Cross Conference

This past week all of URBN Experience has been attending the Cross Conference. This conference is geared more towards overseas missions than those here on U.S. soil, but there was still plenty to learn! I was so encouraged by the multiple speakers and guest who themselves first heard of Christ because someone had been bold enough to share the Gospel with them. Throughout the week we heard talks on everything from Cross Cultural Difference to Business as Mission. My favorite talk and the one that really struck me was one titled "What Do Cross Cultural Missionaries Cross Cultures for?" This speaker started out by telling everyone that they should "Give a Damn for Christ." WAIT! WHAT? I know, right? This guy is speaking at a conference full of Christians and he just cussed and called everyone out and probably offended about half the people in the room. As offensive as it may seem, he was going somewhere with it and in the end it all made sense.

Many of you reading this and most of us that were in the room have heard or read the story of the poor widow in chapter twelve of the book of Mark verses 41-44.

Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

These two coins that the widow had given were equivalent to about a half of a penny and were referred to as a "damn."

Did you get the connection there? A "damn" is worth about a half of a penny, meaning it is practically worthless. This is where we get the phrase "I don't give a damn." Insinuating that the subject is not worth talking or caring about. However, in the story of the poor widow we see that she gave all she had and she did so in faith. HERE'S THE CONNECTION: As the widow gave and gave faithfully, we too should care enough to (insert word here) and (insert the same word here) faithfully for the sake of the Gospel.

What Does it Mean to be Unashamed?

un·a·shamed [uhn-uh-sheymd]
1.not ashamed; not restrained by embarrassment or consciousness of moral guilt: a liar unashamed even after public disgrace.
2.open; unconcealed; unabashed: to eat with unashamed gusto.

As you read through this post I encourage you to reread the definition on "unashamed" several times and ask yourself "What does it mean to be unashamed?"

In chapter one of the book of Romans verses 13-18 we read about Paul, a man on a mission to share the word of God. Here we see his excitement and eagerness to go and make Christ known. Verse 16 in itself tells us that Paul is unashamed:

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile."

What would it look like for us to live in light of the Gospel with the same motivation and desire as Paul? This guy literally could not sit still! Verse 15 tells us that Paul was eager to go to Rome to preach. How eager are we to tell our closest non-believing friends and family about the Gospel? If we're honest with ourselves the answer is probably something like "Dang, that's like my biggest fear." Why? Are we ashamed of the Gospel? If we're not, then why aren't we picking up our things and going with excitement like Paul to share the word of God?

My prayer today is that we would not fear rejection, but that we would find our identity and satisfaction in the Lord; Let us find ourselves eager to share the Gospel as Paul did, completely unashamed!

Hope in God

Are you finding hope in God, or finding hope in things getting better?

Why Are You Cast Down, Oh My Soul?
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
“Where is this God of yours?”
My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
from the land of Mount Mizar.
I hear the tumult of the raging seas
as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.
“O God my rock,” I cry,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I wander around in grief,
oppressed by my enemies?”
Their taunts break my bones.
They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?”
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42

Almost Halfway

It is so crazy to think that I have been living here in Louisville for five months. Never would I have thought that after graduating from college I would find myself living missionally in a city, away from everything I have ever known, rather than landing a dream job. Perhaps my "dream job" was much to small of a dream or rather too narrow. No, I'm not using my degree nor am I raking in thousands of dollars with each paycheck, but I am gaining so much more than that! I cannot begin to truly put into words what it is like to live here and to be humbled and reminded of God's love and grace for us each day! God doesn't promise us an easy life, with this in mind I find myself clinging to Him all the more.

"May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, 'God is Great!'"

Psalm 70:4

The Rich Man vs. The Poor Man

I encourage you to read the following scripture and reflect on your own life.

"So the Lord sent Nathan the prophet to tell David this story: “There were two men in a certain town. One was rich, and one was poor. The rich man owned a great many sheep and cattle. The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter. One day a guest arrived at the home of the rich man. But instead of killing an animal from his own flock or herd, he took the poor man’s lamb and killed it and prepared it for his guest.”

David was furious. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he vowed, “any man who would do such a thing deserves to die! He must repay four lambs to the poor man for the one he stole and for having no pity.”

Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! The Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king of Israel and saved you from the power of Saul. 8 I gave you your master’s house and his wives and the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And if that had not been enough, I would have given you much, much more. 9 Why, then, have you despised the word of the Lord and done this horrible deed? For you have murdered Uriah the Hittite with the sword of the Ammonites and stolen his wife."

2 Samuel 12: 1-10

What a convicting piece of scripture! No one wants to think of themselves as the rich man, but if we're all honest with ourselves I think we can admit to being the rich man at some point in our lives. How often do we take the things we have for granted or have all that we need (and probably more) but still aren't satisfied? The good thing is we can find satisfaction in God and God alone!

Doing it all in Vain

This week in our "Bible in a Year" reading plan we are hitting 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and multiple Psalms. Today as I was reading I was reminded of how often I do things for myself, my pride, my ego, and am completely selfish. Verse 1 of Psalm 127 says "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." This hit my ego this morning, and it wasn't a soft blow; it hurt. As I meditated on Psalm 127 I began to ask myself how often I do things in vain. How many times have I tried to do something without going to God first or checking my motives? If I am doing these things without the Lord, then they are all in vain. My efforts are like chasing the wind. They are useless.

My Prayer today is that I would have more of a desire to glorify God in all that I do rather than glorifying myself.

Louisville's First Snow!

These past few days have been quite different than any winter I have experienced in the past 15 years of my life. I'm from the south, like the deep south, and we don't really get snow. If and when we do get snow it is hardly ever enough to cover the grass let alone the roads. Although this winter storm that we are experiencing is nothing in comparison to many places, it's enough for me. As you probably could have guessed by now, the kids in Shelby Park had no school today and probably won't have it on Monday either. Now this here, despite the literal freezing cold temperature, is a great opportunity to spend time with them during a season when we hardly ever see them due to school hours and limited daylight. That's just what we did! Being the kids that we all are at heart we put on our warmest clothes and headed out to the park in hopes of running in to some of our neighbors! Here are some pictures of our adventures:

Let my Heart Sing Psalms to You!

Pslam 92: How Great Are Your Works

1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
2 It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
3 accompanied by the ten-stringed harp
and the melody of the lyre.
4 You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.
5 O Lord, what great works you do!
And how deep are your thoughts.
6 Only a simpleton would not know,
and only a fool would not understand this:
7 Though the wicked sprout like weeds
and evildoers flourish,
they will be destroyed forever.
8 But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.
9 Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.
10 But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.
You have anointed me with the finest oil.
11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.
12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
13 For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.
15 They will declare, “The Lord is just!
He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!”

Thanksgiving Break!

It's time to go to Baltimore, Maryland! This Thanksgiving I am not spending time with my immediate family or even my blood family, but I am spending with a family that I love. Today my roommate, former teammate, dancing buddy, friend, and sister are headed to her home town in Maryland. I am beyond excited for this! Too many activities and too little time last year put this little trip back a bit, but here it is and we're going. She's been to my hometown on several occasions and gotten to know a little more about me (you know the stuff that you can only really understand about someone after you've seen where they come from) and now I get my chance to do the same. Well, this post has nothing to do with anything other than my excitement so I'm gunna leave it here so we can hit the road. BYE!

