Underground got kicked out of its "home" at the Improv a year or so ago, and they hadn't even broken a rule or anything!!
Anyway. I am trying to reassure myself that we do not need a room... we do not need anything but Jesus. At the same time, though, I worry about new students who may not be connected enough right now to continue coming after this madness has settled back down. The leadership will be fine, the core group will be fine... I am just worried about the newer kids. But I have faith that God will provide and keep us together.
Anyways, prayers would be appreciated. Thanks. I will try not to let "the man" get me down... and to remember that even the Son of Man had no place to lay his head.
Please pray, we are in a pretty crappy situation at the moment. We have lost our room reservations for the rest of the year, which could potentially destroy our ministry. Yes, we did something wrong, we did break a rule, but we had no idea the repercussions would be so severe. Here's the situation in more detail, if you wanna know:
We basically had an event outside of the Marshall Center to share the gospel, even though they denied our request to hold that event (our request was made only about 12 business days in advance, not the required 14... a rule which they have only very recently began to enforce). We had actually put in requests for 3 events and they all got denied.... but we figured we'd try to do this one anyway, because we really felt a need to share the gospel in this way. We figured if they had a problem they'd ask us to leave, and we would politely pack up and leave. Well, nobody asked us to move all day, and we had a great response from students... and then that night, Jeremy and Melyssa received an email informing us that we have lost our room reservations for the year. Meaning, we have no space for Common Ground, for leadership meetings... and for our special JJP event tomorrow, "Common Ground with the Voiceless."
It's really discouraging. It broke my heart when they told me this... it is so easy to take our room away, but by doing that, they don't understand how badly they hurt our community... our family. At first I was angry that we decided to break the rule, because of the amount of trouble we got into, and the fact that the Bible says we must respect authority... but then I thought about it, and I realized that because of what we did, about 50 students heard the gospel that day alone, and they were all really receptive to it. I think we got a lot of students to see a side of Jesus they did not know existed. We are to respect authority to the point that it doesn't go against God... and he definitely has commanded to preach the gospel to all nations.
Plus, yes we broke a rule... but we were OUTSIDE. And not disturbing anyone. Polite. Friendly. Informative. We have been an organization at USF for over 15 years, and have in that time requested over 900 rooms for events and meetings... and in all that time we have never broken a rule. We have always listened to them, even when they have been completely unfair (like this year, when they approved an event, and then changed their minds about it not even two days before the event took place... we just accepted it). And now the first time something goes wrong, they take our rooms away for the year?? It's absurd, and injust. The Marshall Center is for STUDENTS but they have been ridiculous about denying us this year. It's not just our orginization either... I have heard about 3 others who are having difficulties as well.
The good news is that after a day of headaches and meetings, we got a room confirmed for next semester (which is a huge relief!), but we're still without a home for this semester. Why do my groups always get kicked out of places?? The Underground got kicked out of its "home" at the Improv a year or so ago, and they hadn't even broken a rule or anything!!
Anyway. I am trying to reassure myself that we do not need a room... we do not need anything but Jesus. At the same time, though, I worry about new students who may not be connected enough right now to continue coming after this madness has settled back down. The leadership will be fine, the core group will be fine... I am just worried about the newer kids. But I have faith that God will provide and keep us together.
Anyways, prayers would be appreciated. Thanks. I will try not to let "the man" get me down... and to remember that even the Son of Man had no place to lay his head.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Hearing God's Call to Mission
Notes adapted from Brian Sanders' seminar at Sonburst 2008!! I learned a LOT from this, and I hope you do too... Enjoy!
--Starting with scripture, in typical IV style! :)
1 Samuel 17 (David and Goliath)
David exhibits fearlessness and comfort with himself, and is able to discern his calling in some ways we might not necessarily think of.
--When everything is against you, and there is still success... you KNOW it is because of God!
David is indignant in the face of a great bully who was against his God and his people.
David's identity in God is incredibly strong!
David believes that he is truly called.
He looks like a shepherd, but he is more. His connection to God obligated him to confront the great bully he encountered!!
--What really makes YOU mad in this world?
--This may help reveal what your calling is... we will come back to this later.
General revelations can answer many of our specific questions!!
--What are some scriptures that define what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to do?
--Knowing these scriptures, we can see some general guidelines that define our calling:
--It is listed first, which stresses its importance.
