Indy. can. change. lives.

Last week I went to a five day conference in the heart of Indianapolis.
Here are some of the happenings of the event which were worth taking note of:

• Cru friends becoming Cru family
• A wonderful roommate from Eureka College
• Thousands of college students on fire for God
• Mike Erre -- speaker from Heaven
• "God gave His only son to save the world. Is that not enough? When did that become not enough?
• "There's something about following Him where you have to become convinced that the reward of following Jesus is Jesus."
• "The danger that you run is that sinning forms your character to become the type of person that continues sinning, who may never want to go back to God in the first place."
• "The church in America is so stoppable. We are a nation of consumers -- and churches are just dispensers of religious skits and services."
• "God doesn't delight in what takes us there, but he does some of His best work at the end of our rope -- in the desperate place.
• God is greater than....ALL THINGS.
• The largest Marriot in the WORLD.
• Door-to-door evangelism in the city
• 147 lives given to Christ!
• Late night pillow talk with my Cru sisters
• Not vomitting
• Greg -- an awesome evangelism partner
• Getting to know the body of Christ from different campuses
• Worship like you've never worshiped before
• God's covenant with Abraham -- blowing minds. God walked through twice.
• "You can't quiet time enough. You can't share your faith enough. It has already been paid. When the scripture says there is no condemnation -- there is no condemnation!"
• Twelve people in a seven passenger van. Three in the trunk.
• Flash mob freeze in the mall. For Jesus and for fun.
• God is greater than your present circumstances.
• "There is a gap between how we think our life should be and how it is."
• What do you do when you're in this gap? "Stay alive and thirsty."
• "If life was not difficult, we would never run to God."
• "God will use anything to drive you back to Him."
• "He is not interested in being nice or making us better people. He's interested in rescuing you.
• "Last I checked, the only requirement for entrance into the body of Christ is admission of brokenness, not being put together."
• "If you let it, you will meet God in ways you never have."
• Bekele -- incredible speaker from Ethiopia!
• Learning about the Cru movement in Ethiopia
• Stories of spiritual warfare and the Holy Spirit moving in that country
• A new desire stirred within me to go back
• "Don't ever let money determine God's will in your life."
•  "Jesus Christ can change lives!"
• We say, "This is a crazy plan." -- but God loves crazy plans!
• "Ask God to do something big in your life."

• "There will be difficulties. But, God who called you will stand with you."

• Worshiping and praying in the New Year...best way I can think of. 
• Falling on our knees
• Holding hands in prayer
• Loving the people I was with. So much.
• "Not for a moment will you forsake me."
• A worship band that's all about God and not about themselves
• "The question is how do you help someone who is not a believer? ...I would say there is no hope outside of Jesus."
• Seminars on relevant topics. Things that we care about and want to learn about.
• Open your eyes to yourself and where God is in your life.
• Josh Coooyyyyyy!
• Completing the inflatable obstacle course. Like a boss.
• Best dance party I've ever been to
• Kasey loves us. 
• The anticipation of spring break conference!
• And we'll never be the same.

The mountains shake before Him
The demons run and flee
At the mention of the name
King of Majesty.
There is no power in hell
Or any who can stand
Before the power and the presence of the Great I am!

All Our Hope is in You, Lord.

Please read this short study on hope, and be filled.

http://docs.com/GRU5

And here is some scripture for you.

 

God is good!

I Don't Need

• 10 cardigans
• wireless internet
• extra money
• a husband
• a 4.0
• a perfect roommate
• a warm shower
• a perfectly organized schedule
• scholarships
• a bigger church congregation than you have
• a hot breakfast
• heated buildings
• a friend for every day of the week
• snacks
• naps
• a college degree
• a vehicle
• facebook
• music
• a nice camera
• a boyfriend
• a cell phone
• organic things
• hair dye
• winter boots
• three churches and a small group
• Christmas decorations
• piercings 
• scarves

All I need is You, Lord.