The Steadfast Love of God Endures

"But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly."

Psalm 52:8-9

God, thank you for this day and for this opportunity to live for you and to praise you! Lord, you are beautiful! Your love is unending. unchanging, and steadfast. We will never be able to fully understand your love for us. God, you are so much more then we could ever imagine! You are all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful. There is none like you. Lord, I come to you and I confess this morning that many times I forget that all of this is true about you. I doubt you ability and have little faith. I pray and ask for forgiveness Lord! Let my faith in you grow each and every day! God, I am thankful that you are all of these things regardless of my doubts! I could never thank you enough Lord, for all that you have done, are doing, and are going to do! I thank you and praise you Lord for your love! Your love satisfies! Let us run to you God and into your arms rather than seeking satisfaction in the things of this world! Lord, I pray and ask for wisdom. Make us wise in your word God, that we may reflect you more accurately! I pray for our hearts God, that they would be softened and that we would allow you to possess every bit of it! I pray Lord, that as a body we would encourage one another and grow together for the purpose of building up your kingdom and bringing glory to you! May we be inclined to seek you first! In Christ's name I pray, Amen!

URBN Workday

Today we got to experience our first URBN Workday. Now typically these would include doing some work on a house (usually dilapidated) that has been purchased and will become an URBN house in the future. However, today we where able to do much more than that. Recently, some of our neighbors have had to deal with the tragedy of having their house along with two of their direct neighbors catch fire and burn in the midst of the night. One of the houses was able to be salvaged but is in need of some repairs. This tragedy was able to be turned into such a beautiful mess thanks to God. Through the house fires the community was given a chance to reach out and help allowing for relationships to be built between people who otherwise my never have met. The family of this house in particular has become close with the couple that lives in the apartment above me and it's so awesome to see both families receiving and giving love to one another.

We were also able to work in the community garden and help out with the new building that Access Ventures just recently bought that will eventually be turned into a center that helps with job training as well as resume writing that will be available to the community of Shelby Park. This program will in turn help the community to grow together. It excites me to be able to process these thoughts and type them out and just realize how great God truly is. Without Him none of this would be possible.

To God be the Glory!

For the Purpose of Godliness.

At the beginning of this year long commitment I made to be a part of URBN Experience we were given a book titled Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life written by Donald S. Whitney and fowarded by J.I. Packer. This book caught my attention for two reasons...1.I was like "Wooo a book to tell us all the things we're doing wrong and how to do them right" and 2.I knew that even though my initial thoughts were negative I could learn a lot from this book. The first subject that this book highlights is (drum roll please....) You guessed it, discipline. I know what discipline is and I knew what it was before I picked up this book and decided to read it, but what I had never thought about before was disciplining myself for the purpose of Godliness. I have always been a pretty disciplined person. For example, I always disciplined myself in regards to school, work, and sports. You have to be disciplined in these things if you want to succeed, grow, and better yourself. Yet, in all of these things I never disciplined myself for the purpose of Godliness.

1 Timothy 4:7b states that we should "...discipline (y)ourselves for the purpose of Godliness." For the first time I looked at my spiritual life and focused on how much effort and time I actually put into it. To be honest, it was extremely discouraging. My entire life I had dedicated and disciplined myself for all these other things but never once had I really put half as much effort into my spiritual life. I wasn't disciplining myself for the purpose of Godliness. I was disciplining myself for the purpose of well, myself. By no means am I saying that it is a bad thing to be disciplined in school, work, and exercise. What I am saying is that just as important as it is for us to be disciplined in those things it is so much more important for us to be disciplined in our spiritual lives in order that we may succeed, grow, and continually foster that relationship between ourselves and God.

The book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life hits on several ways in which one can discipline themselves for the purpose of Godliness. These include reading the Bible (God's word) but not just reading through it, meditating on the scriptures and studying what it says, prayer, journaling, worship, evangelism, serving, fasting, learning, and my favorite silence and solitude. I'll have to admit that even after reading this book I find it hard to be disciplined in all of these areas, but like anything that is new it is going to take time to discipline myself and to begin to create a habit of doing so.

To end this entry I'll talk a little bit more about why silence and solitude is my favorite discipline that Whitney writes about. Whitney suggest that we all get away to a silent place to be alone and simply sit with God. What a concept! Now, here's the problem: Who has time to sit in silence and be alone? Who can find any silence in today's world? Who can find someplace to be alone? You can. So long as you discipline yourself to do so. This has not yet become a habit or routine of mine but I can say and testify that the times that I have been able to sit alone and in silence with God have been worth the time and somewhat difficulty of finding such a place. It is during these times that God has revealed Himself to me the most and where I am able to put the most focus into quality, intentional time with God. With that being said...It's time to go discipline myself for the purpose of Godliness.

To God be the Glory!

Old Friends in a New Place.

This weekend many of us from URBN (http://www.sojournurbanexperience.com/)got a visit from some old friends. I'm the kind of person that knows a lot of people but is only close with a handful of those people and those friendships are something that I cherish. I believe that God brings people into our lives for a reason, a season, and a lifetime. For me, seeing old friends is always such a blessing and makes me so excited that I'm like a little kid who is going to Disney for the first time.

The friends that came into town this weekend are people that God allowed me to grow with both personally and spiritually. We had all been called to ministry in Belo Horizonte, Brasil two summers ago and this would be the first time since then that we had all been able to see each other together. It was so good to see and hear what God has been and is doing in each person's life. He called us all to be together for a season and is continuing to use each and every one of us to do His work. I guess that really shouldn't be of any surprise if we are being obedient to His word. I believe I can speak for each of us when I say that the summer would have been very different had one of us not been there and that God used each person on our team that summer to show and teach us something about ourselves and something about Him and the two together. Looking at where God has us now, I sit in amazement and awe of God's power and beauty. Two of the girls are finishing up school and are leading other girls on their campus and another has taken a position on Campus Outreach staff and is leading girls at the campus she used to attend, and I am here. God is too good to us. None of us deserve to be where we are, but because God is a gracious God we can be.

To God be the Glory!

It's November?

Since when has it been November? Since four days ago right? What in the world. This year is almost gone and my year with URBN Experience is just about half way over. I think this would be a good time to reflect on those expectations ad goals I made earlier in the year and see what God's done! For the sake of you all and myself I've reposted my expectations and goals below and under each one I have typed out what has happened thus far.

EXPECTATIONS

1. To see the community of Shelby Park be impacted by the Gospel

Each and everyday I see this. It has become more evident to me since I first moved to Shelby Park. I see it a lot in the children and their response to a Gospel based love and even in the way they present themselves. There are several young ladies who come over to hang out and they want to talk about the Gospel. How great is that?

2. To grow in my faith in Christ

If this isn't a continual process then I don't know what is. God has called me to trust in Him many times already this year and many times before that. For me what it comes down to in the end is whether or not I am willing to trust in Him completely. Never has He failed me and never will He. Yet, I have a tendency to hold Him to a worldly standard of trust rather than a Godly standard.

