Learning (I guess this could be rated a PG-13 post)

Lately in class we have been talking a lot about sex and marriage. Please do remember that I am in 5 Sociology classes. That is very important in knowing why we have talked about these things. Otherwise, you might just think my classes are perverted or something. But we have talked about these things a lot recently. And quite honestly I hate it. Every time we talk about one of these topics I just leave the class discouraged. I simply can not stand the world view that is being taught or the fact that the students already have this worldview.

Here are some examples of what we have talked about, and why I am discouraged.

In my Aging class we watched a video over senior adults. I left the class. Enough said.

In my gender class we talked about fraternity parties, and how people are used. That was awkward, because no one actually wanted to talk because they all did the stuff.

In my Population and Society class we talked about fertility rates and what affects fertility rates. That was actually not really bad. But it definately relates.

Lastly there was an article on the front page of the campus newspaper about different birth control practices for students.

In my Gender class again we watched a video over divorce and how the government is trying to help lower divorce rates by offering marriage classes. I think this is a good idea except for the fact that I think it is the churches job to do that, and some of the theories being taught by the government are way off.

All of these examples, and other classes that delt with the same issue resulted in the same response from people. It is ok to have sex outside of marriage, just don't get pregnant in the meantime unless you are married and you want to.

I come away from class thinking about how morally deprived our country is all the time. People are all for sex education as long as it doesn't tell them to abstain. What a novel idea. People are ok with getting a divorce, even within the church. They don't care what the Bible says or what Christians who actually walk according to what God's word says because you can't base what you believe on the Bible only. You need to know what the world says too.

Even Pastor Tony has addressed these types of issues and how the church as a whole (not First Southern) has decided that we need to keep up with the times and accept some of the social norms. We have forgotten what Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (ESV)

God has transformed us by His Spirit, and I am so thankful for that. And to see people continually being decieved is really difficult to sit through. Fortunately I have talked a little in my Population and Society class, but in other classes I feel like I don't know what to say because I become overwhelmed with the lies that people have recieved.

So I guess what I am asking for is for God's people to pray desperately for the lost, and to speak out when we have the opportunity. I Peter 3:15 says to always be ready make a defense to anyone who asks of the hope within us, and I don't think that as a whole we are. We need to really know what God has for us and what He has commanded us so that we can do just that.

Finishing what I started

So, I think I was talking about Friends on the post below (I started a post and didn't finish it below. You should read it)

But school is ok. I am ready for the academic part of it to be over with. My Research Methods class is the worst class ever. I have to get a C in it though, so pray that I can endure. I like all of my other classes which is really good. If I didn't, I would be miserable. 

One thing that is definitely is YOU GROW. I am really enjoying doing that with Lauren and Brandon. We are seeing the students growing which is cool, and we are establishing relationships with them. Ministry is definitely what I am called to, and I stuff like this really seems to suite me. Needless to say that I am really enjoying it. 

Well, that is all for now. I will talk to you soon.

Update on Life at OU

Well things are going pretty well. School is starting to totally take over my life. Travis and I have tried to lay down some ground rules for the both of us before we start doing things that aren't important. 

The first is to not watch more than two episodes of Friends a day. Why, because we have been watching it way too much. One night we stayed up 'til 1 a.m. watching a whole disk. It has become a distraction. But we really don't have anything else to do or watch a majority of the time. We have a TV but no channels, and Travis is a huge Friends fan, and I think it is funny, most of the time. It really is a very harsh show. But when we have nothing better to do or just need a break we watch it. But then we are like, "what happens next?" so we watch it some more. But by saying only 2 episodes a day, we are trying to remove that distraction to a degree.:) Plus, we need to be active. We are 22 and 20 and somewhat lazy at times. So if we don't have any homework to do we are going to go play basketball or tennis or something other than Friends.

I am on the phone with Lauren. So, I am going to finish this later.

Engagement

Well, it has been a while since I last posted. Sorry about that. School has started, and I rarely think about things outside of school, church/ministry, Lauren, friends and family. That is pretty much my life right now, except for engagement!

Engagement is a lot of fun. I mean seriously... there is not a whole lot of things more exciting to think about that get married to the woman of my dreams! It is cool. But it also comes with its trials.

Things have not always been easy... for sure. Little things that weren't a big deal before are now. But we are both learning and trying to rejoice in the things we are learning because it is better for it to happen now than later. So we are really glad for that. 

This semester has been good so far. I desperately need and want a job. Braum's didn't work out because it was just stressful for me. I don't know why, but working fast food does not go well with my soul. I have had some things that I thought would work out fall through, and some other things be offered, but probably won't come close to what I need. So I am still looking, and hopefully by the end of the week I will have a job. At least that is the goal. Fortunately Lauren and I have and are going to donate plasma and get paid for that once a week which has helped. So pray that I get a job soon!

Classes are pretty good. My research methods class is by far the worst. But other than that one I like all of my classes. I have been able to rent books from the library for all of my classes which has been a huge blessing. 

That is just kind of the school and engagement part of my life right now. Other than the engagement stuff I didn't think you would care how everything else was going as much as what I am going to talk about now. So sorry for the brief, abrupt paragraphs.:)

God has been really good to me as far as my living and ministry. Living with Travis has been a lot of fun. I am learning the guitar, able to safe a ton of money, and have really been able to build another strong relationship. Travis is a servant, and I really appreciate that about him. Plus Todd, Aaron, and Trey come over all the time to play in our studio that Travis has made. That is one of the most fun things that I do. I love music, but in all honesty when we just are playing around... it's hilarious. We are actually kind of good at a couple of songs: Carry Me by Jars of Clay, and No One Like You by David Crowder. Those are our best ones by a mile. Travis is really good at electric guitar, and Trey does pretty well at drums. Todd is learning the base, and catching on quickly, and I sing, but I sound weird on the mic. I just need to get used to hearing myself I guess. Aaron is learning the drums. It is definately the most humorous when he plays because he bobs up and down to the beat as he plays. It is great. 

