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!