3. To walk away with a larger community of Christian friends and family

God has provided me with a great community here in Louisville. I am excited and happy to have met the people I have and cannot wait to see whom else God will bring before me.

4. To be tested in multiple areas of my faith

This is a lot like #2. I'd say my response is about the same.

5. To have fun with my neighbors and get to know them personally

This is in the works. We are planning on having a chili dinner with the transition house next door and have had some conversation with those around us. God willing we will continue to have opportunities to enjoy each others company.

GOALS

1. Be active in the community at least 3 days a week (i.e. getting out in the park, volunteering, walking around)

This was an easy task when the days were longer and it was warmer outside. It has recently become more difficult since it gets dark by around 5pm and most people are in doors. However, we still have our bi-weekly potlucks that the community comes to.

2. Do something to serve my direct neighbors at least once a month

This can be difficult to do since everyone has such different schedules, but it is also good to remind myself that service does not always look like physical labor. It could simply be me offering to let my neighbor borrow a gardening tool.

3. Read through the Bible in a year

Doing it! This is probably one of the most interesting and fascinating things I have ever done. I ask myself daily "Why did I never do this before?"

4. Learn to show love to those that are hard to love in practical ways

This is a constant learning experience that I will continue to face every day. God has blessed me with some pretty gracious roommates who have shown me love when I least deserve it and are helping me to learn to do the same.

5. Get to know at least two of my neighbors (Who are not Sojourn members) on a personal level

This has not yet happened but we do have some communication so that's a start.

Please continue to join me in prayer regarding all of these goals! I am excited to see how God will provide for more than I could have ever imagined!

Thank God for Gifts!

THE WEEK IS OVER AND I'M GOING HOME!

If I am to be honest, this whole week was a struggle to focus on each day and not look towards the future. However, God did bring some things to my attention. How awesome is it that He loves us unconditionally no matter what we do?

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."

Ephesians 1:17

This is such a hard concept for me to fully grasp most of the time. When I think of times when people have done something to offend me or hurt my feelings or just straight up piss me off I don't turn around and show them grace. Rather, I literally feel hate for them. Forgiveness, sometimes is literally the last thing I want to do. Why is it that God loves us so much and constantly forgives us of our sins? Grace. God gives grace fully and completely. This is something we fail to do. I am so thankful that God is who He says to be and that this grace that He gives us is a gift. I can do nothing to earn His grace. Praise God for that! How terrible and unsatisfying would it be to live your entire life working for something that you could never be good enough at. The Bible tells us that even our best works are like filthy rags.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."

Isaiah 64:6

Thankfully, we don't have to spend our lives striving to earn this grace because it is a gift to us!

"In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

Ephesians 2:7-9

Staying Focused on What's in Front of Me

In this futuristic world that we live in it has become a bad thing to not look ahead and plan for the future. We are so inclined to think about our next move and our next step that we hardly ever stop and look at where we are in the now. At the end of this week I am headed home for the first time since moving to Louisville. So, as you can imagine it is extremely difficult for me not to be set on the end of the week. How much would I miss though if I didn't take the time to sit down and realize that yes, I will be going home at the end of the week but what does God want to show me in this moment?

Frankly, I don't know. I feel like that's what I write on here all the time is that I don't know what to expect or what is going to happen or what the right answer is, but I am thankful for the things I don't know. If I have learned anything up to this point during my experience here it's that by me not knowing I have to really put my trust and faith in God. This is scary and it is hard. I am so inclined to try and do things myself....and that's the biggest joke ever.

God, what do you have in store for me today? In this moment? I pray and ask Lord that we would not be so caught up in what's going to happen that we miss what is happening. Open our eyes and our hearts to see what is happening right in front of us. Teach us to be patient. Thank you God, for these opportunities to grow in faith. Let them be everlasting. I pray Lord that we would constantly be reminded that you are all we need and that you are all satisfying! In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

Bringing a Side Dish

How do you meet your neighbors and foster relationships with them? You're still kind of "new" to the neighborhood. You have weird work hours that are never consistent. Here's an idea: Hold a Potluck. Thanks to the SEED ministry at Sojourn I have been able to do just this! I mean let's be real...who doesn't like food? Better yet, who doesn't like free food?

Last night was the second potluck that we have had indoors since the cold weather has started to move in and it's been a bit different. When they were being held outside and it was warm, it was easy to invite strangers to join you for a meal. What's the difference now? It's dark outside by 5:45, it's cold, and most of the time raining. How do you continue to minister and meeting people when there seems to be no people? This is a question that I have asked myself over the past week and have not really found an answer to. I believe that is because there is no right answer. However, I believe this is a chance for God to really do and show us great things. This is when I have to put my faith fully in God and trust that He will give me opportunities to foster the relationships that have been made. This is an uncomfortable idea for me. I'm not really one for digging deeper into the lives of those that I meet. Mostly because that means they'll get to dig a little deeper into my life as well. What a scary thought. God calls us to walk by faith not by fear. So, here goes nothing!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

-Proverbs 3:5-6

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

The Joys of Having Kids....

...that aren't your own: YOU CAN GIVE THEM BACK!

On a more serious note...I can't remember if I ever posting anything on here about this or not but if anyone could teach you anything, it's kids! I am the oldest of five and for many years have taken on responsibilities far too complex for my age. I don't regret any of them. They have all helped to shape me into the person I am today, and for that I am thankful! I some of you may or may not know that one of my jobs here in Louisville is that of being nanny. I watch to young, beautiful children both under the age of 10. Anyone with younger siblings and most definitely anyone with kids can relate when I say kids can teach you a lot. They teach you a lot about yourself.

God had truly humbled me through this job and it's only been 3 months. He has shown me through these two children that I am not as patient and kind as I like to think that I am. Along with that it has been brought to my attention how much I try to rely on myself for strength, patience, wisdom, and all the other stuff that any person would want to model to a younger generation rather than relying on God. I could read books all day long about practical ways to teach children or be a better nanny or be the best all-around-person but reading a book won't help me to become patient or give me the strength to remain calm and show love and kindness. That kind of discipline really starts in the heart. Let's think about this. When you're mad at someone or frustrated doesn't it just get you all the way down to your inner most being? I know that for myself, sometimes it does. I may sound crazy here but when I take things to God and rely fully on Him, even when I don't see direct results, I begin to feel that change. When my heart is filled with joy and I know and believe the truth that God gives rather than the lies that this world tells us it shows outwardly in my emotions and in the way I react to each and every situation. There is peace in knowing that God can handle the situation and that I don't have to do it on my own.

Fall Festival!!!!

What a wonderful time of year! NO, it's not Christmas....it's fall! The weather is becoming slightly colder (at least we all hope it is only "slightly"), the leaves are changing, the world series is just around the corner, and football games are bearable to be at (not too hot but you're not wishing you were inside either). OH, and Sojourn just had their annual Fall Festival!