  The Lord is my shepherd;
      I have all that I need.
      --Psalm 23:1

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --Matthew 6:33

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.  But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. --1 Timothy 6:6-10

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. --John 6:35

Decorate a Dorm For $4.00 or Less!

That's right, my friends.
I took a lovely trip to the thrift store today
and returned with a bag of magnificent
Christmas decorations
for my dorm decorating needs.















 Totaling $4.00, I'd say the trip
was well worth my time.
If you are in need of some
Christmas decorations,
I would highly recommend
a thrift store.
They have the exact same decorations
that the other stores have
for a fraction of the price.















And they also have nifty
hand painted signs















And things that someone's
grandma once crocheted.

 

Oh! I almost forgot!

I also got a couple of Christmas records 

for 50 cents

to listen to while I decorated

and for the next

26 days!

 

Merry Christmas!

Things to be Thankful for

• red leaves
• scarves, hats, mittens
• nine days at home
• LovetheLou
• Emily -- discipler, friend, sister
• the opportunity to go to school
• Jesus Christ
• the impending Christmas season
• my plant is still alive
• a Cru family
• my mommy who rocks
• homemade Christmas gifts
• Blessing the Children International
• Natnael -- my Ethiopian blessing
• cheesecake
• my car still runs
• clean water
• good medical care
• thrift stores
• a big, loving family
• the word of God, which is living and active
• finding my coat
• Christmas music on Friday, November 25th
• leftovers
• a warm bed 
• lunch with Hannah
• thoughts of summer plans
• hot apple cider

Thanksgiving is Not a Competition

...against anyone but yourself.

So, this year for Turkey Day, I have decided to write up a game plan to help you reach your maximum feasting potential. Now, don't be alarmed or overwhelmed, for this is probably the same order of events you follow every year. You just haven't recognized them. So, in order to help you better organize your giving of thanks, you are welcome to follow the process which I like to call...

Thanksgiving in Seven Rounds

Round One: The Pre-Meal. During this round one snacks on olives, carrots, and cheese slices from the relish tray, and may also grab a bite of dessert such as the corner brownie piece, just to help the time pass and ease the anticipation of the meal to come.

Round Two: Classic Feast. During this round, a prayer is said and one fills his plate with all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods. Turkey, mashed potatoes, a vegetable, and a roll are typically consumed during this round.

Round Three: The Return Trip. During this round, the feaster returns to the kitchen and samples a variety of unfamiliar dishes and casseroles that didn't make the cut for round two due to their first-year presence or lack of association with typical Thanksgiving food.

Round Four: One Pile of One Food. As one ventures into the latter half of this event, the likes and dislikes have been well established. Usually, the fourth round consists of one plate being filled with one single dish -- the favorite of the day (usually discovered in round three).

Round Five: First Dessert. After a short break from the fork-to-mouth motion -- usually filled with food-related discussion and a drink refill -- one of the favorite rounds begins. During this round, the eater excitedly serves himself a portion of the delightful dessert he's been eyeing all day. Classics such as pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, and turtle brownies are common in this round, often topped with whipped cream.

Round Six: Second Dessert. First dessert is shortly followed by round six, the loading of the sample plate. During this round, the now sluggish meal-attendee returns to the dessert table to gather a sample of many of the other sweet treats. Less classic desserts, such as cheesecake, other pies, and fluffs are enjoyed during this round. (Note: A cup of coffee is typically offered between rounds five and six, for the full dessert experience.)

Round Seven: Pickins'. At last, the final round. Everyone is full and at least an hour has passed since the culmination of round six. During this round, clean-up begins as feasters roam in and out of the kitchen, grabbing a piece of turkey or a handful of olives before they get put away and the whole experience comes to an end. Once the Saran Wrap goes on, the finish line has been met, and one can only now rest and anticipate next year's glorious Thanksgiving Feast.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving,
and you're welcome.