--We should strive to be more missional leaders!
--Explosive growth in China, India, the Philippines, Latin America, Africa...
--Our megachurches create the illusion that the church is growing... but it's not.
What are some tools we can use to discern our calling??
Discern your bully-- what makes YOU mad? You may think this thing (AIDS epidemic, sex slaves, poverty, hunger, inner-city violence) makes EVERYONE mad... but really, we each have certain things that we feel a special passion for.
Discover your gifts-- Try everything you can! Take ANY opportunity to lead (Bible study, worship, a prayer meeting, whatever!). Some people will find that they're pretty good at everything, and they might need to pursue full-time ministry.
Nurture your relationships-- with God, and with each other. We need kingdom leaders, not just church leaders. Think big. Also, many discoveries about ourselves come from community!!
Develop your vocabulary with God-- We don't have enough words to hear God in prayer... so read his word and get familiar with his voice! This generation has an especially high amount of risk-taking ability, and a high concern for each other, but we have an especially low knowledge of God's word.
--Starting with scripture, in typical IV style! :)
1 Samuel 17 (David and Goliath)
David exhibits fearlessness and comfort with himself, and is able to discern his calling in some ways we might not necessarily think of.
- He steps up because there is a void (nobody else will do it)... and it is perceived as arrogance!
- Living courageously for God draws criticism.
- He is not altogether inexperienced-- he has experience of facing great foes, and of God coming through for him.
- He focuses on the problem at hand, and not on other peoples' fear and criticisms.
- Takes this as an opportunity!
--When everything is against you, and there is still success... you KNOW it is because of God!
David is indignant in the face of a great bully who was against his God and his people.
David's identity in God is incredibly strong!
David believes that he is truly called.
He looks like a shepherd, but he is more. His connection to God obligated him to confront the great bully he encountered!!
--What really makes YOU mad in this world?
--This may help reveal what your calling is... we will come back to this later.
General revelations can answer many of our specific questions!!
--What are some scriptures that define what we, as followers of Jesus, are called to do?
--Knowing these scriptures, we can see some general guidelines that define our calling:
- The Great Commandment: "Love God, love people" (Mat. 22:36-40)
- The Great Commission: "Make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching..." (Mat. 28:18-20)
- Jesus' first act of ministry: "The Spirit of the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:16-21)
- There are more, but these are some of the main examples.
- Western churches are primarily "pastoral"-- led by Pastors (and also Teachers). Pastors guard the safety of the "flock."
- But ALL 5 are supposed to lead!!
- A team of all 5 types of people looks a lot like Jesus!
- By relying on ONLY the pastoral people to lead, we create a church body who feels that the church exists for them to be comfortable and taken care of.
- This is part of the church's purpose... but definitely NOT all of it!
--It is listed first, which stresses its importance.
--We should strive to be more missional leaders!
- Lead as cultivators of creativity-- create environments where people can be released to mission.
- Teaching people and sending them out...
- And also teaching those who aren't here yet by going TO them!
- Whatever we do should serve the Kingdom. Whether you are a doctor, a teacher, a manager of a restaurant... you should be able to say how the path you are on is enabling you to follow God's call!!
- We should not rely solely on church leaders to accomplish God's mission-- the whole body needs to be involved!
--Explosive growth in China, India, the Philippines, Latin America, Africa...
--Our megachurches create the illusion that the church is growing... but it's not.
What are some tools we can use to discern our calling??
Discern your bully-- what makes YOU mad? You may think this thing (AIDS epidemic, sex slaves, poverty, hunger, inner-city violence) makes EVERYONE mad... but really, we each have certain things that we feel a special passion for.
Discover your gifts-- Try everything you can! Take ANY opportunity to lead (Bible study, worship, a prayer meeting, whatever!). Some people will find that they're pretty good at everything, and they might need to pursue full-time ministry.
Nurture your relationships-- with God, and with each other. We need kingdom leaders, not just church leaders. Think big. Also, many discoveries about ourselves come from community!!
