Hello, friends! Yesterday was kind of an exciting day: my aunt Laura and cousin Haley stayed the night at our house. They were just passing through on their way to Purdue University, where Haley is starting on Monday! I'm so excited for her, and I know she'll do fantastically at Purdue.
Haley's visit reminded me that most colleges and universities are starting soon. I know Pastor Jay in Tallahassee is probably finishing up the last meal he has to cook for Go Week right about now, and tonight is the FSU Luau. Concordia Wisconsin's Campus Ministry Leadership Team will leave for their annual planning retreat tomorrow. I may not be involved with any colleges or college students this year, but I urge you to be! For my blog today I'd like to give you the text of a presentation I made while in Florida.
What's going on in the lives of college students can be summed up in one word: change. Students are in a new place, away from home and all of the amenities that home provides, such as comfort. familiarity, parents, friends, and school. When all of these things change, a student's identity is in question. They suddenly have the freedom to make choices they couldn't make before. Their parents aren't there to check their grades, or make sure they're doing their homework, or call them if they're out past curfew. They're tempted to skip class, eat all junk food, and make friends in all the wrong ways. Students are asking themselves, "Who am I when my entire world is suddenly stripped away?"
Campus ministry provides a constant in the change of college life. It provides a place that feels like home, where students can find comfort, safety, Christian relationships, and answers to the tough questions they're asking themselves. Campus ministry also reminds students of their identity. They are a child of God. This is found in their baptism, and it never changes. This identity is something they can always rely upon. The problem is, it's easy for students to forget about their faith when they go to college.
That's where YOU come in! If you're a parent or aunt or uncle or grandparent or sibling or some other obscure relative or even just a friend, you can be there for your student. Before they leave, find the campus ministry at their school. You can do this easily at LCMS-U. Tell them about the campus ministry at their school, and tell the campus ministry at their school about them. (I include the second part because college students are not known for their memory.) And while your student is away, be that constant in their lives. Keep in touch; remind them of their home and their identity. Let them know you're still thinking about them and you still care. When they're home on break, get together with them and be that reminder in person.
The LCMS-U slogan is this: "College is tough. You need Jesus. We'll help." But in order for the campus ministries to do that, they need YOUR help, too!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Beginnings and Endings
Hello, friends! I have a fairly short blog post for you today. Just a few reflections on my week.
On Sunday, I had the incredible joy of becoming a godmother to my nephew at his baptism. Let me tell you, I loved little Kylen very much already, but there is a different element to it now. I am partially responsible for my god-nephew's faith. What a privilege and what a challenge! I was blessed with wonderful godparents (and four god-sisters), and I'm so excited to be a god-aunt to Kylen. I'm so excited to be there for him as he grows and to share my faith with him.
This afternoon, I had a more somber event to attend: the funeral of my friend's father. As I consider my god-nephew, I have to consider this: someday he will also have a funeral. It's my responsibility, privilege, and challenge to encourage and support him in faith so that when that day comes, he will enter into eternal joy just as my friend's father has. This relationship that I now have with Kylen is so very important when I think about it in those terms.
That's all for today. If you were wondering, yes, my god-nephew did scream his little heart out during the baptism. (He does that a lot.) We had a great time with family and friends. On a side note, my cousin Shannon's baby was born on Monday! Welcome to the world, Emma! :)
On Sunday, I had the incredible joy of becoming a godmother to my nephew at his baptism. Let me tell you, I loved little Kylen very much already, but there is a different element to it now. I am partially responsible for my god-nephew's faith. What a privilege and what a challenge! I was blessed with wonderful godparents (and four god-sisters), and I'm so excited to be a god-aunt to Kylen. I'm so excited to be there for him as he grows and to share my faith with him.
This afternoon, I had a more somber event to attend: the funeral of my friend's father. As I consider my god-nephew, I have to consider this: someday he will also have a funeral. It's my responsibility, privilege, and challenge to encourage and support him in faith so that when that day comes, he will enter into eternal joy just as my friend's father has. This relationship that I now have with Kylen is so very important when I think about it in those terms.
That's all for today. If you were wondering, yes, my god-nephew did scream his little heart out during the baptism. (He does that a lot.) We had a great time with family and friends. On a side note, my cousin Shannon's baby was born on Monday! Welcome to the world, Emma! :)
Friday, August 7, 2015
Inspiration
Hello, friends! My last few blog posts have been more on the serious side, so today I decided to have some fun and talk about some of my favorite things: TV shows, movies, and books. More specifically, I want to talk about the characters that I find most inspiring in those three mediums.