God has really blessed me with ministry this year. I am doing a Bible study with Lauren and her brother called YOU GROW. Lauren and I are teaching together, and we have 23 people in our group from the ages of 14-21. It is a really good time of fellowship, worship, and teaching. I am really excited about what God is going to do over the next year in the lives of the students as well as Lauren's and myself. 

I am discipling a guy named Andrew from YOU GROW, and that is going really well. He really wants to be discipled and do the right thing. I am really trying to be a leader and not go with the crowd. He is definately capable of doing that. I am also meeting with Preston Kunz, whom some of you know, and Kyle Burke from OU. They are both great guys, and I am really blessed to meet with them. 

I am really shocked that God has allowed my ministry to grow as much as it has. Not only am I meeting with these 3 guys one on one, but I am also getting to have lunch with other people every once in a while. I have really prayed that God will just let me be an encouragement to those who need it, and He has allowed me to do just that. 

God has really been teaching me a lot about pondering the way that is blameless. Psalm 101 talks about doing this, and I have through that chapter verse by verse and really applied them to my life. It is amazing! Memorizing some of the Psalms has really lifted my spirit and pointed me towards the path that is blameless. Today I started memorizing Psalm 119: 11, 16-17, and I have been working on Psalm 86:11-13, as well as the beattitudes. I would really encourage you all to read these verses and just praise God for all that He has done. He is truly amazing.

Job

I have a new job! I am working at Braums in Norman off of I-35 and Lindsey. I am very grateful that God has provided this job for me, even if it is not what I exactly wanted. But who cares, it pays 7.50 and hour, and they are willing to work with my hours. So I am glad.

That is all.

Later

Sometimes...

Sometimes, life is just hard. It is not full of easy decisions, or amazing moments all the time like we wish it would be. Life is not a cake walk. But usually it is the more difficult times that we can look back on and thank God for bringing us throught them. It is only because of Him that we can. It is also those times when we find who really does care and love us.

I just had to do something that I really didn't want to do, but felt like it is what God would have me to do. It wasn't easy... I have been thinking about it for quite some time now, and I didn't even tell anyone about it until last week. But it is a decision that I believe will definately be worth it in the end. The decision was not to be on a ministry team this school year.

It is a hard decision because MT was my absolute most favorite part about the BSU last year. I learned, grew spiritually, and made incredible friends. But now that I am engaged (which is amazing!) I really want to do ministry with Lauren. I had wanted to do so in the first place, but last year it wasn't as important to me as it is now, and I didn't know where we could do that. But God opens and closes doors all the time.

This year I am going to help Lauren's brother Brandon with a discipleship training program called YOU GROW. I am super excited about it! It is basically the same thing as MT only for teenagers. And I think that it is a great tool for them to learn about who God has made us to be, mature in our faith, and develope strong friendships that will last for years to come... just like MT.

In the past week I have been able to really see Brandon's heart for this ministry, and I know that Lauren has the same heart for the students who come into YOU GROW.

I guess I am learning that doing things by faith is so much more important than doing things by my own recolection. I was praying in the car about this today as I came down to OU, and God reminded me to trust in Him (proverbs 3:5-6), and that He is in control (Jer. 29:11-12).

When I talked to the people at the BSU, they were completely supportive and understanding of my decision, which really helped me. One of them who had been planning on meeting with me said he still wants to, which really really encouraged me. I didn't think they would want to do that. But I told them I still plan on making disciples here and meeting with people, I just can't do it all. And as we talked the more I realized that they supported my decision.

So the decision I made was not an easy one, but it is one that honors God and I can see Him moving in the decision already.

Praise God!

My Point of View

Lauren and I have been engaged for a week now, and I still haven't posted my version of how it all happened. So I figure I can do it now while I am actually doing nothing.

I was originally going to propose on a point of rocks just down the road from the cabin we stayed in. But considering the fact that it was under water, I couldn't. Well... I guess I could have, but it wouldn't be easy. I was talking to Mr. Werner and Brandon (Lauren's older brother) about what to do since my plan was altered. I decided to go for a boat ride and find someplace quiet and pretty where I could propose (I was telling Lauren it was for our one year aniversery. Which it was, but you know). So Mr. Werner took me out on the boat to show me how to drive it and also to show me a cove I could go to. Brandon also suggested taking her to the Marina so she would have an excuse to dress up a little bit. So that is what we did.

On Friday we went to the Marina and ate dinner. Lauren had a chicken sandwhich and I had a Reuben. As we ate I tore a piece of straw rapper into about twenty pieces, according to Lauren. She said afterword that I was acting a little weird at dinner. Which makes sense considering the fact I was about to pop the question. I don't know why I was nervous, I wasn't until that morning. But whatever.

After we ate I was like "Do you want to go for a boat ride?" and she said the usual "sure." So I called Mr. Werner to tell him we were going on a boat ride. He knew all of this all along and was going to take pictures and video footage for us. Needless to say, he was already at the spot hiding, along with my dad, Mr. Tuter, and Brandon.

We arived at the cove and as I approached the spot I saw two guys on a paddle boat. I was kind of bummed, but it turned out to be kind of funny. I turned off the boat, and we talked a little bit. Somehow we started talking about the upcoming school year, and some of my friends. Real romantic :/ But I finally started to get into what I wanted to say, and told her that we need to make our commitment to getting married official, and I proposed. :)

She said, "Yes!!!!"

We hugged, and those two guys on the paddle boat were like, "You guys aren't fishing are you?" I was quick to say "No!"

We talked a little and I told her that her dad was taking pictures of us, and all that good stuff. Then all four of them came out of hiding to congratulate us and stuff. It was really good. I am glad they were there.

We went back to the cabin and took about a thousand pictures. Lauren has some of them on her blog. And then we called some friends and had a time where our families could bless us which was really cool. I enjoyed that a lot.

Needless to say, I was tired by the end of the night and might have been the first one to be.

God has blessed me incredibly, and I can't wait for May 30th. :))

What's Up

This summer has been really good. I have been able to work a lot which is great! But I have a daily schedule of waking up around 5:45 going to work, going home around 5, getting ready and going to Lauren's. That is basically what I do every day. But it has been really good because we need to spend the time together.