I can't say that I expected much from the way the weather looked this morning as I got up and prepared to head out for festival set-up. It was about 45 degrees ferinheight and raining. From the knowledge I had gained from fellow Sojourners about the Fall Festival most of it would be set up outside. Having checked the weather and knowing that most people in the neighborhood hadn't even been going to the park since it's no longer 70 outside I was skeptical about how this would all turn out. Thankfully, the turnout of Fall Festival had nothing to do with my expectations!

As noon rolled around and Fall Festival was to begin the rain began to dissipate, it warmed up a bit, and people from the surrounding neighborhoods began to show up. One of the long-time Shelby Park neighbors even walked up to an art booth that was set up outside and said to the tenant "I knew you guys would stick it out!" How awesome is that? That woman has no idea how much of a testament her simple sentence is to the presence and impact Sojourn has had on this neighborhood through God's grace and mercy! She was right, we had stuck it out. Due to the weather some of the activities that are normally present at the Fall Festival were not, but many of them were able to be moved inside. I believe that the rain and having to move activities (particularly the cake walk and kid's games)and food inside was truly a blessing! It brought people who would normally never step foot into that building to do so and not feel the pressure of being in "The Lord's House" as it is so often referred to by the neighborhood.

I could sit here all day and write of the many ways in which I saw God work today at the Fall Festival, but I feel as though this one will do. So, as I walk outside to check out the art booths I was approached by a few girls that I recognized from the park and who are they with but all the girls from the other URBN house. These girls came to the Fall Festival and as they saw people that they knew from the park they would walk up say "hi" and hug them. One of them even challenged me to race her through the bouncy house obstacle course. I told her "NO" of course....YEAH RIGHT! I told her she was going down!.....and we proceeded to run through the obstacle course over and over again. We even challenged some boys to a girls vs. boys race. We won! I'm not proud or anything....okay, yes I am. More importantly I am overjoyed by the fact that these girls see something in us that they want to be around. They are choosing to approach us and spend time with us. God is doing great things here in Shelby Park. He is making His presence known and the more I'm here the more obvious it becomes. I am so very thankful that God has given me the opportunity to be a part of what He is doing here. By no means am I deserving of seeing even this sweet glimpse of His glory, but He's allowing me to and to share it with you! If events like this can bring this much joy, how much more joy will those who believe know in Heaven?

To God be the Glory!

I wee little present....don't tell Jenny!

The Bible Coming to Life Before Our Own Eyes.

I wanted to share a story with you all that a friend from Sojourn shared with me just yesterday. It is quite amazing! As you read this story you may think...."this sounds familiar" and that may be because you've heard or read of one similar to it. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I'll let the story do the telling....

I just wept with Robin. She lives on Shelby Street, a block from Midtown. Robin was released from her job on Monday and doesn't know what to do. I met her as she was bringing in 4 dozen cookies. I drew near and it turns out that last night she felt the presence of the Lord. He said to her to bake a cake. So this morning she went to Kroger with all she had and bought enough for sugar cookies. She was apologetic that it wasn't a cake, "its all I could afford," she said.

She mentioned that Sojourn has done so much for her. She comes to the 11:15am service and was prayed for during healing prayer. She was scared that her loss of a job and health insurance was going to be devastating to her health. She went to the doctor yesterday and to her surprise her blood work was just fine!

I asked if I could pray for her, and as I did, huge tears welled up and she became overwhelmed with emotion. It was a really sweet moment and I'm thankful that Leandro, another member getting things ready for tomorrow could join with me in the prayer.

It was shockingly similar to Luke 21.

Luke 21: Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor woman has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Glory be to God! Seriously. When this was first shared with me I could do nothing but smile as the joy of this woman's faith and obedience was brought upon my heart and to my attention. God speaks to us all the time, but are we listening? More importantly are we willing to be obedient even if it means giving up everything we have?

Join Me in Prayer.

For today's post I feel like I'm just supposed to write out a prayer. So, here it is....

God, thank you for this day and for this opportunity to live for you and to praise you! I can't believe we're already at week 10 of URBN Experience! The 2 1/2 months have flown by and there is still so much time left in the year. I am very thankful for the group of people that you have placed here with me! I am constantly amazed by your works and your divine plan for our lives. God, I pray and ask that our eyes would be set on you and you alone! Let us be reminded daily that only you can provide ultimate satisfaction, not our job, performance, relationships, looks, or any of the like! I confess God, that many times I look to those things to define who I am or to satisfy my soul and do not turn towards the cross. Lord forgive me, for I am constantly putting myself before you! Send me reminders Lord! Let that be a reoccurring thought in my mind; to put you above all else! In Christ's name I pray, Amen!

The People Rebel, and So Do I!

I'm half way through the book of Numbers and I'm thinking to myself "Are these people STUPID?!?! I mean COME ON!!!" Then I realize that I am just like them.

In Numbers 14:1-12 the people of Israel grope and moan to Moses and Aaron (The two guys God chose to lead the people out of Egypt and into the promised land) that they would rather go back to Egypt and into a life of slavery than to die in the wilderness. To give a little back story here: God has ALLOWED THESE PEOPLE TO LIVE THROUGH THE PLAGUES brought on by Pharaoh's disobedience (Exodus), BROUGHT THE PEOPLE OUT OF EGYPT (Exodus), GIVEN THEM FOOD AND WATER when they were hungry and had none (Numbers), and yet the people seem to forget all of this once they feel any kind of worldly need. Rather than coming before the Lord and laying these things before Him, they act as though done of the above stated things ever happened. God becomes fed up with the people of Israel. He meets with Moses in the Tent of Meeting and asks:

"How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them? I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they."

-Numbers 14:11-12

Thankfully, Moses intercedes for the people and begs God not to kill them!(Numbers 14:13-19) As I said in the opening of this post, I could not believe that the people of Israel could act in such a way...then I remembered my life and the way I tend to treat God sometimes and it truly saddened my heart. How could I forget all that God has done and is doing in my life and then complain as if He was never there? I've taken some time to reflect on this question and have come to the conclusion that I am ungrateful, forgetful, and most certainly undeserving....especially of God's love. Yet, He chooses to love me anyways, because I am His child. Exodus 34:5-7 states that:

"The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger , and abounding in steaadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin..."

Which just so happens to be the same words Moses uses in his prayer to God in Numbers 14:17-19. How great it is to serve a true and powerful God!

Aaron's Blessing

Aaron's Blessing is one of just a few things that God has brought to my attention since I have been journeying through the Bible in a year. Chances are if you're familiar with this bit of scripture it's because you've heard it at the end of a church service used as a benediction to bless the congregation as they head out into the world. What exactly was the purpose of Aaron's blessing? Well, let's take a look.

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon
you and give you peace.

So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."

-Numbers 6:22-27

The ESV(English Standard Version) Global Study Bible's included commentary states "This famous blessing shows that God's will is to bless every Israelite, not just the Nazirites. The priests offer God's blessing to the people." (As a side note here the Nazirites are people who would make a vow to separate themselves to the Lord. Meaning they separated themselves from wine and strong drink, they could not shave any part of their head, and they did not to go near a dead body even if a family member died until the end of their vow.)Essentially, God is making it known that those chosen to preach are not the only ones who are blessed, but that each person who believes is blessed by God.