Develop your vocabulary with God-- We don't have enough words to hear God in prayer... so read his word and get familiar with his voice! This generation has an especially high amount of risk-taking ability, and a high concern for each other, but we have an especially low knowledge of God's word.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sonburst '08
Amazing. What a great weekend. I feel like God has renewed me, and really stretched me in ways that I may not have been prepared for... and yet, he guided me through it all. He has built up my faith, and he has answered some questions I had... of course, those answers brought new questions, but for now, I am content. I am secure in God's love and guidance. I just need to stay connected to him... desperately.
More later. Homework time.
More later. Homework time.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Summer...
...is basically over.
I mean really, there's nothing left to it... Jim Gaffagan on Sat (yessss!!), my brother moves on campus Monday, and then... time to focus on NSO! (New Student Outreach)
So yeah. Bye summer. It's been nice.
I kind-of wish the year wasn't starting yet... I really don't want to start my thesis... I just get this feeling of dread whenever I think about it. Or about making any sort of decision about my future, really. What the heck am I gonna do with my life?? Ugh. I know what I don't want to do... which is good... but eventually I'm gonna have to make a decision on the affirmative, too :P
I'm also a little nervous about all the NSO stuff with InterVarsity. Our events are getting a lot more exposure this year, which is awesome, but that gives the potential for LOTS of new students. We've already gotten a bunch of incoming freshmen to sign up for Bible studies, too. In the meantime, we're having some problems getting situated in the new Marshall Center... the room they have us in at the moment has a capacity of about 60, I believe. (60?? we have close to 30 leaders alone!! we need room for at LEAST 100, prolly 150!) I know everything will get straightened out, and God will provide what we need in order to carry out his work here on campus. Because really, our events don't matter in the long run. What matters is the way we USE those events as ways to love and connect with new students. I'm just hoping the leaders don't get burned out (the first few weeks are BUSY!), and I hope every single new person feels welcomed.
It's gonna be a lot of work, and I know that personally, I'm gonna have more responsibility to be a true leader this year. I really need to stay connected to God, so he can help me care for the new students, and help me keep my own selfishness in check. Sometimes when I feel like I'm not being treated perfectly "fairly," my emotions take over, and that's really not appropriate for a leader. I need to step it up, for real. Help me out, God!!
Apart from the nervousness, though, I'm really excited. For one, I have a possible alternative to my current thesis that I'm really pumped about... If I'm gonna change it, though, I need to get it all set up soon. Soon as in NOW, lol. Maybe I'll try to talk to Dr. Yavneh about it tomorrow. I'm a little worried about the possibility of quitting on Dr. S, but I know that in the long run, I need to do what is best for my future. Yet at the same time, I don't want to back out of the commitment I made to her that I would stay until the end of next Spring. I have a lot to sort out... (I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, but it makes sense to me...) I just know that I don't want to do research anymore, and I don't want to go to grad school. So, if that's the case, why am I gonna spend ALLLL this time and effort next year (my senior year!) on something that's not gonna make any difference a year from now? I've got a big decision on my hands.
I'm really looking forward to everything with IV too. I mean, besides all the stress of NSO, starting the new year is also a really great experience. We meet so many new people, which is chaotic, but also really cool, because at this time next year, some of these new kids will have been TRANSFORMED by Jesus. And that is what makes it all worth it. I know what happened to me when I didn't find a solid, welcoming Christian community my freshman year, and that's what keeps me going through all the insanity. I know how bad I was hurt, damaged with scars that will never fully disappear, and though God is using it all for good in my life, I won't lie. It was painful, it made me feel so worthless, and it just makes me so WORRIED for all these girls coming to college, because I just want to protect them. Tell them that they are worth so much more than what some guy thinks of them... tell them that they are beautiful, and perfectly created by God! But the great thing is, I also know EXACTLY how it feels to be saved, to be loved, to be healed and to live for God, and I can't wait to share it. I can't wait to see how this year unfolds.
I know God will provide for me in ways I can't imagine. I just wish I knew what to do with myself in the meantime!!
...it's gonna be a crazy, busy, AMAZING year. I know it.
I mean really, there's nothing left to it... Jim Gaffagan on Sat (yessss!!), my brother moves on campus Monday, and then... time to focus on NSO! (New Student Outreach)
So yeah. Bye summer. It's been nice.