I have been studying in Galations, though. I have really enjoyed it, even though I really only get to study during the weekend. Usually during the week I read in Psalms and Galations. But I have never really done an inductive Bible study before.

So far I have gone through chapter one, which is Paul defending his apostleship and telling the Galations his testimony. It is interesting to see how he was appointed by God to teaching the Gentiles the gospel. He brings out so many good points in the first chapter such as how we are to please God and not man (10), how those who teach a gospel outside of the one true gospel are to be cursed (8-9), and how we are not to cling to traditions that are not scriptural (13-14). But I think the thing that has stuck out to me so far is how we are to obey God immediately.

In verses 15-17 Paul talks of how God set him apart, called him by His grace and revealed Christ to him so that he could preach the gospel among the Gentiles. Then he says, "I did not immediately consult with anyone, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apsostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus." Sometimes I can become more concerned about what other people think I should do instead of doing what I know God has set me apart to do. Instead of consulting with people when I know what I should do, I should just do it. God will reveal His will in our lives clearly if we are truly seeking Him anyways. So we shouldn't concern ourselves with what others think. Just do it! And God will bless you.

Other than that there has not been a lot going on. Beth and Nathan are expecting their third child wich is exciting. Plus mom and dad came home yesterday from Becky and John's. I am glad they were able to go there with Bryce. I know they had an increcible time.

I am going to go to the lake in two weeks with the Werners! I am really excited about that. I am ready for a break.

Oh yeah, I also found a place to live. I am going to live in a house with my friend Travis Harmon. He is a great guy and he lives right next to the campus. Plus it is going to be really cheap. God really does meet our every need.

I will talk to you all soon I imagine. :)

Father's Day

Today Dad did a tribute to Grandpa, and it was really good. I have such an appreciation for the men in our family who are such godly examples for me to follow. I didn't realize how truly amazing Grandpa is. He is a man who has lived out the Great Commission and truly loved people as Christ did. He was also the first person to give me a verse pack. I didn't ever really use it because I was young a dumb at the time. But I will always remember the fact that Grandpa was the first person to give me one of those and he has become an inspiration for me to really know Scripture. Even today, as he struggles with memory loss, he always can quote Scripture.

But Dad didn't really get to talk about himself in all of that. It would have been weird if he did. But Dad is an incredible man of God also. He is the most godly person I know and the best example of a husband and father I could have ever asked for. Dad has always been there in the good and bad. He is always encouraging me and giving me words of wisdom that I need at the right time. He has and always will be involved in my life along with my siblings lives.

I don't really think Dad will ever know how much I appreciate him. People say I am a lot like him, and I kind of shrug and say "I know." But it is a good thing I am like him because he is such a godly person. And I want to be like him in that way, along with other ways. I don't know if I will tell jokes like he does...ever, but they are funny every once in a while.

I am sure Dad will read this at some point, so thanks Dad for being the godly person you are, and for being the father and husband that you are. I love you dearly.

Update

Hello all. My sisters have demanded that I post and let them know what is going on in my life. They are my biggest readers.

I have started work at Kimray, which is the biggest reason for my lack of posts in the last month in a half. I work from 6:15 a.m. to about 6 p.m. And when I get home I don't do anything. I am usually exhausted by that time. And when Friday roles around, I am a dead man walking. Yesterday, I got home around 4:30 and took a nap at 5 and didn't wake up until 8. And that was only because Lauren called me, which was my plan, but I didn't think that she would call that late. But it was good, I actually have energy today. But I really like working there. The people are really good to work with and I am making quite a bit more than I did at Hobby Lobby.

Lauren and I are doing really well. We have been talking a lot about stuff that is exciting and fun. The time this summer has been extremely beneficial to our relationship.

As far as things I have been learning this summer, I think God is really teaching me to trust in Him. I am no longer going to be an RA, which is sad, but it will be alright. I am going to ask if I can live with a guy in Norman near the campus. But who knows what will happen. If I need to live at home I will. I am learning to trust Him more with my relationship with Lauren, school, my job and money, and so many other things. It has been good. I finally was able to start studying in Galations today. I am excited because I want to put a Bible study together and do it at OU or with some people from church. So that is good. I have also been challenged by two different people now to really seek God in knowing who I am in Him and knowing why He has made me the way I am. So I have been praying about that a lot. One thing that I love about my job is that I mow a lot. So while I mow I pray so I spend a lot of time doing that now. Hopefully I will be able to integrate that into all of my life.

Well, that is all for now. I will probably post soon and give a little more detail about things. But Brooke and Lauren are both bugging me to get off.

Talk to you later.

Friends

This is finals week, and I am glad. Well... at least about the academic part. I am ready to stop going to class. I am not ready, however, to go separate ways from my friends this summer.

It has been amazing to get to know people this year. The friends I have made here at OU are all so amazing and inspire me to become more like Christ. They truly have sharpened me over the past 9 months. The fellowship we have had is just amazing. And I am never going to forget it.

I can say that I have a best friend for the first time. Todd is my right hand man. We are completely different. Just ask Lauren. But we feed off of each other, and can talk about anything. It is cool how God works because when we first started living together we both were hoping that we would become best friends. Neither one of has had had someone we can say is our best friend. So as the year went on and we grew closer together the more I realized that God is so faithful to meet our needs. I am so glad Todd is a part of my life, and I love him dearly. He is going to SE Asia for the summer, and I am going to miss him a lot. But God is going to use him there and work in his life. It is his first time over seas, and I am excited about that.

I also must talk about Lauren, because she is amazing. I am glad that we are going to be able to spend more time together over the summer. And I am excited about our future. God has definately proven to be faithful with her also, because I didn't expect to have a girlfriend any time soon. But God works in ways I don't understand, and he has brought us together to spur each other on in our walks with Christ hopefully for life. So I will probably rely on her this summer a lot to help me as I don't see some of my friends. And I am glad for that.