After you read through my picks, I want to hear yours! Comment here or on Facebook and let me know the television, movie, and book characters you find most inspiring.
Television:
The character I find most inspiring on television comes from the short-lived show called "Forever." Detective Jo Martinez inspires me because she is so real. She has no mysterious past to uncover, a la Kate Beckett, Ziva David, and Emma Swan (from "Castle," "NCIS," and "Once Upon a Time," respectively). Instead, she is a normal person, affected by a normal, everyday tragedy. She is driven by the desire to make the world a better place, even as she discovers what "better" means for herself. She honestly cares for people and often puts them above herself, but she can't always do that, and she knows that it's okay to put herself first sometimes. It's hard to put into words, exactly, but Detective Jo Martinez struck a chord in me that doesn't get played very often.
Movie:
My most inspirational movie character can be found in the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise. Nowhere else will you find a character named Hiccup! Hiccup inspires me because he changes. He starts out the first movie as a rebellious, snarky, friendless kid who can't do anything right. By the end of the second movie, he's a thoughtful, kind, fearless, and strong leader. (The snarkiness hasn't gone anywhere, but that's okay.) In addition, Hiccup changes not only himself, but others. His growth inspires others to grow. That's the kind of leader I want to be, which is why Hiccup inspires me.
Book:
Finally, books. As you can guess if you know me at all, this was the most difficult choice. Therefore I've chosen two characters. (I know, I'm disobeying my own rules... but I just had to. Also, they're my rules, I can break them if I want to.)
The first character I picked is Keladry of Mindelan, from the "Protector of the Small" series by Tamora Pierce. The series title really says it all: Keladry is the protector of the small. She sees value and worth in everyone, from sparrows to refugees, and she goes out of her way to look out for them.
The second character is Neville Longbottom from the "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling. The odds were stacked against Neville from the start. He had to fight for every inch of growth and success. But he never gave up, and eventually, he became a hero.
There you have it, the characters that inspire me most. What about you?
After you read through my picks, I want to hear yours! Comment here or on Facebook and let me know the television, movie, and book characters you find most inspiring.
Television:
The character I find most inspiring on television comes from the short-lived show called "Forever." Detective Jo Martinez inspires me because she is so real. She has no mysterious past to uncover, a la Kate Beckett, Ziva David, and Emma Swan (from "Castle," "NCIS," and "Once Upon a Time," respectively). Instead, she is a normal person, affected by a normal, everyday tragedy. She is driven by the desire to make the world a better place, even as she discovers what "better" means for herself. She honestly cares for people and often puts them above herself, but she can't always do that, and she knows that it's okay to put herself first sometimes. It's hard to put into words, exactly, but Detective Jo Martinez struck a chord in me that doesn't get played very often.
Movie:
My most inspirational movie character can be found in the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise. Nowhere else will you find a character named Hiccup! Hiccup inspires me because he changes. He starts out the first movie as a rebellious, snarky, friendless kid who can't do anything right. By the end of the second movie, he's a thoughtful, kind, fearless, and strong leader. (The snarkiness hasn't gone anywhere, but that's okay.) In addition, Hiccup changes not only himself, but others. His growth inspires others to grow. That's the kind of leader I want to be, which is why Hiccup inspires me.
Book:
Finally, books. As you can guess if you know me at all, this was the most difficult choice. Therefore I've chosen two characters. (I know, I'm disobeying my own rules... but I just had to. Also, they're my rules, I can break them if I want to.)
The first character I picked is Keladry of Mindelan, from the "Protector of the Small" series by Tamora Pierce. The series title really says it all: Keladry is the protector of the small. She sees value and worth in everyone, from sparrows to refugees, and she goes out of her way to look out for them.
The second character is Neville Longbottom from the "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling. The odds were stacked against Neville from the start. He had to fight for every inch of growth and success. But he never gave up, and eventually, he became a hero.
There you have it, the characters that inspire me most. What about you?
Friday, July 31, 2015
A Reminder
Hello, friends! I haven't been blogging once a week recently, because I don't think you would find a list of the books I've read while sitting around the house particularly interesting. (If you would find that interesting, I can certainly oblige you. :P) I've decided to only write a blog post when I have something interesting to write about.