Good Ole Dixie

This weekend I had the joy of traveling to the heart of Dixie to see two of my best friends from college and better than that I got to watch the Dawgs pull out a victory (even though it's really nothing to boast about). After a few months of living in the city, let alone a new city with new people and all kinds of different things, you can imagine how excited I was to go a little farther south, see my friends, more than two trees, and be around people who don't think boots are a fashion statement. Anyways, what I'm getting at here is that we all need a little break from everyday life. We need time to get away, be refreshed, and relax!

All that being said, it was cool to get away and see that what is going on here in Kentucky is not staying here in Kentucky. What I mean by that, for example, this blog allows for people (family, friends, and strangers alike) to read what is happening here in Louisville, KY. and in my life. Along with that, when you're life and time are consumed with something that tends to be your point of conversation. This meaning that although I was away from my "place of ministry" (if that's what you want to call it)I didn't have to stop talking about God and how awesome He is and share what He is doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. The conversations about the Gospel and God may have not consumed the entirety of the weekend, but they happened and they were genuine. To God be the glory!

Leviticus and Why it Matters...at Least to Me

Here I am writing another post about my experience of reading the Bible in a year. HELLO. I am currently reading through Leviticus and for a majority of the first half of the book I was constantly thinking "Why am I reading this? It doesn't matter to me anyways." AH! But it does! Leviticus matters, all the commandments, guidelines, atonement, and sacrifices matter.

"Well, Jesus died on the cross already so they don't matter. We live by the New Testament." Is probably the biggest argument to my opinion that Leviticus does matter. Jesus dying on the cross IS exactly why it matters! All of these so called "rules" and "rituals" of the Old Testament were put in place because Jesus had not come yet. Stay with me here...Leviticus and books of the like matter because they are a reminder of life without Jesus having been the ultimate sacrifice. How many of us would need to sacrifice and slaughter a lamb every five minutes? I know I probably would and at that point it would probably have to be pigeons because that's all I'd be able to afford.

"Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creat of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself."

-Hebrews 9:26

Soapbox aside, I confess that at the beginning of my reading through Leviticus I did tell myself that it didn't matter and I did scan the pages rather than read through them. However, now that I am almost done with the book of Leviticus God has reminded me of our sweet savior and why books like this are important and a part of the Bible still today in "New Testament times."

Looking Towards the Future, but Being Encouraged for the Now.

Today I was given the opportunity to travel to Cincinnati, Ohio to promote URBN to a group of college seniors. Yes, I know the current URBN group is only two months into their (our) program, but is it ever really TOO soon to be looking towards the future? Anyways, working as an admin. assistant for URBN I have been a bit discouraged by the amount of interest and feedback (or lack there of)that I have received from people who have previously shown an interest in the program. It can be disheartening at times to see the behind the scenes stuff that goes on. However, this weekend God reminded me of just how great He is and that our worries are sometimes...well, most of the time spurred by our attempt to do things ourselves.

After sharing about URBN, myself and a few other URBN participants were given a chance to sit down and talk with those college seniors who may be interested in the ministry for next year. As we sat and answered questions it was good to hear firsthand...maybe for the first time...how living in the neighborhood has already affected us and vice versa. Along with hearing encouraging words from fellow URBN team members it was good to hear the questions that the students had; many of which where extremely intentional. I am so very thankful for the opportunity that God has given me to be a part of seeing this ministry grow, even at such a young age. He is already doing so much! How good is it to be reminded that His plans are just and that His will is sovereign?

Making your Presence Known

It's almost been two months since I first moved to Shelby Park and I think with each passing day God grants me the ability to see something new or someone new. Tonight I took part in the biweekly potluck that Sojourn SEED puts on. This isn't a new experience for me seeing as I've taken in part in each one since arriving, but tonight I experienced the gift of love and service in a whole new way and the impact that the two can have on a community.

As each week went by and I continued to take part in the potlucks I saw few familiar faces and several new ones. It brings me huge amounts of joy to be able to say that within the past 4 weeks of potlucks in Shelby Park I have began to see several familiar faces! Many of these familiar faces belong to neighborhood kids and the homeless and I can tell you now that nothing beats the joy of seeing a familiar face whether it be at a potluck, a grocery store, or some off the wall place where you never expected to see anyone you know.

It is encouraging to know that relationships and friendships are being built and fostered at the biweekly potlucks. It is just proof that something as simple as making your presence known can make a difference. To God be the glory!

The Poor Deserve to be Poor, Right?

Poor people here, poor people there, poor people everywhere...and each of them deserve to be poor because they are bad stewards of their money, have a drug and/or alcohol problem, they have endless amounts of careless sex and never use protection, and they probably chose to live way above their means.

Now, I'm going to stop myself right here and say that these are all thoughts that I personally have had or comments that I have heard from other people. Some of the above statements may be true, but chances are there is a lot more to their story than I have even cared to think about. In fact, many people who find themselves to be poor did nothing to "deserve" it.

So, let's break the mold in our thinking. Tim Keller, in his book "Ministries of Mercy," states that there are at least three causes of poverty: 1) Oppression or injustice...someone sinned against them 2) Calamity or natural disaster 3)Personal sin (the one most people assume to be the sole cause).

The above three reasons alone can change how we view the poor, if we keep them in mind. I'm sure almost everyone that will read this blog knows someone or has themselves experienced oppression, injustice, calamity, or natural disaster. How many people reading this blog no of someone who randomly fell sick to cancer and now has a ton of medical bills they must pay for and on top of that they are out of work because of the condition of their body? Do they deserve to be poor? Is it their fault that they suddenly became ill and hadn't been keeping a "just in case I get cancer" fund? Personally, I would answer those questions with a "no."

Having read through this part of Tim Keller's "Ministries of Mercy" I found myself thinking "well, I know not every person got themselves into poverty..." but I also found myself thinking that "many of them don't even try to get out of their current situation..." That too can be a lie in which we believe and categorize the poor as "lazy." I challenge those of you reading this to join me in rethinking through what it is that may have been the cause of someone's poverty rather than assuming that they deserve it and that they put themselves there. We each have a story and you don't necessarily know theirs anymore than they know yours.

When times get tough...

When times get though what do you do? Who do you run to? Where do you go?

I know for me, many times I go straight for comfort whether that be in a friend, a family member, or my journal....but WHY?!?! Why don't I run to God? Rather I find myself trying to figure things out on my own or hardening my heart because I somehow talk myself into believing that whatever is going on is a personal attack on myself. I thought about this throughout this past week as I read through Exodus. God sent Moses and Aaron several times to warn Pharaoh of what plague(s) was/were to come and how to avoid them yet he chose not to. Most of these plagues ended with Pharaoh calling Moses and Aaron into his home and asking them to plead with God on his behalf swearing that this time he would do as God had commanded. Pharaoh never followed through with his promise(s) to change and on top of that he hardened his heart.

How many times do we have the answers right in front of us and choose not to use them or are commanded to do something and outwardly disobey then harden our hearts? I am challenging myself to take everything to the Lord first, to pray and fight against my habit of running to comfort rather than God, and to not harden my heart but to let it be open to the Lord.