There are other people that I will miss dearly over the summer also. Specifically Clayton and Chris Krycho (although I will be able to see him some). Clayton is going to Falls Creek for the summer with the BSU to help out with the camp. I am so priveledged to have been able to become friends with both of the men. They are like older brothers to me, and I am praying that God will use them in an incredible way over the summer.

I am glad that I am going to be able to spend time with David Manison and Brandon Headley. They have been two of my closest friends for 3 years now, and I am excited to hang out with them again. They are pretty cool, even if they are OSU fans.

I am also excited to be able to see my sisters this month. They are soooooo cool. And I can't wait for them to be here. But I am sad that they can only spend a little time here. But we will make the most of our time.

Friends are so important. And I am sad that some of my friends are going to be here over the summer. But I am definately going to cherish every moment I have with them. And I am going to look forward to next year.

Love you all.

RA Job

I got a RA job. I am going to work in the Safe Walk department, which is different than a floor RA. Basically it is the same pay and benefits with less work, which is good. I am going to be helping people around campus if they need help, basically. So, I am excited! I am going to live in the Cate dorms which is just north of where I am now at Walker.

Thanks for your prayers. This is something that I was really praying for a lot. I am really looking forward to it.

School

The last week or so I have been trying to focus on school. I have done well at times, but not so well at others. I feel like I have a ton to do. I have 2 papers for my history class do in the next 2 weeks. I have Greek homework and corrections to make, and I have a lot of reading I have to do. So the next 2 or 3 weeks probably won't be the most fun. But we will see. Hopefully I can do well.

I have also been trying to fix my financial situation here. I have not been able to take out a loan to pay off the rest of my schooling because FAFSA still hasn't sent my information through. I finally was able to just fix the problem over the phone and it should be here by tomorrow. Then I will be able to enroll for next fall.

I might take a class this summer. I know have to take at least one extra class next year, and if I can just get that done over the summer while working full time that would be nice.

I haven't found out about the RA job yet, but I am definately praying that will happen. Thanks for all of your prayers in that manner. I appreciate it. I know that whatever I end up doing next year it will be good. So, I am just trusting God there.

Other than school not a lot has happened. My 22nd birthday was last Wednesday, and it was good. It was different because it really wasn't any different than any other day besides all the messages on "Facebook" and phone calls I received. I did go to dinner with some friends, and that was a lot of fun. On Friday I went to dinner with the family and Lauren which was nice. We had a good time. God has been so good to me in the past year, and I just thank Him for that.

Thanks for the cards and money for those of you who sent me that. I appreciate it a lot. I haven't completely decided what I am going to do with it yet. But I am leaning towards using it to buy my seasong tickets for football next fall. Boomer Sooner!!

That's all for now.

Prayer Request

I don't know if you all know this but Gabriel Lyons mom passed away April 2, 2008. She was such a sweet lady, and an encouragement to everyone she came in contact with. Be praying for the Lyon family. Gabe is a good friend of mine, and you know Christina, and Caleb, also.

I talked to Gabe tonight at church they seem to be doing as well as they can considering the situaion. Her death was a complete shock, and it will take a long time to get over that shock.

I don't know all the details about her death, but I do know that not too long ago she had surgery on her back and had some complications. She was recovering from thoughs, however. She noticed something on her leg and was scheduled to go to the doctor the week she died. But that night Mr. Lyons was walking her to their room, and when he sat her down she closed her eyes never to wake up again. That is all I know, and I am sure that you are just as surprised as I.

So, be praying for them. They are such godly people, and I love them dearly, and I know you do too.

Sorry I had not mentioned this earlier. I had planned to, but things have been somewhat busy lately.

Remaining

Last week my good friend Chris Goree was fired from the BSU. We (the ministry team I am on and the rest of the students within the BSU) don't know why, and he says he doesn't know either. Only the people who were in that meeting with him last Wednesday seem to really know. So, I have been in a confused state of mind from that, among other things. We do know that he was not fired for anything immoral, illegal, or anything like that. We just know that he is fired, and I have to be content in that.

I have talked to Chris several times since this took place. And he is doing as well as he possibly could. He is obviously hurting because he really doesn't know why he is being fired. But God has been very faithful to he and his family by sending several messages of love to them, and people coming by and encouraging them and giving them gifts. So things seem to be fine there.

I love Chris, he is an amazing man and has encouraged me a lot over the course of the year. He was our ministry team leader. Almost like our dad on campus, especially for those who don't have any family here. So I love Chris Goree.

I also love the BSU ministry and those in leadership there. John Kelsey is our director, and I believe he is an incredibly godly man also. I talked to him yesterday, just wanting to know how I can pray for him and the staff. And this is emotionally taking a toll on him and the staff. So I am praying for them to have strength, and to continue following God's guidance in leading the BSU.

Trusting both of these men and one of the other men who was in that meeting makes things very difficult because I want to believe both of them. And, so that is kind of where I am at. I believe what Chris has told me, and I believe what Kels has told me. They both have different points of view on the situation, and I can see why they would say what they have. But there is still confusion because we still don't know why Chris was fired.

So, why is this titled "Remaining?" Because of the Scripture God has given me amongst all of this. John 15: 1-8 talks about remaining in Christ. It also talks about pruning people who are producing fruit and cutting off people who are not fruitful.

I step back and look at this situation, and I see pruning taking place. The ministry of the BSU is very fruitful. But so is Chris Goree's ministry. Both have touched several if not hundreds of students lives over the years. But for some reason, God has decided to take Chris and plant him somewhere else so that he can become more fruitful (vs. 2). I really do believe that is what is happening. And I believe the BSU is only going to become more fruitful out of all of this.

For me, this all stinks. I want Chris to be here and continue to invest in my life and the lives of the people in the BSU and OU. But I don't know if that is going to happen. Chris isn't exactly going to go away from Norman. He doesn't know where God is going to place him. But he is trusting God in that.

I am doing better than most people are with this. I am not mad anymore. I am not depressed any more. And I am not looking for any more answers. Some people are, and that is fine. They need them more than I do. But I have a huge advantage in that I have been through something like this before at church. In fact the situation at church was much worse than this. But I can look at that, and see an end result. And the result is that First Southern is now exploding, and the ministry of the church is absolutely taking off. But so has the ministry of the man who was fired. I heard from a friend that the people at his church are really being ministered to through him. And I am happy that that is happening.