Today I want to write about the abortion debate.
This will not be a blog post detailing the pro-life position, because there are plenty of those. This will also not be a blog post blasting the pro-choice position, because there are plenty of those, too. And although this blog post was inspired by the recent anti-Planned Parenthood videos, it isn't really about the videos. Instead, it's my hope that this blog post will be a reminder to both sides that we are all human, and deserving of respect.
In college, I was an active member and leader of Students for Life. I held signs outside abortion clinics. I participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. three times. I attended numerous conferences. I was, and still am, adamantly pro-life. However, I do not see the usefulness in attacking pro-choicers in any way. Yes, honest and open debate is useful. No, rude and abusive insults are not. I bring this up because I've seen it too many times.
In the same way, it's not useful for pro-choicers to attack pro-lifers in any way. Again, yes, honest and open debate is useful. And again, no, rude and abusive insults are not. I bring this up for the same reason that I called out pro-lifers in the previous paragraph. I've seen this happen too many times.
If we all treat each other with respect, if we are willing to listen to each other with no agendas or ulterior motives, the world could change. But as long as we insist upon treating each other like we are less than human because we disagree, the world will stay the same. No one, regardless of their views on this debate, wants nothing to change.
Today I want to write about the abortion debate.
This will not be a blog post detailing the pro-life position, because there are plenty of those. This will also not be a blog post blasting the pro-choice position, because there are plenty of those, too. And although this blog post was inspired by the recent anti-Planned Parenthood videos, it isn't really about the videos. Instead, it's my hope that this blog post will be a reminder to both sides that we are all human, and deserving of respect.
In college, I was an active member and leader of Students for Life. I held signs outside abortion clinics. I participated in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. three times. I attended numerous conferences. I was, and still am, adamantly pro-life. However, I do not see the usefulness in attacking pro-choicers in any way. Yes, honest and open debate is useful. No, rude and abusive insults are not. I bring this up because I've seen it too many times.
In the same way, it's not useful for pro-choicers to attack pro-lifers in any way. Again, yes, honest and open debate is useful. And again, no, rude and abusive insults are not. I bring this up for the same reason that I called out pro-lifers in the previous paragraph. I've seen this happen too many times.
If we all treat each other with respect, if we are willing to listen to each other with no agendas or ulterior motives, the world could change. But as long as we insist upon treating each other like we are less than human because we disagree, the world will stay the same. No one, regardless of their views on this debate, wants nothing to change.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Reflection on Rejection
Hello, friends! I know it's not a Thursday, but I've mostly lost track of the days of the week since coming home to Urbandale. I can only tell it's a Sunday because I went to church this morning and Vacation Bible School starts tonight.
Some of you know that I spent last weekend in Colorado for an interview. Normally, I don't talk about my interviews on the Internet. I keep any conversation about them off the web unless I get the job. I think this is partly because I have no control over the outcome of interviews, but the bigger reason is that I've been rejected often. I don't like to advertise that fact. I prefer to share good news. It's much easier for me to post a Facebook status that says "I got the job!" than one that says "Rejected again."
But this interview was different, and although my status would say "Rejected again," I want to talk about it. I want you to know what happened and how a weekend in Colorado changed me.
Let me set the scene. The church had interviewed several candidates over the phone. Once they had narrowed their list down to three, they invited us all out to visit their church and the surrounding community for a weekend. This is standard protocol, except for one thing: they invited all of us out at once. Never before had I met the other candidates for a position I was interviewing for.
At first, all of us were confused. We didn't know quite what to make of the situation. But as the weekend progressed, it became clear to us that we weren't competing with each other. The church recognized the different gifts in each of us. We didn't have the same gifts, and therefore, comparing us was like comparing apples and oranges. The church wasn't picking what kind of apple they wanted. They were deciding if they wanted an apple or an orange or a pear. They understood that we were different and they wanted to see which of us would be the best fit based on our personal gifts.
This changed the weekend from an uncomfortable one to a fun one. I enjoyed getting to know the people in the congregation, and after an initial phase of awkwardness, I enjoyed getting to know the other candidates, too. I learned from them, and they learned from me. We observed that we were different and that it was okay for us to be different. Not all church workers should be, or try to be, the same. Each of us has different strengths. Each of us has been gifted by God in different ways. We should act on those strengths and gifts rather than trying to be the cookie-cutter church worker we sometimes strive to be.
