I LOVE LAMININ!

Sorry I've been absent lately. School and life have kind of taken over. I wanted to share a few of the verses, thoughts, youtubes, quotes that have been impacting me. This is a random assortment of influences and thoughts, so bear with me. 

We serve a big God.

An awesome God. 

A mighty God.

A God that works through flawed people like you and me.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. -Hebrews 11:32-34

My prayer lately has been that God would increase my view of Him. I think we (especially in Western cultures) tend to put God in a box. A box of our preconceived notions and understandings about Him. We try to constrain the Almighty God so we can "get" who He is. When really-I think one of the most awe inspiring aspects of God is that He CANNOT be contained. He's the creator of the universe. He's the GREAT I AM. I'm learning and growing and praying that my faith in the author of the world would grow. That I could be counted with the heroes of the faith who walked boldly into fire knowing that the GOD WHO IS had their best in mind.

The molecular biologist that made my night was via a talk by Louie Giglio. Enjoy.

So many quotes/stories/opinions from recent conversations with my 180 kids, connection group, friends, legislation changes,  etc. I'm just overwhelmed with what else to even share. More soon.

Are you a Freshman?

Hello friends.
It's been almost a month.

I survived round one of exams. I'm enjoying my classes (well, some of them). The being back in school thing is entertaining--most people think I'm a freshman. I think it's the long hair and being in mostly freshman/sophomore classes. The sophomores haven't seen me before so they assume I'm a freshman. I just take it as it is. The best was a standing by the bus conversation with a guy from one of my classes. He was telling me how people think he's 17 all the time etc, working on getting the sympathy vote. I kind of smiled and said, oh-yeah, sometimes that happens to me too.
Him: Oh-yeah. You're a freshman, right?
Me: No.
Him: Junior?
Me: eh, it's complicated.
Him: long pause...how old are you (emphasis on the OLD)?
Me: 24.
Him: whoaaaa.
Oh freshman boy...you're funny.

I still cheer for Purdue. Only Purdue. 

I've starting helping with 180, the Junior High ministry at Cornerstone Church. Volunteering there has been SO MUCH FUN. Highlights have been a 6th grade lock-in, learning a morale dance, and eating chocolate cupcakes (see previous post) with my 7th grade girls. I'm getting to pour into Jr Highers (and see if that really is the age I want to teach someday) and meet a ton of other people around my age that are serving as well. I'm in a connection group with other leaders and am thriving with going deeper with these new friends.

The Lord has been reminding me of his goodness, provision, and faithfulness. Loving me through new friends and my family. Smiling down on me with sunny days. Speaking through his word.

So to my friends that wanted to know, how's Iowa? It's great. It's really really great.