I know that if that can come true from that situation, than it can become true of this situation even more.

I told my MT friends on Tuesday when we were together that I am praying that we all become more fruitful out of this. I told the same thing to Chris, and he was in complete agreement with me. I had to remember that I am not supposed to rely on Chris for ministry opportunities. I am supposed to rely and remain in Christ. I don't think people were necessarily relying on Chris, but I could see how that could be true. But I have learned to remain in Christ through this, and I still am.

I am also ready to move on. I won't forget what has happened, but there is nothing I can do about it. But it is still hard. I imagine the rest of the semester will be a little more difficult as a result of this. But if I can remain in Christ, and see what He has in store for me and my friends, God will continue to work.

God is so good. He is sovereign, faithful, and loving. And I can't help but praise him for that.

John 15:8- "My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples."

Phone

Just to let you know, I can't find my phone. So if you have tried to call me in the past couple of days and I haven't answered or called back, that is why.

I'll let you know when I find it.

Glorieta

Last week was an amazing week. It was fun, challenging, and life changing. I was able to hang out with friends, learn about missions, God, and people, and I was able to get away from the rest of the world. It was great. There is a lot that God taught me, so buckle up.

One of the very first things our speaker told us was "Serving God is not a matter of location, it is a matter of obedience." This was a really good reminder for me. Sometimes I can get caught up in the thought that God is not going to use me as much here in the US as He will over seas. But that is a lie. God wants to use me just as much, if not more, here as any place on earth. So that set the tone for the week for me.

Suffering was the main topic of the week. It was really heavy stuff. Especially after 4 days of listening about different types of suffering, and why people are afraid of sharing the Gospel in different areas of the world. It was really good, and eye opening. But it really weighs on your heart. Once all of our sessions were done, and I was able to sit and meditate on what God was teaching me, I was really broken. On Monday, I wrote in my journal, " This week at Glorieta has been amazing, challenging, convicting, and heart breaking." And that is the honest truth. I was really struggling that day. I felt depressed because of the things that were being said. Not that they were bad, but I was really thinking that I had a lot to work on. And I do.

One of the first questions presented to us was "Is Jesus worth it?" In my heart I truly do believe this. Jesus is worth everything to me. But, I was challenged with the stories told of people who really lived that out. When our speaker told us that the needs of the lost are greater than the needs of the witnesser or believer. I realized that I had not been doing what God has called me to do as effectively as I should. I have been trying to build relationships with guys on my hall. I have prayed for them, talked to some of them, but I have never really been able to talk to them about Christ. And I think that has been because I am trying to do things on my terms and not God's. I am not really good at meeting people where they are. That is what Christ does, though. He meets us where we are. So I am going to try a lot harder to be with the guys on my hall when they are actually doing things. Not when I am not doing something. And I know that that will mean giving some time up with my other friends, but I believe it will be worth it.

Another thing that the speaker went over is excuses for people not to share the gospel with people in Muzlim and Islamic culture. One of the reasons was that they did not want those people to become Christians. So I was thinking that is not me. But as I thought about it some more I discovered I had a similar mentality. Sometimes I just don't want to witness to people. I get lazy and have no desire to share God's love with them. So what makes me any different than the person who says they don't want those people to become Christians. We learned that the greatest form of persecution is not telling people of Christ's love for them. Wow! That kind of sucks. So I really need to take advantage of every opportunity to share that gospel with people . Just like I Peter 3:15 in my post before.

The man who spoke has done a ton of research. He has interviewed hundreds of people from what I could tell. And his information was really good. He told about Muzlim culture and some of their reasoning for becoming Christians, and it will break your heart to hear these things. But they are important, because Satan is using them as obsticles for them to have to get around to truly know Christ. Also they are difficult for the missionaries to get around because of the warpe view that the people have of Christianity. The biggest thing for me was the fact that a lot of younger adults become "Christians" out of hatred for their dads. That was really hard to here because I can't relate to that. I have an amazing dad who challenges me to become more like Christ. Not to turn on him and do something that would absolutely dishonor him. But how do you tell them that what they are doing is wrong. I mean we have people here who say they are Christians all the time. But not for that reason. So things like that really just got to me as he spoke.

He also talked a lot about how to do mission work. It really changed my perception of mission work. All my life I have thought that I would go and evangelize a group of people that has never heard the gospel before and raise them up to be strong Christians. But that is not the way to do it. He talked about living the life of a Christian and having a native who is a Christian evangelise his people. Of course if they have never heard the gospel before you have to evangelise them to an extent, but ultimately it is the native people who are going to be able to relate to them the best. So if we can get one or two of them to become Christians and evangelise the rest of their people that is more effective. Also we are not to necessarily be the ones to baptise them. For some reason they think that if a missionary baptises them their christianity is more important or better. So we should let the natives do that. My job is to take the word of God in oral form and tell the stories of the Bible, and to tell the poeple to watch my life to see how a Christian is to live. He really emphasized presenting the Bible in oral form because 80% of the lost world is illiterate, and they can hear something one time and remember all of it. That is amazing! Especially since literacy is such a big deal here in America. But to be able to tell them the Scriptures in a way they can understand is really important.

One more thing that really stuck out to me is when he said not to give up in freedom what you would not give up in persecution. Satan brings about persecution so that we will shut up. Here in America we have not been persecuted, but we have been shut up under our own agreement. People keep saying that America is going to see persecution soon, but why would we if we aren't doing anything to deserve persecution. Most Christians don't share their faith with people. A lot, if not most, aren't even in the word. So why would Satan persecute us? That was really challenging for me because it made me realize that I have a fear of man. If I am ever going to go over seas I must overcome that. I must take action and live a life of obedience to God.

So that some of what I learned at Glorieta. The last couple of days were really fun. We were able to do whatever we wanted really. And I played a lot of cards and went to Sante Fe and stuff. But it was nice just to be with people for those last few days.

