October

Hey Friends!

Thank you for reading my ministry blog this month! 

October went by really fast and I think this was the first month that I really got into a routine with meetings, classes, studying, and everything else. At this point, you've heard about most of the stuff I do in a regular week at least once, so I figured I'd focus this blog more on what was special to this last month.

This first picture is from the Northeast church in Wylie on Sunday morning. This specific community within the Northeast church body is connected to the Focus ministry at Collin College. All of the Focus pastors at Collin attend this church, so I began joining the Sunday morning zoom calls back in May. But since then we have started meeting in person again (outside and with safety measures of course). I've really loved getting to meet some of these people in person for the first time! Also, it's another opportunity to worship and participate in communion with a body of believers. I think we technically started meeting in person in September, but either way it was much needed by me this last month!

Also, my birthday was on the 19th! The other apprentices were so sweet and set up a little surprise party for me. From left to right is William, Andrea, Taylor, me, Adam, Bridgett, Jacob, and Lindsey. These people have seriously blessed me so far this year and have become some of my best friends. I get to see them multiple times each week and we do a lot together so I can really relate to them. They honestly feel like family! I'm excited to spend the rest of the year with them and for my friendship with each of them going forward.

Here are a few pictures I took at Eisenhower State Park. "Why" you ask? Because towards the end of the month a few of us went on a little half-day spiritual retreat there. It was a very refreshing experience and much needed time to get away and spend more time alone with God. That day I woke up at 6 am (early for me!) and got back to the Plano area just in time for core at 1:30 pm. I got to spend probably 5 hours of that time just reading scripture, praying, and worshiping the Lord. It was difficult to quieten mind at first and not worry about things I had to do when I got back home, but the stillness and beauty of the nature around me helped (I'm sure God had a hand in that too). 

After that I read through some stories about Jesus. One of them was the story of Mary and Martha, where Martha is frantically trying to make preparations and is upset at Mary, who is simply sitting at the feet of Jesus (Luke 10:38-42). If you've been struggling to calmly sit at the feet of Jesus, like both Martha and I have, then I definitely encourage you to read through this story and spend some time asking God to help you be more like Mary. Also, I'd love to talk to you about this more, so please reach out!

Time for a student spotlight!

I've introduced Tony before, but I'm just so impressed by him and his heart for God. I'm also really thankful for his friendship - he's become one of my favorite people to spend time with! If you have the chance, I definitely recommend getting to know this guy. He has taught me about being a better friend and how to seek wisdom and ask for help from others. What a good looking guy! Love you and thank you, Tony!

Here are some things that God has put on my heart recently. These have encouraged me and moved me towards Jesus this month.

These scriptures:

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

1st Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

These songs:

 Jesus What A Savior by Housefires 

 Mt. Zion by Cageless Birds and Jonathon David Helser

Prayer Requests:

1. That I would think of myself as a servant and a learner in light of who Jesus is.
2. That more and more scripture would be written on my heart and that I would be more faithful to reading the Word consistently - this was more of a struggle this last month as life got busier.
3. I would really appreciate prayers for the people in my ministry (both students and pastors).
4. Please pray that God would bless and show up to my family.

(here is testimony from one of our students)

Thank you so much for reading! Know that I am praying for you. I would love to hear your comments on this and how your month has been, so let me know!