I kind-of wish the year wasn't starting yet... I really don't want to start my thesis... I just get this feeling of dread whenever I think about it. Or about making any sort of decision about my future, really. What the heck am I gonna do with my life?? Ugh. I know what I don't want to do... which is good... but eventually I'm gonna have to make a decision on the affirmative, too :P
I'm also a little nervous about all the NSO stuff with InterVarsity. Our events are getting a lot more exposure this year, which is awesome, but that gives the potential for LOTS of new students. We've already gotten a bunch of incoming freshmen to sign up for Bible studies, too. In the meantime, we're having some problems getting situated in the new Marshall Center... the room they have us in at the moment has a capacity of about 60, I believe. (60?? we have close to 30 leaders alone!! we need room for at LEAST 100, prolly 150!) I know everything will get straightened out, and God will provide what we need in order to carry out his work here on campus. Because really, our events don't matter in the long run. What matters is the way we USE those events as ways to love and connect with new students. I'm just hoping the leaders don't get burned out (the first few weeks are BUSY!), and I hope every single new person feels welcomed.
It's gonna be a lot of work, and I know that personally, I'm gonna have more responsibility to be a true leader this year. I really need to stay connected to God, so he can help me care for the new students, and help me keep my own selfishness in check. Sometimes when I feel like I'm not being treated perfectly "fairly," my emotions take over, and that's really not appropriate for a leader. I need to step it up, for real. Help me out, God!!
Apart from the nervousness, though, I'm really excited. For one, I have a possible alternative to my current thesis that I'm really pumped about... If I'm gonna change it, though, I need to get it all set up soon. Soon as in NOW, lol. Maybe I'll try to talk to Dr. Yavneh about it tomorrow. I'm a little worried about the possibility of quitting on Dr. S, but I know that in the long run, I need to do what is best for my future. Yet at the same time, I don't want to back out of the commitment I made to her that I would stay until the end of next Spring. I have a lot to sort out... (I'm sorry if I'm not making sense, but it makes sense to me...) I just know that I don't want to do research anymore, and I don't want to go to grad school. So, if that's the case, why am I gonna spend ALLLL this time and effort next year (my senior year!) on something that's not gonna make any difference a year from now? I've got a big decision on my hands.
I'm really looking forward to everything with IV too. I mean, besides all the stress of NSO, starting the new year is also a really great experience. We meet so many new people, which is chaotic, but also really cool, because at this time next year, some of these new kids will have been TRANSFORMED by Jesus. And that is what makes it all worth it. I know what happened to me when I didn't find a solid, welcoming Christian community my freshman year, and that's what keeps me going through all the insanity. I know how bad I was hurt, damaged with scars that will never fully disappear, and though God is using it all for good in my life, I won't lie. It was painful, it made me feel so worthless, and it just makes me so WORRIED for all these girls coming to college, because I just want to protect them. Tell them that they are worth so much more than what some guy thinks of them... tell them that they are beautiful, and perfectly created by God! But the great thing is, I also know EXACTLY how it feels to be saved, to be loved, to be healed and to live for God, and I can't wait to share it. I can't wait to see how this year unfolds.
I know God will provide for me in ways I can't imagine. I just wish I knew what to do with myself in the meantime!!
...it's gonna be a crazy, busy, AMAZING year. I know it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
A fantastic day... with pictures!!
Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.
Tampa Underground-- Church and baptisms on the beach
BBQ with the fam (no pictures though)
Movie night-- at our apartment in Tampa
Midnight IHOP!
Theresa's 2-year-old nephew took this picture!
"Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior?"
*dunk*
Smiles from everyone. :)
Newly baptized: Gus, Jeremy, Josh H, and me!
Soak up some rays!!
Luis makes awesome faces.
The movie of choice in the bg (Little Miss Sunshine)
Juan likes my keyboard!
"No pictures..."
"Okay, you win, you win!!"
I heart Nadia!!
"I'm calling to confirm your nose-hair braiding appointment at 3pm tomorrow..."
???
Searching for more numbers...
Nadia and Nadette's first time at IHOP!
How about... RAWBERRY!!!
"That's why you fell in love with him, isn't it Robin?"
"Yep, girls love guys with skills!"
Scientist.
Tampa Underground-- Church and baptisms on the beach
BBQ with the fam (no pictures though)
Movie night-- at our apartment in Tampa
Midnight IHOP!
Part I: Church on the beach!
Theresa's 2-year-old nephew took this picture!
"Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior?"