I did not post the speakers name simply because he is a very important person for his organization, and lives in an area where he could very easily face a lot of persecution if they found out what he was doing. If you want to know his name, call me.

Excitement

I am pretty excited about a lot of things right now. Mainly Glorieta. But there are other things too. Such as March Madness, and things taking place in OKC (They are going to build a new sky scraper, and I like tall buildings. I know, I am weird.), and just knowing that I am doing what God wants me to do.

But yesterday I realized that I get really excited about the things like March Madness and tall buildings, and they don't even matter. I don't think it is wrong to be excited about that, but sometimes I am more excited about those things than the things of God. So I am trying to change that.

Two verses come to mind. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." When I get excited about things other than God more than I should, I don't do this. Colosians 3 talks about seeking what is above and not what is on earth. So I first of all have to remind myself that these things on earth don't really matter, and I should keep seeking God with all my heart and the passion that I seek those things with.

Another verse I have been meditating on lately is I Peter 3:15, "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account of the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." So basically Christ must be placed higher than anything else in my life in order for me to be effective. And as I do this I need to be ready for the opportunities He gives me to testify about His grace. So that is exciting also.

I think God has been showing me this for a while, but I am slow. Last night was a good reminder at Paradigm, as was my quiet time yesterday. But I am really looking forward to next week and seeing how God continues to show me this at Glorieta.

Other than that, life is good. I am done with mid terms and I think I did alright. I have been a little sick, but I am feeling better. And things with Lauren continue to go well. I am always learning about how to go about our relationship, and some things are harder for me than some would think. But I am learning to do those things that don't come as naturally to me as a lot of people. So things are going well.

Lightning

Sunday, March 2, 2008, was a really good day. Church was great once again, I was able to go home and see dad, the kids, and Lauren. Then Oklahoma weather came into play. I really like thunder-storms. I think they are really awesome. I am not sure why, but I think they are great, as long as I am inside.

Last night Lauren and I went her Grandma Phillis' house to have desert (which ended up being dinner) and visit. It was a lot of fun. Then all of the sudden bam... it is raining like crazy outside. Then the sirens went off. It was great, except for the fact that I had to take Lauren home, get my laundry from the house, and pick up my room mate Todd from the airport. All within 2 hours and right in the middle of this huge storm.

So I took Lauren home, and went home to get my laundry. I walk back out to the car to go get Todd and I open the garage door, and it was like we were in a hurricane. In my weird mind it was like trying to walk through an acquarium withouth the fish because there was no seperation between the rain drops. At least it didn't feel like it. I threw all of my stuff in the car and got in. I was safe... kind of.

You know, my car is a convertable. It is great. The chicks dig it. It is sweet looking. And it is a stick. It is great, and I am very greatful for it. But you know what, you don't feel as safe in thunderstorms in it. I think if lightning would have hit the car, I would have died. So I was scared.

I took off going a blazing 30 mph on 59th. I could barely see. I get to Sunnylane, and I am doing fine. I get on the highway, and flash... I can't see anything. Lightning had struck at least once really close to me. It was freaky! But I was thinking about it later on, and I thought, "You know, that must have been a glimps of what God's glory is like. BLINDING! AWESOME! SCARY! I mean seriously God said to Moses that no one could see His face and live. I don't know all that entails, but I think that a lot of it is because His glory is just that powerful. And then when Moses returned from the mountain to the Israelites, his face was radiant because he had been with God. That is cool.

Then there is when Jesus reveals His glory to Peter, James, and John. The Bible says Jesus' robe became whiter than any man could bleach it. That is cool. There was nothing surrounding them but Christ's glory. And it was bright. Really bright.

Chris told me a verse that verifies that God's glory is similar to a flash of lightning. But I can't remember what it is. So I decided to go to biblegateway.com. It is great. And I found a really good verse for what I felt in that moment. Psalms 97:4 says, "His lightning lit up the world, the earth saw and trembled." That is definately what I was feeling at that moment. It is great! Especially since I was just teaching about fearing God in Sunday school (that thought just popped into my mind). I was definately scared at that time. But I also prayed very intently that God would protect me, and He did. He never fails in doing that. Once I passed I-35, the rain lit up quite a bit, and there was no more lightning. I was very releaved. But I did learn from my experience.

So now I have a little better understanding of what God's glory is truly like: blinding, awesome, and scary.

Clarification for what Choleric and Phlegmatic are

I took a personality test last fall. And the 4 personalities are Choleric, Phlegmatic, Sanguine, and Meloncholy. I tested as a Phlegmatic Meloncholy/Saguine. The first personality is your strongest and the second is your secondary personality. I had two strong secondary personalities.

But Cholerics are people who are very organized, in charge, and have to be doing something pretty much all the time. If you know Merideth at all, you know that is her. Phlegmatics are very laid back, go with the flow, not organized type people. Plus we are the easiest to get along with, especially when you throw some Sanguine in there. And if you know me, which you do, that very much describes me. Sanguines are the life of the party, they love attention, are somewhat dissorganized, and are more go with the flow. And Meloncholies are more organized, will take charge if they need to, and don't mind attention.

So, I hope that answers your question. You can google personality tests and take one yourself. It is really good. It helps you see what you need to work on. For us, as Christians, we should try to become as balanced in all of these as possible. So that is part of the reason I took the test. I think it is a good thing to do.

Also, and this is off topic, but I encourage you to go to First Southerns website (fsbcdc.tv) and listen to Pastor Tony's sermons last week and this week when they come up. He has been on fire, and the church is responding! I think it would be a good thing for you all to hear.

Hello

Hey everyone. Sorry it has been a while since I have blogged. Life has been somewhat busy the last couple of weeks.

I really don't have anything that is like burning inside of me to share. Not a lot has happened. Life is good though. Lauren and I are doing really well. We are going to get to spend more time than usual with each other this weekend. She is going to a women's retreat with the BSU, and they will be staying here in Norman. So, when they are finished we are going to hang out some.

