This past week was so busy, the time log I normally write on one sheet of paper took up one and a half. On Thursday, we began the day with prayer and devo. Then I had my one-on-one meeting with Pastor Jay. Until I didn't have that time for a couple of weeks, I didn't realize quite how much I value it. If you've never had pastoral counseling, I would recommend it. Your pastor, well, he knows his stuff. Take advantage of it!
After my one-on-one, I did some preparation for my Vespers study and organized the list of Lutheran students we received from the university. Then I had coffee with a student and really enjoyed the conversation we were able to have. After that, I met up with my friend Mel at Paint-a-Pot, which (as you can probably guess) is a paint-your-own-pottery place on campus. We intended to stay just for an hour or so, but it turned into a four-hour excursion ending with dinner at Chili's. Yum!
On Friday, I spent a few hours in the morning contacting students from the Lutheran student list. I was able to find most of them on Facebook. I did more Vespers preparation, went to Yogurt Mountain with a student, and intended to do some more work afterwards... but I was full-out exhausted. I hadn't been sleeping well all week, so instead of trying to work more, I decided I needed a night off. Unfortunately, my night of relaxation became a little stressful when I realized there was no good place on campus to park my car during the game the next day, because I am not a student, faculty/staff member, or Booster. Those are the only people with parking options on campus on game days. In the end, I parked my car in the grass next to the church parking lot.
Speaking of, Saturday was Game Day! I got up in the morning to help set up for the tailgate, and then got my relaxation in before the tailgate started at 3:30. On game days, University Lutheran opens its doors for people to come in, use the restroom, eat some good food, and enjoy the air conditioning (and protection from the rain). I had tasty lasagna for dinner and was able to play some ping-pong, Clue, and Sorry. It was really fun! Once the game started, we closed the doors and cleaned up before everyone headed home. "Home" for me, of course, is downstairs. I discovered that we are close enough to the stadium that I can just walk outside and hear the announcer and the marching band. I could also hear the fireworks at the end of the game -- the first "boom" scared me half to death!
On Sunday, of course, we had Bible study and worship. (Gary and his new wife Jessica were there! Yay!) After worship, we had a student leadership meeting, which as usual ended at a local restaurant for lunch. Since Pastor Jay was going to be at a conference all week, the three of us met in the afternoon to plan out the week in advance. I finished up my prayer cards and spent some time contacting students before calling it an early night.
Monday, being my day off, started out by sleeping in. I desperately needed it. After I finally got going around noon, I did my laundry and went over to CHS for my weekly volunteer time. Instead of calling people to take surveys, I ended up stuffing folders, which fit my mood because it required much less thought! I got groceries and stopped by the library on the way home, and then attended the very first TrueLife Bible study. This is a study led by a few of the student leaders from University Lutheran. We played some icebreaker games and then spent time in discussion about how to make good friends on a secular campus. I was really impressed by the leadership skills of Austin, Caroline, and Evan. Great job, guys!
Tuesday started out a little strangely. I'm used to being up and ready to go by 9:30, because that's when Pastor Jay, Katie, and I normally meet for devotions. However, PJ was in Orlando and Katie was at work, so there was no one to meet with. I met up with a student for coffee in the morning, and then another student in the afternoon. Before I explain how the second coffee meeting went, I should explain that normally, this meet-ups right now are just to get to know the students. I'm not normally having deep spiritual discussions with them. But Tuesday afternoon, I had the most spiritual discussion I've had yet with a student who describes himself as "not religious." I really enjoyed our conversation, and I hope we are able to have another one sometime.
After that meet-up, I went out to be present on campus and accidentally came across a huge poster sale. It was interesting to observe which posters were popular. I think I heard "Game of Thrones" mentioned most often! I took a break in the afternoon and evening to read a book (yes, a whole book... that's kind of what I do), and then went upstairs to "rehearse" for Vespers. I had written out what I wanted to say, and I wanted to make sure it sounded normal when said out loud. I made some adjustments, and then went back downstairs to meet up with Katie and find out how her day had gone. We read a devotion together and had some great bonding time culminating in a spontaneous pre-birthday trip to Chik fil A for a cookie sundae. Delicious.
Now we're up to today... my 23rd birthday! When I first got up this morning, I opened my door and discovered that Katie had decorated for me. What a great roommate! She went off to work and I went upstairs for campus ministry prayer. After prayer, I went to visit Mel at Market Wednesday, which is SO much bigger than it was during the summer. It took me 5 minutes to find the booth she works at. We visited for awhile, and then I walked back to church while talking to my mom on the phone. I went to Firehouse Subs and got a free lunch, and then to Yogurt Mountain, which had coincidentally sent me a discount for today.
After delicious fro-yo I headed back to church and spent time contacting the remainder of the students on the Lutheran student list. (I had some major help with this -- Evan took the initiative and looked up the e-mails of everyone I couldn't find on Facebook!) I met up with Matt, our church administrator, and he showed me how to utilize the church databases. Then I went to do laundry to prepare for my best friend Jessie Hoepker coming tomorrow! I also picked up some donuts and fruit for the Interfaith Council meeting tomorrow. Around 5:30, I went upstairs and listened to the choir practice for awhile before my brother called to wish me a happy birthday. At 6, we wrapped up our conversation and students started arriving for Vespers.
We had pizza for dinner, and I was enjoying talking to Arlen, Larry, and Julie when I heard "Happy Birthday" being sung from behind me. I turned around and there was Katie, bringing me a giant cake with "23" candles! I blew out the candles and we enjoyed some delicious cake and brownies. Apparently, both PJ & Liz and Katie had decided to bring me birthday treats, and that's how we ended up with birthday cake AND birthday brownies. Best problem ever.
When we finished up eating, I led the group in discussion about the twin concepts of "covenant" and "kingdom." "Covenant" refers to our relationship with God, and "kingdom" refers to our responsibility from God. We were divvied up into three tables, and I had each table study one passage twice to demonstrate that these concepts are twins -- they're inseparable in God's Word. There's rarely a mention of what God's done for us without what he expects of us, and vice versa. I really enjoyed prepping and leading this study, and I was so glad to see such great discussion. Favorite moments: overhearing an enthusiastic "That's a brilliant idea!" from one table, accompanied by high fives; another table using the word "propitiation" correctly (and often); and one table being so engaged in discussion that I had to cut it short after 8 minutes.
(Also, "How's it going?" "It's going.")
We ended on a high note with more brownies and cake, and then Katie and I set up for the Interfaith Council meeting tomorrow and headed back downstairs. I was checking my e-mail, about ready to begin this blog, and then I got a call from my lovely grandparents. I talked to them for awhile and then was ready to start my blog again, only to see that my dad had called. I called him back and talked to him, and once we wrapped up our conversation, I finally began this blog. It's taken me an hour to write because so much has happened this week, and especially today! I am so blessed to have received 2 birthday packages (with food!) and numerous birthday cards and well-wishes. My friends and family are wonderful! Thank you to everyone who has helped me celebrate!
Two pictures again today. The first is the cup I painted at Paint-a-Pot with Mel and the second is my beautiful birthday cake!
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