Becoming Part of the Community

I have been beyond blessed to be a part of the Shelby Park community. The more I am here the more people I meet and the more my relationships with those individuals grow. I am excited to see how these relationships grow and what they will looks like by the end of this year....shoot by the end of this month! God has been so gracious in what He has already shown me. I have now completed two books of the Bible completely (Genesis and Job). It has not been easy to keep up with the reading each day but I have already seen my desire and my excitement for the readings increase. I pray and ask that this year through the Bible reading would not just become me reading through as though it were just another book but that I would continue to meditate on what I read and dig deeper, ask questions, and seek answers. I pray that through this I will not only gain wisdom but will be able to glorify God more fully and more intentionally with everything that I do! Lord, do with me what you will. To God be the Glory!

Speaking of Job and kind of changing the depth of this post...I have found that community is important. Job had community, even through his suffering. It may not be the kind of community we think about or even want to have around in a time of suffering but it's the kind we need...well, kind of. Job's friends came and sat in silence with him in his suffering for the first little while they were there.

11 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Job's friends also called him out on his sin. Now, they were not right about Job's sin but we need friends and Christian community that will hold us accountable to our sin and will encourage us to fight that sin, seeking to glorify God and not ourselves. I have recently joined a community group that meets within the neighborhood and I can say that it has already been such a blessing to be able to meet with fellow Christians, encourage one another, lovingly call out each others sin, and just live life together. For those of you that are not familiar with the term "community group" it is a group of people, from the same community, who get together at least once a week, and dive a little deeper into the Gospel that was preached on during the previous Sunday's sermon, bring forth sin, and encourage each other to seek God's face and live to glorify Him. For this I am extremely thankful!

As I Visit Egypt

No, I am not traveling to Egypt...at least not anytime soon. Egypt is a young girl that lives in the Shelby Park neighborhood. Egypt and I hang out most days I am at the park. We play tennis, soccer, throw the frisbee, and make each other friendship bracelets; Egypt is 8. It may not seem like much and many times I wondered "How is this my ministry within the park? Am I even really showing anyone God's love? Am I wasting my time and God's?" At least until the other day. Egypt and I hung out with her younger brother Rio and practiced our soccer skills. The YMCA just happened to be at the other end of the park giving out free hotdogs. YUM!

Now, Egypt and her siblings are not allowed to go to the opposite side of the park without their mom of their older brother. So, I asked if it would be okay for me to take them over there. This is where everything changed. I was given permission to take Rio and Egypt to the other side of the park. This is huge! The parents of these kids, who I still have not officially met yet are trusting me to take their children to the other side of the park and return them safely.

As we walked to the pavilion located on the opposite side of the park I began to ask Egypt and Rio how they liked their hotdogs and how school was going. They gave me the typical kids answer of "School is good and I like ketchup! LOTS OF KETCHUP!" However, out of the blue Egypt turns to me and says "You are like my older sister that I never had. Oh, but don't tell anyone! It's our secret." At this point God had answered all of my previous questions. I was some how impacting the lives of these children, especially Egypt. I pray that one day I will get to explain to them why I love them and want to show them love even though I do not know them personally. I am excited to see where this friendship goes and yes, I wear my friendship bracelet she made me (almost) everyday.

Job the Man...Not the One You Slave Over

At this point in our Year through the Bible reading we are in Job. This man is unique. How many of us would be near the brink of death and suffering...and I don't mean lightly suffering. This guy was in pain! His own friends didn't even recognize him.

"When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite

and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come

upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to

go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a

distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and

they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat

on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a

word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was." -Job 3:11-13

Through all of this Job chose to continually praise the Lord. What does it mean for us to praise God through everything; even our unbearable suffering? That is my prayer for today. That somehow some way I would gain a bit of wisdom on what it means to truly have faith, trust God with every aspect of my life, and to praise Him even in my suffering rather than cursing His name. I am thankful for the wisdom that I have obtained thus far through having only read all of Genesis and half of Job, and a few Psalms here and there. I can't believe I have never read through more of the Bible before. There have been failed attempts but none such as this.

What is Grace?

It's been a month and man is it starting to get real...as we all begin to get more comfortable with each other the more open we are to addressing each others strengths and weaknesses. I can't sit here and say that all of this is easy or that all of it is hard, but I can sit here and say that God is showing me and teaching me a lot about grace.

grace [greys] Show IPA noun, verb, graced, grac·ing.
noun
1.elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action: We watched her skate with effortless grace across the ice. Synonyms: attractiveness, charm, gracefulness, comeliness, ease, lissomeness, fluidity. Antonyms: stiffness, ugliness, awkwardness, clumsiness; klutziness.
2.a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment: He lacked the manly graces.
3.favor or goodwill. Synonyms: kindness, kindliness, love, benignity; condescension.
4.a manifestation of favor, especially by a superior: It was only through the dean's grace that I wasn't expelled from school. Synonyms: forgiveness, charity, mercifulness. Antonyms: animosity, enmity, disfavor.
5.mercy; clemency; pardon: He was saved by an act of grace from the governor. Synonyms: lenity, leniency, reprieve. Antonyms: harshness.

If I can get real for a minute or two....I've been struggling to show grace. Out of my own frustrations and quite frankly out of my own struggle with pride I have failed to be loving and kind. I have failed to show grace and I have failed at any attempt to be Christ-like. The good news is however, that while I have fallen to sin God has shown me grace and has allowed for me to learn from my sin rather than to be defeated by it. In this I know that there is truth.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ’s power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

I am thankful for the times that life gets real and that it's not always easy. What I am most thankful for is that God's love is unending and that His grace is enough!

It's Football Season!

Summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner. Most of all it's FOOTBALL SEASON! One of my favorite places to hang out when I'm at home is not here on Oak Street but one block over in Shelby Park. Much of my time spent in Shelby Park consists of just hanging out and occasionally playing with my friends Egypt, London, and Rio (all of whom are under the age of 7). I know this can seem strange or pointless when we think of going to the park to do ministry but I have to remind myself that, even here in America, cultures are different. There are a lot of things I have yet to learn about inner city culture. Especially having grown up in a more rural area in Northeast Georgia. The big question is "How does this all tie in to FOOTBALL SEASON???" Well, Shelby Park may not be an ideal place for recreational leagues to practice but hey, they're here. I may know nothing about the kids on the team, their names, or their parents but I can and I will support them. This is my community. This is my home. Those are my neighbors. With that being said...GO BEARS!

Medical Clinic

Each year Sojourn Community Church holds a free medical clinic for the Shelby Park community. Now, I know that for you economist out there that just read that first sentence you're thinking "there is no such thing as free lunch." You're right, the medical clinic was not entirely free. People gave up their time that could have been spent doing something else or getting paid for the services they offered that day. God called each volunteer to serve at the medical clinic and they were obedient. That obedience allowed for the Shelby Park community to have needs met that day that otherwise may not have happened.

Let me give you a little more of an idea of what exactly the medical clinic had to offer.

1. There were advocates who walked each individual through the medical clinic and offered a listening ear and friendship.