Last Sunday I started teaching the Freshman college students with Merideth Dake. I am really excited about what God is going to do. Everyone seems excited about it. It will be a lot of fun. Especially since Merideth and I are so different in a lot of ways, but our thinking is pretty much in line all the time.

She is an amazing communicator/speaker. One of the best in the country for our age groupe...literally. Where as I am not. I am a terrible speaker, and shy away from it. But I really want the students to grow in their passion for Christ, so I am more than willing to help. Merideth is choleric, and I am flegmatic. That is all there is to it. But I think it will be really good.

There is one thing that I really have been praying for lately. That is that God would reveal His glory and power at OU. I want to see OU have a spiritual awakening. I have been reading in I and II Kings lately, and God has really been showing me a lot of things. In I Kings 18:20-46 the story of Elijah proving God a LORD is told. And it really has just stuck with me. I read it again last night, and some things stuck out even more.

1st of all the way Elijah prepared the alter was extremely impressive to me. Israel was in the middle of a droubt, and he had buckets and buckets of water poured on the alter until the ground was soaking wet. It wasn't like the people of Israel had a lot of water to just give to a sacrifice that would not work. They were in the middle of a three year droubt. So them doing thing was sacrificial on their part.

Then Elijah's prayer was powerful. I asked that the LORD of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel answer him. He had been obedient to God, now he wanted God to show His people the He alone is God, that their hearts may turn back to Him.

Then God's fire. It consumed everything that it touched. It took up all of th water, dust, and stones on the groud. That would be so awesome! His people could not help but fall facedown and worship Him.

Lastly God's blessing. God sent rain for the first time in 3 years to his people.

So, my thought is that in order to see revival anywhere we have to take the steps that Elijah did. There is obviously more to the story and life of Elijah that is not told here. But he allowed God to do His will through him. Then he prepared himself for the time that God would make Himself known. He prayed diligent and with conviction for the people of Israel to fear God again. And he waited on God's perfect timing.

There are others praying for this to happen also. And we are starting to passionately pursue God in this matter. We are tired of the stronghold Satan has had on this campus since its conception, and we want God to do an incredible work in the lives of His people. So join us in praying for OU. But also pray that God will use you wherever you are.

My Life in the Last 2 Weeks Summed Up in 10 Minutes

So, the last couple of weeks have been difficult for me. Which is part of the reason I haven't posted in a while. But since I am so popualar among my five readers, I guess that I will tell you what has been going on.

A little over two weeks ago, some things took place that were really difficult for me. I am not going to go into depth on here about it, but if you want to know more, just call. But I became really frustrated, and just confused about what I was supposed to do. Mainly because I felt like I couldn't do what I thought was expected of me. This one event began a week of mental torture. But God would use that to bring me to a point that I had been praying that He would bring me to, a point of brokenness.

As I dwelled more and more on that thing I realized, "I can't do this on my own." Now as Christians, we know that without God nothing is possible, but to really come to that realization is completely different. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on you own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths." I am really bad at this. I like to rely on what I know. Because to be honest, I know all the right answers. I know how to make myself look like I am doing just fine, when inside, I am torn to pieces. But I have to learn to trust the Lord with all my heart, and just leave everything up to Him.

As I went on during the week, I went into a deeper and deeper depression. That was going on, and I found out that one of my friends' parents are getting a divorce. So, I hurt for him. I began to feel really lonely and just needed to talk to someone. So, I did. I talked to my good friends Chris Krycho, Michael Hand, and Todd Heitmann. On Thursday, and Friday I talked to Todd a lot. Like...a lot a lot. And he encouraged me greatly. Then on Saturday, I went home after work and being with Lauren for a while, and I talked to mom and dad. And I just broke. I was crying like a baby, and it felt really good. I had not done that in a long time. God was breaking me.

On Sunday I went to church wanting to praise God, but I still just had a lot of grief in my heart. We were singing in church, and really the church was singing because I was not. I couldn't. It was physically not possible. So I began to just pray, and as I prayed I told God I just want to praise You even through this difficult time. And when I prayed that, I felt the freedom to praise Him through song. I was able to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:21). If I would have done that without praying for the first three songs, I would have dishonored God. And that was the last thing I wanted to do. So God broke me, and restored me over the course of that week. And He continues to restore me, but I will get to that later.

This past week has been better for me personally. But it has still been difficult. I have some friends that are just going through a really difficult situation. It is messy and sticky and just not good. Of courst God works all things for His good, but no one wants to go through what they are going through. So I have spent a really good portion of the week praying for them.

I completely switched places. I went from needing encouragement, to offereing encouragement. I had been reading in Galations a lot, especially over the break. And Paul talks about helping those who have been caught in a wrong doing with a gentle spirit in chapter 6 (I encourage you to read it for times like this). And I have tried to do that to the best of my ability. I am not in a position to say who is right or wrong, but I do know that pretty much everyone who has been wronged or has wronged someone knows anyways. So I am just praying for them intensly. God is working on people's hearts, and things will be alright eventually. It is just going to take time.

Then yesterday and today have been great. First Southern had Disciple Now this week. I was not able to lead a group, but I was able to go last night, and the speaker and band lead this morning also. Chris Brooks spoke over the week. This was his second year in a row to do so. And once again he hit home runs. Last night he talked about the Prodigal son, and it was very convicting. We truly do need to run back to Christ and repent of being hypocritical as a church. Also, Chuck Denny lead worship again this year. This was his second year in a row also. And he was wonderful once again. I was able to bring Lauren, and Aaron Gayle who goes to OU. I hope that God worked on their hearts as He did mine.

Chris and Chuck lead this morning, and it was great. The challenge me to know God's Word better, and the worship Him with all of my being in every part of life. So God has continued to restore me, and I love Him because of that. He has basically been doing that since I came to know Him when I was eleven.

So praise God! Even when things are difficult praise Him.