*dunk*
Smiles from everyone. :)
Newly baptized: Gus, Jeremy, Josh H, and me!
Soak up some rays!!Part II: "Stop being indecisive and just pick a movie!!"
Luis makes awesome faces.
The movie of choice in the bg (Little Miss Sunshine)
Juan likes my keyboard!
"No pictures..."
"Okay, you win, you win!!"
I heart Nadia!!
Interlude: Prank calls to our friends who didn't come!!
(One of our favorite pastimes!!)
(One of our favorite pastimes!!)
"I'm calling to confirm your nose-hair braiding appointment at 3pm tomorrow..."
???
Searching for more numbers...Part III: "We're young and hip, let's go out!!"
Nadia and Nadette's first time at IHOP!
How about... RAWBERRY!!!
"That's why you fell in love with him, isn't it Robin?""Yep, girls love guys with skills!"
Scientist.Sunday, April 20, 2008
No yo quiero estudiar...
Cell Bio lab final tomorrow... bleh. I havent started studying, and I really don't want to...
On a brighter note, the SSJ "Prom" was tonight... so much fun!! Highlights of the night included posing and taking pictures in front of the "Class of 1976" banner, being amused by Robbie's cow costume and Mike's superhero with underwear on the outside, and dancing like a swan to "Time After Time." Haha. We were being so ridiculous. Almost half the people there are friends from InterVarsity, and they just happen to also be involved with Students for Social Justice, so I actually knew a good number of people there, making it even easier to be goofy and have fun.
My InterVarsity buddies are the best! So funny, and so awesome. I'm glad we got to hang out tonight. <3
On a brighter note, the SSJ "Prom" was tonight... so much fun!! Highlights of the night included posing and taking pictures in front of the "Class of 1976" banner, being amused by Robbie's cow costume and Mike's superhero with underwear on the outside, and dancing like a swan to "Time After Time." Haha. We were being so ridiculous. Almost half the people there are friends from InterVarsity, and they just happen to also be involved with Students for Social Justice, so I actually knew a good number of people there, making it even easier to be goofy and have fun.
My InterVarsity buddies are the best! So funny, and so awesome. I'm glad we got to hang out tonight. <3
Friday, April 18, 2008
Fluff Post
I feel like I should write at least SOMETHING today...
hm.
I'm pretty excited about Saturday :) InterVarsity is having their banquet for graduating seniors, and I'm gonna go since Ryan is a senior. Each senior can bring 2 guests for free, and any extras have to pay $31 (because it's all catered and stuff). Ryan is bringing his parents, so I was gonna have to cough up some dough... but tonight before Common Ground, Melyssa asked me if I wanted to be one of the "greeters." All I have to do is show up an hour early in a white polo and khakis, and I eat free. Psh... heck yes I'll be a greeter!! Free food, AND I get to meet everyone! Sweet.
Though I don't have the shirt OR pants I need... so I'm gonna hit up the Salvation Army tomorrow. The one on Nebraska between Bearss and Fletcher is friggin' HUGE! I enjoy thrift stores. That one will always hold a special place in my heart because it's where we got our AMAZING couch and loveseat! Haha.
I'm just rambling about nothing, really...
Chapter Camp is in just a little over 2 weeks. I'm SOOO ready.
Life is good. Time for sleep.
hm.
I'm pretty excited about Saturday :) InterVarsity is having their banquet for graduating seniors, and I'm gonna go since Ryan is a senior. Each senior can bring 2 guests for free, and any extras have to pay $31 (because it's all catered and stuff). Ryan is bringing his parents, so I was gonna have to cough up some dough... but tonight before Common Ground, Melyssa asked me if I wanted to be one of the "greeters." All I have to do is show up an hour early in a white polo and khakis, and I eat free. Psh... heck yes I'll be a greeter!! Free food, AND I get to meet everyone! Sweet.
Though I don't have the shirt OR pants I need... so I'm gonna hit up the Salvation Army tomorrow. The one on Nebraska between Bearss and Fletcher is friggin' HUGE! I enjoy thrift stores. That one will always hold a special place in my heart because it's where we got our AMAZING couch and loveseat! Haha.
I'm just rambling about nothing, really...
Chapter Camp is in just a little over 2 weeks. I'm SOOO ready.
Life is good. Time for sleep.
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