2. There were nurses and Doctors who attended to the needs of these individuals.

3. There were people who offered hearing and vision testing.

4. There were Dentists who attended to the needs of these individuals.

5. There was a room full of food, toiletries, and other household items people may need as well as an over-the-counter pharmacy.

6. There were massage students who offered ten minute massages

7. There were people who help set-up and break-down the entire clinic

8. There were people who helped serve a hot lunch, fill out medical papers and contact cards, and making sure things went smoothly

9. There were people who preached sermons and shared stories to rooms full of people who may or may not be listening

This list only shows a small portion of what the clinic covers. I myself was an advocate and was blessed with the opportunity to walk a local woman through the clinic. This woman was so kind and sweet. She continued to repeat to me how nice it was that we were doing this for the community. I was appreciative of her appreciation but found myself thinking "This is the church doing what the church is supposed to do....why should we be thanked?" I'm still not 100% sure what the answer to that question would be or why it kept popping into my head that day, but I will say that it has me constantly thinking and asking myself whether or not I am being obedient to the call God has given each Christian to be like him and to reach out to even "the least of these," to those that are hard to love, and to those who are easy to love. This woman that I walked through the clinic was such a blessing to me. I'm curious to know what it would look like for each church to be obedient to God and actually be the church rather than just some building where people meet once or twice a week. Imagine the amount of love that would be poured out among people and how many needs would be met. How much grace would we see? How much would we learn from these experiences? Oh, to know and see the answers to these questions!

When Life Gets Busy and We Make Excuses.

I know I literally just posted about how I am reading through the Bible in a year and I'm sure to a lot of people that it extremely encouraging to hear. It's encouraging to me to know that this is one of my goals, but I'm here to admit today that I have gotten behind in my reading this week and have spent little to no time in the Word this week. Much of this is due to the fact that I have recently started working my two part time jobs and have told myself that I am "too busy" or that I'll "get to it later" to wake up the next day and realize that I never "got to it." I know this whole Bible in a year reading won't be easy, but man what a difference it makes when you're reading your Bible everyday to when you're not. I have seen the direct affects of not spending that quality time with the Lord and unfortunately so have the people around me.

This is my confession (without the sweet song and million dollar hit: sorry Usher): That this week I have not been in the Word and reading my Bible or even spending any kind of time with God and as a direct result I have been ugly and mean. Yes, I realize I sound like a 5 year old child but in reality that's how I have been acting. I am a sinner who is in a constant battle everyday and this week I chose not to fight but to surrender to sin. As a result I became easily frustrated with people and with actions that normally would be unnoticed and I acted in a way that was hateful. What was the big issues you ask....dirty dishes. That's right. Dirty Dishes. I fell to sin and rather than approaching my roommates with love I approached them with hate and frustration. It all happened in a matter of minutes and then we went our separate ways for the day.

The best part about this entire situation is that God used it to remind me of the grace He has for me.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves,

it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. -Ephesians 2:8-9

I could not stop thinking about the way I had allowed for sin to take over and it was all because I had made excuses for not spending time with God and in the Word; I knew I needed to confess these sins not only to God but to my roommates and ask for their forgiveness. On my way home I was so worried about how this would all go down and honestly I was fighting with my pride. I was about to walk in and admit to my roommates that I was in the wrong and ask for their forgiveness. Looking back I am glad that God granted me the courage to apologize to my roommates. It was so freeing to confess my sins to them and ask for forgiveness. I am so thankful that God used this to remind me of His grace and to remind me of Romans 5:20b:

"but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."

The Bible in a Year....

It's week two of Urban Experience and I'm excited to say that as a group we will be reading through the Bible in a year! I know that at times this is going to be really awesome and I'm going to be so willing to pick up my Bible and open it on a regular basis...and I know that sometimes I'm going to be so caught up in myself and the world around me that I don't even think twice about picking it up. Regardless of what kind of day or week it is I know that God will always have something to show me and teach me from His word. I type all this to say that, I'm already a little behind. Last week was great! Of Course! It was the first week and I was super excited, really intentional about my time with the Lord, and had plenty of time to get stuff done. This week....well, this week I started my two part-time jobs (one as an admin. assistant and one as a nanny). Quite frankly this has been one of those weeks were I haven't thought twice about picking up my Bible on a daily basis. This frightens me, but is a good reminder that we must constantly fight against our sin. This week, along with last week we are reading through Genesis and some of Psalms. It is amazing to see what all God has done for us. Even WAY back in the day He was thinking of those of us that would be here now and He created this thing we live on called earth and everything in it that we take for granite. What if it was up to us to create our own world and our own means of existence? For some of us, our world would be full of beautiful, creative things and for others it would just be blah. Thank God for His creations and that it's not up to us!

On a different note, here are some things that have really stood out to me thus far in Genesis:

1. God is constantly making covenants with His people.

He does this wit Noah in Genesis 8:20-9:17, Abram in Genesis 15, He promises to Isaac that He will keep the covenant He mad with Abram (Isaac's father) in Genesis 26, and He continues that promise to Jacob (Isaac's son) in Genesis 28:10-17.

2. There are generational mishaps that happen within families.

Both Abram and Isaac travel with their wives to the territory of Negeb and tell Abimelech the King of Gerar that they are not married but are brother and sister, in which their wives are taken in by Abimelch only for him to be told otherwise. (Genesis 20 and Genesis 26:6-35)

It has been really good to read through these chapters in Genesis and already see that A. God keeps His promises and B. That people have been full of sin and messing up for years and yet God had mercy on them. Both of these instances that stand out to me do not come to mind for no reason, but because I can relate to them. God has kept His promises regardless of the way I have been and I too have, at certain points, found myself following in the generational footsteps that are covered in sin.

Expectations vs. Goals

Since moving to Shelby Park I have been asked a multitude of times "What do you think will come of this?" To be completely honest I think my answer changes each time I answer. I have expectations of what being a part of Urban Experience will be like but I also have goals, goals that I've set in hopes of pushing myself to have every intention and motivation behind what I do be to glorify God and not myself. At this point, for those of you who like to play devil's advocate, you're wondering how this is going to work since setting goals typically leads to either success or failure and in our success our pride tends to grow and we, as sinners, naturally begin to forget about God allowing us to be a part of His plan and start thinking "Look at what I just did!" and henceforth our motivations and intentions are to glorify ourselves. Welp, I'm here to say I'm wondering the same thing. I know it will be a constant battle between my sinful pride and striving to give the glory to God, but I also know that it is possible. In saying this I ask that for those of you that are reading this and feel called to do so, please pray along side me that anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that I do in this neighborhood and for this neighborhood be backed with the intention and motivation to glorify God rather than myself.