Knowing the other candidates also had another effect. On Tuesday night, I received a phone call from the pastor. He informed me that I was not going to receive the call to Colorado. Instead of bursting into tears, as I normally do after a rejection, I was calm. I thanked him for giving me the opportunity to come to Colorado.
When I hung up the phone, I thought to myself, "I'm happy for whichever of the other two candidates gets the call. They will do well." Ordinarily I would have been upset with myself and angry at the other candidates, convinced that I should have gotten the call and that I did something wrong. But this time, I was content in knowing that God was not calling me there and happy for the candidate whom God was calling there. And that's really what the call process is about, isn't it? Recognizing that it's not what we do or don't do, or about a decision made by people. It's about what God has in store for each one of us.
So although I have been rejected again, I am not embarrassed or frustrated. Certainly there's still a feeling of impatience, for I do have a call to ministry -- that much I know -- and I will be anxious until I am fulfilling it. But recognizing the gifts of the other two candidates changed me. Recognizing the gifts of the other two candidates brought God's master plan into perspective.
Some of you know that I spent last weekend in Colorado for an interview. Normally, I don't talk about my interviews on the Internet. I keep any conversation about them off the web unless I get the job. I think this is partly because I have no control over the outcome of interviews, but the bigger reason is that I've been rejected often. I don't like to advertise that fact. I prefer to share good news. It's much easier for me to post a Facebook status that says "I got the job!" than one that says "Rejected again."
But this interview was different, and although my status would say "Rejected again," I want to talk about it. I want you to know what happened and how a weekend in Colorado changed me.
Let me set the scene. The church had interviewed several candidates over the phone. Once they had narrowed their list down to three, they invited us all out to visit their church and the surrounding community for a weekend. This is standard protocol, except for one thing: they invited all of us out at once. Never before had I met the other candidates for a position I was interviewing for.
At first, all of us were confused. We didn't know quite what to make of the situation. But as the weekend progressed, it became clear to us that we weren't competing with each other. The church recognized the different gifts in each of us. We didn't have the same gifts, and therefore, comparing us was like comparing apples and oranges. The church wasn't picking what kind of apple they wanted. They were deciding if they wanted an apple or an orange or a pear. They understood that we were different and they wanted to see which of us would be the best fit based on our personal gifts.
This changed the weekend from an uncomfortable one to a fun one. I enjoyed getting to know the people in the congregation, and after an initial phase of awkwardness, I enjoyed getting to know the other candidates, too. I learned from them, and they learned from me. We observed that we were different and that it was okay for us to be different. Not all church workers should be, or try to be, the same. Each of us has different strengths. Each of us has been gifted by God in different ways. We should act on those strengths and gifts rather than trying to be the cookie-cutter church worker we sometimes strive to be.
Knowing the other candidates also had another effect. On Tuesday night, I received a phone call from the pastor. He informed me that I was not going to receive the call to Colorado. Instead of bursting into tears, as I normally do after a rejection, I was calm. I thanked him for giving me the opportunity to come to Colorado.
When I hung up the phone, I thought to myself, "I'm happy for whichever of the other two candidates gets the call. They will do well." Ordinarily I would have been upset with myself and angry at the other candidates, convinced that I should have gotten the call and that I did something wrong. But this time, I was content in knowing that God was not calling me there and happy for the candidate whom God was calling there. And that's really what the call process is about, isn't it? Recognizing that it's not what we do or don't do, or about a decision made by people. It's about what God has in store for each one of us.
So although I have been rejected again, I am not embarrassed or frustrated. Certainly there's still a feeling of impatience, for I do have a call to ministry -- that much I know -- and I will be anxious until I am fulfilling it. But recognizing the gifts of the other two candidates changed me. Recognizing the gifts of the other two candidates brought God's master plan into perspective.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Iowa Girl Meets... Iowa
Hello, friends! I'm officially back in my home state. I've been playing with my dogs and bothering my cat nonstop ever since I arrived back in Urbandale, but the highlight of my time in Iowa so far was definitely meeting my two-week-old nephew on Friday. I did not die of excitement, but it was pretty close! In case you were wondering, Kylen is the cutest, ever. Hands down.
Last Thursday night was also a highlight: I got to see my friend Megan in St. Louis. We had some delicious deep-dish pizza and went out for drinks afterwards. Only the two of us would have a deep conversation about Lutheran worship over beers during karaoke.