James 1:2-4

An update just to update

Well, things for me are going pretty well. School is going to be good, but challenging. I will probably do more reading on my own this semester than I have ever done in my entire life. To some all the reading I have to do is not a big deal, because they are fast readers. But me, I am slow. It takes me about 45 min. to an hour just to finish one article for my Sociology of the Family class. Which really stinks, because so far those articles earn about a 70 on my grading scale. But nevertheless, I will survive and press on.
I have been working out with my friend Chris (I call him Krycho which is his last name because there are too many Chris' in this world) for about 2 weeks now. And I feel like I am about to die. We did squats for the first time on Tuesday, and neither one of us had done them since high-school. So we did 135 lbs., which is a low weight, but we also did a lot of reps. So on the last set I did 15 reps, and I could have done more, but my knee was hurting. But I knew I was going to be extremely sore after Tuesday, and I am. I feel like my legs are made of rubber right now. But that is good, because that means I am getting back into shape. So I am glad for that. The most challenging part about lifting with Krycho is waking up a 6 a.m. to do it. But I just go back to bed after we work out. I need to stop doing that, but right now, that is what I am doing. It is a good start to the day.
I got into the R.A. class. Which is a tremendous blessing. Hopefully I do really well in the class, and can get the job. But we will see. I know that if God wants me to live in the dorms, He will provide a way.
I am going to try and get a new job, simply because I can't work enough hours at Hobby Lobby to make the money I need to pay for school. So I think I can get a job with a guy at church, but I am not going to say who on here. You can call me about that.
I am also praying about what God wants me to do this summer. I can either go to SE Asia, or Falls Creek with the BSU. Either option would be great. But I am leading towards Asia. But we will see.
That is all for now...Oh ya, things with Lauren are going well. We get to see each other tonight, and we are going to talk about some things. So, that will be good.
Love you all.
Britt

Back to School

I am back at school now, and I am really excited. I think God is going to do some incredible things this semester. What they are, I don't know. But God always does incredible work.
I am most excited about seeing my friends here again. They are such a blessing to me, and I am so glad to see them again. Chris Krycho and I are going to work out together throughout the semester which really makes me excited. He has become a dear friend, and he challenges me to be more like Christ every day. So the more I am with hime the better. Then there is Todd, my room mate, who is so excited about life all the time. His enthusiam compensates for my relaxed behavior. He definately makes our room more exciting. I have really enjoyed seeing both of them. I am looking forward to seeing my other friends more, and growing in Christ with them more.
Then there is class. I am actually looking forward to my classes. I am taking 17 hours this semester. My classes are Sociology of the Family, Social Statistics, Greek, The Great American West, and Resident Adviser. The last class is so I can apply to get at job as an RA next fall. This is a huge answer to prayer for me. I really want to live in the dorms next fall, but I can't afford to without getting a job like this. So pray that I can get the job! I feel like in order for me to do what I feel God wants me to do on campus I need to be on campus. So I am excited about that. Chris is helping out a lot with it since he is a RA.
I am also looking forward to Glorieta. The BSU goes there for spring break, and it is the biggest reason I came to OU. I can't wait for our time there. It is going to be awesome!
Really the only downfall about the semester is that it limits my time with Lauren. But fortunately we will be able to see each other on Thursday's and on the weekend.
Needless to say I am really excited about the semester.

I'm Back

I am back from Colorado, and I feel refreshed and ready to go back to school.
The week was full of ups and downs for me. But mostly ups. The trip was a lot of fun. With nine guys and Lauren, the trip became very interesting. Lauren and I had a really good time together, and I believe that we continued to grow closer together. I continue to see things that God has gifted her with that I just am amazed at. Two of those being her cooking and organization. She and her dad did all of the cooking. But she did all of the planning for that and was excellent at doing so. So I am really excited about that.
Then there was the skiing. We went skiing on Monday, and I thought I would catch on farely quickly, but I didn't, and I became very frustrated with myself. Sports have always come naturally for me, but I had never done anything like this before. And it didn't help that my goggles fogged up, so I could use them. That would not have been bad except for the fact that it snowed the whole time we skiied. Snowflakes in the eyeball at whatever speed does not feel good. Then one time I couldn't get my ski on for like 20 minutes. And when I did, the other one fell off as I tried to start back up. I was pretty much furious, and Lauren had to see a different side of me. After the second run, we ate lunch and I pretty much didn't talk to anyone for at least 30 minutes. It was better that I didn't because I was not a pleasant person to be around at the time. I am sorry for that. But I went on one more run and I did a lot better. So I was really looking forward to the next day we skiied. But we got there and the snow was falling harder than I have ever seen, and we didn't ski. But obviously that was for the better because we ended up going to Creede, and we had a really good time there.
The other days we just stayed in the cabin and hung out. It was great, and I feel so relaxed right now. I got to have fun with Lauren on the Wii, and playing ping pong and fuseball occasionally. And I played and talked a lot with her brother John, and his friend Blake. And I just played games with whoever I could. It was a really good time.
I also got to read and I had some really good quiet times while I was there. In Isaiah I read of how God is our Maker and redeemer, and how He loves all of us and wants anyone who is willing to be His follower. And in Galations I am continuing to learn how we have been set free from the law and are no longer bound to the law, but to Christ.
God has been extremely good to me over the break, and now I can't wait for school.

Whatever

This week has been filled with its ups and downs. The beginning of the week was just kind of blah, but it was good. I actually don't really remember hardly any of it. I just know OU lost terribly. But oh well, it is just a game, and there is nothing I can do to change the outcome. I have to remind myself of that. I get pretty heated when my teams lose. But this time it took me a couple of hours to recover. After that I was fine.
On Thursday I talked to Michael Hand about school and what I should do about living on campus. And he thinks that if I want to live on campus, I need to do everthing I can to stay out of debt. And that might mean being extreme in some areas. I am not an extreme person, but I need to be at times. I usually blame it on my lack of passion for things. But he immediately corrected me and told me I don't lack passion for what God wants. If I didn't have passion I wouldn't journal. That is what he told me. And there are other signs of my passion, they just aren't as obvious as some signs of passion in other people. So that was really encouraging to hear.
Now I am getting ready to go skiing with Lauren and a bunch of guys. I am excited. It will really be good.
So I will let you know how that goes when I get back.