With that being said...here are some of my expectations and goals:

EXPECTATIONS

1. To see the community of Shelby Park be impacted by the Gospel

2. To grow in my faith in Christ

3. To walk away with a larger community of Christian friends and family

4. To be tested in multiple areas of my faith

5. To have fun with my neighbors and get to know them personally

GOALS

1. Be active in the community at least 3 days a week (i.e. getting out in the park, volunteering, walking around)

2. Do something to serve my direct neighbors at least once a month

3. Read through the Bible in a year

4. Learn to show love to those that are hard to love in practical ways

5. Get to know at least two of my neighbors (Who are not Sojourn members) on a personal level

Now that we've all read through some of my expectations and goals I'll explain a little more behind this blog title. You see a lot of times our expectations can be WAY too big or WAY too small and are sometimes unrealistic. I don't believe that any of my expectations listed are unrealistic by any means. I do think however that most of those expectations will be hard to "follow" or keep up with the way you can by setting both long-term and short-term goals. These goals are much easier to "follow" or keep up with in a since of I can look back at the end of this month and ask myself whether or not I did anything to serve my neighbors or if I've been keeping up with reading through the Bible. I pray that I will see something come of each of my expectations and goals whether it be considered a good thing or a bad thing. I say this because I know that God knows what He's doing. Even in my failed goals and unrealistic expectations God is sovereign.

First Impressions

We've all been told, or at least heard someone say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover." yet we do it anyways. Sometimes we're spot on, but let's me real, most of the time we're dead wrong. Shelby Park is a neighborhood that is constantly judged by its "cover." From the outside looking in or even the occasional drive around the block Shelby Park looks dangerous. It looks unwelcoming and quite terrifying to anyone who as never experienced urban life. I have been here a little over a week now and I can say that Shelby Park is a much better neighborhood than what it is given credit for. People here are just like people everywhere else. They may not have as much money or live in up-to-standard homes, or have the nicest stuff but they are human...just like you and me. They have ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, families to support, things they like and don't like. At the same time, the people of Shelby Park are different. Their culture is different. That's right. Here in America there are people whose culture is different than yours and mine.

My first impressions of Shelby Park were much like those I described above. I judged the neighborhood based on what I saw and that was it. I knew that the people of Shelby Park would be different than me but I never really gave much thought to how similar our lives or personalities might be. God has already placed people in my life, who live in the community, who have similar backgrounds as me (minus a few $$$) but nonetheless we have that connection. All of this which has been revealed only fills me with joy and excitement to look back at this a year from now and see what all God has done in this neighborhood. He has already been working in the lives of the Shelby Park community and this has been happening for years, before any of us ever thought of coming and living as a resident of Shelby Park.

To God be the Glory!

Mid-Orientation Week

August 7, 2013

Day three of orientation week is now complete. God has already shown and reminded me of all He can do. He never ceases to amaze me. I am so very thankful for each and every day that He blesses me with. Since the start of orientation week we (Urban Experience) have been taking in a lot with new surroundings, new neighbors, a new community, and most of all new opportunities to be obedient to God’s call in our lives to be here in Shelby Park and to do His work. I would be lying if I sat here and told you that it has not been overwhelming at times. It absolutely has been, but it has been overwhelming in a good way. Over the past few days I have been in awe over the things God is already doing here in Louisville, KY. It is a sweet reminder that He does not need us, but that He chooses to use us.

“All things are done according to God’s plan and decision; and God chose us to be His own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what He had decided from the very beginning.” -Ephesians 1:11

God didn’t call the Urban Experience team here to “change the world,” He’s doing that already, God called us here to be obedient to Him.

Today, specifically, as a group we visited two ministry options: Jeff Street Homeless Shelter and Scarlet Hope. Jeff Street is a facility that is open during the first half of the day to men and the second half of the day to women. Here the people of Louisville can shower, use the restroom, wash their clothes, and store their belongings for free. Jeff Street also acts as a transition house for some. (To find out more please visit:Jeffersonstreet.org ). Scarlet Hope is a ministry that had dared to do the “unthinkable.” Scarlet Hope is a Christ-centered ministry that labors within several strip clubs here in Louisville. That’s right. They physically go into the strip clubs and serve and show the love of Christ to women who are in the industry. This may sound radical to some of you reading this, but the reality is this ministry has stepped out in faith and been obedient to the Lord’s calling to love all people and to share the Gospel with each and every person. (To Find out more please visit: scarlethope.org ). Visiting both facilities and hearing the transformations God has made in the lives of generations of people is just plain amazing! It is very humbling to sit and reflect on my own life and the past I have, though it may not entail a life of stripping for money or selling drugs to get by or losing my job and being evicted or whatever it is….God is sovern (SP) over all. Regardless of what we do, God’s will, will be done.

Although our day was extremely packed and busy it wasn’t over….at least not for me and some of the other Urban Experience team members. Sojourn has begun to hold neighborhood potlucks each Wednesday at the St. Vincent building. I saw this as an opportunity to get to really engage with the neighbors and fellow church members for the first time outside of having someone have planned it for me. 416 (the house I live in) decided we would attend the potluck and bring a few delicious side dishes. We brought some pigs-in-a-blanket and mac-n-cheese, but most importantly we brought ourselves. I don’t say this to sound self-righteous by any means. By simply going to the potluck and bringing a few simple dishes we were able to commune with people we may not have gotten the opportunity to had we stayed on the front porch of our house. God is good all the time.

Sunday Funday

AUGUST 4, 2013

First, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to be a part of His work in Shelby Park. I am excited and a little nervous about what this next year will entail, but whatever it is I know that God’s plans are much better than mine…plus He kind of knows what He’s doing ALL the time. I only know what I’m doing some of the time.

We’re moved in and settled….for the most part. The house is slowly coming together day by day. Jenny and I arrived yesterday around three in the afternoon; we unloaded her car and went straight to the park where the neighborhood was having their annual “Pitty Party” for rescued Pit Bulls. This was a sweet but short visit to the park that allowed us to see and take in an area of the neighborhood where almost everybody spends part of their week. I have a feeling this will soon be a second home to me, especially since it’s only on the back side of the block, however over this next week the Urban Experience program will be immerged in orientation week and we will have several opportunities to explore different parts of the neighborhood I now call home and perhaps God will lead me to the other side of town where there is a community garden….only time will tell. Until then, let’s talk about Sojourn!

This morning was my third time attending Sojourn for a Sunday service and my first time as a Shelby Park resident. I cannot thank God enough for bringing me here! Each time I attend a service I am reminded of why Sojourn has such great standings with the neighbors and the neighborhood; they care. Sojourn is a church where the members don’t only speak of doing God’s work they do it. We (Urban Experience) are not the first ones from Sojourn to pick-up and move to Shelby Park. There have been several other church members who have gone before us and God continues to be faithful! Enough of my “I really like Sojourn!” rant….on to the most important and challenging part of today’s service: The Scripture. Today we went through Psalm 139:

1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

This passage is a sweet reminder that God knows us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. Within the first few verses the word “search” is used. The Hebrew translation of search means to “explore” or “map out.” God doesn’t just get us…He understands us. At the end of Psalm 139, verses 23-24 really stood out to me. God already knows us; He has already searched our hearts, but have we asked Him to allow us to better understand Him and what He’s doing……or have we even simply trusted Him to lead us? All this to say that I have been challenged this week to pray through verses 23-24 each day and be willing to let God lead rather than standing hand-in-hand with pride and think that I know myself better than He knows me.