November 20th

Hello, friends. I think most of you have heard some details of what happened at Florida State University today. It's been a rather long and busy day for me, so I'm not going to tell you everything that happened or give you every little detail, but I wanted to give you the basic rundown so you know what you can pray for.

At about 12:30 AM, a gunman opened fire at Strozier Library. The students inside the library were absolutely terrified, as they had no idea what was going on. They were running, screaming, hiding behind bookshelves or desks, trying desperately to either escape or barricade themselves in somewhere. The gunman shot and injured three people, but by the grace of God, law enforcement arrived on the scene within minutes. They gunned the man down. Had they not arrived when they did, the situation would have been much worse. The library was on lockdown as the police cleared floors one by one; some students were not able to leave until 5 AM.

I suspected something was going on when I heard the emergency alert system go off, but I couldn't understand what was said, so my first thought was that there was severe weather headed our way. When I checked Facebook, I soon discovered that I was wrong. There were wild rumors flying around -- the worst of which being that there was a second shooter -- so there was panic and confusion everywhere. I stayed up until about 2:30 AM, when it was announced that the shooter had been killed and that he had been working alone. Then I went to bed, knowing that today would be a long day and I would need rest to get through it.

Pastor Jay and I spent our morning contacting every student we know. We checked in with each one, making sure that they were safe and offering our help -- whether it be prayer or a listening ear. We attended an impromptu prayer vigil on Landis Green, in front of the library. We spent time planning our own prayer service for this evening. I had a coffee date planned for this afternoon, so Corey and I went to Atomic Coffee and we both processed through what had happened.

We held our prayer service at University Lutheran at 6:30. We had about 12 people. It was simple but meaningful. We lit candles and prayed for our campus. Afterwards, some students and I stood together and talked about where we were and what we saw or heard or did. I'm hoping to share some of my students' stories at some point, but that will come another time. The important thing is that all of my students are safe and well.

After the service at University Lutheran, Pastor Jay and I headed over to Moore Auditorium in the Student Union, where an ecumenical prayer service was being held. We stood along the walls while students filled the seats; they were told that we would be willing to pray with them if they needed it. I think some students were a little intimidated, because there were media crews there with cameras, but after a few minutes there was prayer happening all over. I prayed with several students, but most significant for me was the first student I went up to. I asked, "Can I pray for you?" Instead, she prayed for me.

After about half an hour of prayer time, we had a message based on Romans 5:3-5, which reads, "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." We sang three songs, including "Desert Song" and "In Christ Alone." After the event broke up, Pastor Jay and I walked back to church, discussing how abnormal of a day this has been.

I will give more details in another blog probably this weekend, but for now, here's what you need to know: I am perfectly safe. The threat is over. We need prayers for calm, peace, and comfort for our students, and guidance and discernment for all of the campus ministers as we minister through this difficult time. I have received so much support today from people all over the country, from Florida to California and many places in between. I thank all of you so much and I ask for your continued prayers as Florida State works through this crisis.

Bubbles!

Hello, friends! I hope you are all having an excellent week. My week has been pretty stellar. Let me tell you all about it!

Over the last week, I've met up with each of our four student leaders to ask them this question: "If you were to return to University Lutheran in ten years, what would you want it to look like?" Zoe, Evan, Caroline, and Austin gave me pretty unique answers, and I really enjoyed the conversations we were able to have. They all wanted our campus ministry to grow, but each of them had a different vision for how that might look. I'm hoping that I can take the information I gleaned and utilize it as we start planning for next semester/year.

I led Vespers last night, and we rounded out our discussion on the "Semi-Circle", or pendulum, which is a visual demonstration of the balance of work and rest in our lives. Every time I lead Vespers, I am reminded of the fact that while I have good ideas, the people I'm leading often have better ones. I particularly appreciated the way we were able to connect the three "Life Shapes" we've gone through thus far. It's strange to think that next week will be our last Vespers of the semester. Time is going by so quickly!

Recently, one of the highlights of my week has been our staff meetings. Pastor Jay, Matt and I get along so well that we spend half of our hour-long meetings laughing. Sometimes it might be good to spend less time laughing and more time being productive, but the relationship the three of us have is just delightful.

This morning, Pastor Jay and I went to the Interfaith Council meeting. It was a small group today, but that ended up being fun, because the atmosphere was more relaxed. We had a discussion that ranged from building projects to the Intervarsity problem in California. I enjoyed having the opportunity to get to know some of the other campus ministers more.

Last weekend I did many fun things with many fun people. I went to Waterworks and had some apple cider with Gary, hung out at our tailgate with Liz and Cricket, went to a skate rink with Anna and her friends, and witnessed the phenomenon of Bubble Soccer. Yes, this is a thing. It's hilarious. Also, if you want to hear a good story about what happens when your door is broken, give me a call. ;)

I'll leave you with this: my mother is a superhero. Who goes to set something up at church at the break of dawn, accidentally cuts their finger, goes to the hospital and gets stitches, and then goes back to church to continue helping? Only someone with true dedication. You rock, Mom!

One picture this week, of the hilarity of Bubble Soccer:

In No Particular Order

Hello, friends! Per the request of my dear redheaded sister-in-law, my blog post today will consist of pictures and captions. Enjoy the randomness! :)

Here is the cookie tin I got in the mail from my wonderful grandmother!

We got a certificate in the mail for completing the "Flood Bucket Challenge"!

Our annual focus has been "I Love You". Soon we'll be entering into a new focus!

This is one of the first gems of University Lutheran I discovered.

This is, quite possibly, my favorite sign ever.

My third picture in a row from the University Lutheran kitchen. Handed out so many of these!

If you send me mail, make sure it contains hope and love!

It just occurred to me today... there is definitely NOT a library to the left of this sign.

The FSU Marching Chiefs at their pre-game performance!

All of my college friends probably recognize this guy. He's still with me! :)

I look at this every day and laugh. If you're confused, you must not be a Castle fan. :P

And finally, the tiniest and most adorable fall decoration.

That's all, folks! I hope you enjoyed this assortment of random pictures in no particular order. If you would like to make a request for my blog at any point, feel free to let me know and I'll do my best to accommodate you!