I've pretty much been relaxing ever since I got here. The long drive wore me out. I went to Messiah on Sunday and greeted all of my friends, had lunch with my friend Melody on Tuesday and dinner with my friend Jessie on Wednesday, read a few books, and played a few video games. Interspersed in there has been unpacking and interview prep.
As you can see, now that my year in the great state of Florida is complete, I don't have too much to say in my blog. What do you guys think I should do with my blog? I originally started it to keep you informed of the goings-on in Tallahassee, but I don't have that reason anymore. If I continue writing, what would you suggest I write about? Please let me know what you think!
Last Thursday night was also a highlight: I got to see my friend Megan in St. Louis. We had some delicious deep-dish pizza and went out for drinks afterwards. Only the two of us would have a deep conversation about Lutheran worship over beers during karaoke.
I've pretty much been relaxing ever since I got here. The long drive wore me out. I went to Messiah on Sunday and greeted all of my friends, had lunch with my friend Melody on Tuesday and dinner with my friend Jessie on Wednesday, read a few books, and played a few video games. Interspersed in there has been unpacking and interview prep.
As you can see, now that my year in the great state of Florida is complete, I don't have too much to say in my blog. What do you guys think I should do with my blog? I originally started it to keep you informed of the goings-on in Tallahassee, but I don't have that reason anymore. If I continue writing, what would you suggest I write about? Please let me know what you think!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
On the Road
Hello, friends! I'm writing to you from "out there on the highway, out there on the open road," to quote Holly Williams, one of the artists my mother and I heard last night at the Grand Ole Opry. How did I end up in Nashville, you might ask? I'll tell you if you'll "roll with me, roll with me."
I'll return to song lyrics later, no doubt, but before I get there, let me tell you about my last few days in Tallahassee. I spent most of my Saturday packing, except for the few minutes I spent helping Anna jump start her car. I also took my pastels upstairs and drew some University Lutheran art. My favorite was this one, which is a symbol on the stained glass windows.
I'll return to song lyrics later, no doubt, but before I get there, let me tell you about my last few days in Tallahassee. I spent most of my Saturday packing, except for the few minutes I spent helping Anna jump start her car. I also took my pastels upstairs and drew some University Lutheran art. My favorite was this one, which is a symbol on the stained glass windows.
Sunday was my last official day as a Lutheran Campus Initiative missionary. I led the Bible study and ushered during the worship service. I was glad to be able to witness the baptisms off Wyatt and Alexa Paul, and doubly glad that the baptismal font and Christ candle survived the day. Wyatt and Alexa's two older sisters were a little too excited. :P After eating lunch at Jim & Milt's, I spent my afternoon hanging out with PJ, Liz, and Cricket. Cricket and I played with blocks for awhile before they all went home.
On Monday, I said goodbye to a few people and a few places. I volunteered for the last time at the Children's Home Society and said goodbye to Veronica and Annalise. I also visited the top of the capitol building and got some frozen yogurt from Yogurt Mountain. I did quite a bit of writing on Monday; some very nice person roasted me last week and gave me a journal, and I figured I'd start it off by recording my last few Tallahassee thoughts.
I'm going to miss that capitol view.
On Tuesday, well... I packed and packed and cleaned and packed some more. I took frequent breaks to go upstairs and say to PJ or Matt, "Hey, I don't want to pack this. Do you want this?" Around 6 o'clock we had planned to start packing up my car, but some hurricane-force wind and rain came at just that time, so we waited it out in PJ's office. I didn't mind, as this gave me the opportunity to play with my best friend Bear-dog. When the weather cleared up, PJ, Sarah, Evan, Corey and I managed to fit my giant pile of stuff into my little car. (We're now considering starting a moving company called "Five Lutherans and a Focus.") We had dinner at Cantina's, and then we had to say goodbye.
Can you believe that all fit?
On Wednesday, I said a very sad goodbye to University Lutheran and set my sights toward the Midwest. I drove my very full car to Montgomery, switching into God's time (commonly known as Central time). I picked up my mom from the Montgomery airport and we continued on to Nashville, where we caught a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Our favorite artists were Holly Williams, the Willis Clan, and Thompson Square.
This morning, we visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. Now we're out there on the highway, out there on the open road. Tonight we'll stop in St. Louis and visit my friend Megan, and tomorrow, I get to meet my nephew in person. If you don't hear from me after that, it probably means I've died from excitement.
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