Quick Catch Up

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

-Eleanor Roosevelt 

Well, Senior year. I'm in the thick of it, and I can't say I've had much time to breathe, let alone dwell on the fact it's almost halfway through fall semester. I don't want to think about it, and I refuse to think about the days slowly ticking by. This weekend I went to Sky Ranch with CRU for Fall Retreat and it was so fun connecting with God and friends in an environment away from campus. Doc Henry spoke and he is truly an inspiration. Practically blind, he still faithfully goes wherever God calls him, regardless of the cost or time commitment, and pours out God's love onto all he meets. I can only hope I have the same sort of passion and influence when I'm older. 

School has been crazy. A typical week is filled with writings some paper, a quiz and I've been averaging 2 tests a week for the past 3 weeks. I read about 200 pages a week of various books, and am working on my thesis- although that's fallen by the wayside, much to the concern of my thesis advisor. I've gotten a few quality hours in working on it, but there's still so much to do sometimes I wonder how I'll ever make it to May. I do know that God is faithful and he will bring me through- one way or another! I did get bit by a spider so maybe God's plan is to give me some awesome spidey strength or smarts so I can get through. I'd be okay with that! (On a serious note, Maria and Rachel have been having a slight Brown Recluse problem so I had a minor panic attack today over my bite. It's not oozing black puss yet, so I think it's not one... I'll keep you posted if anything of the sort happens. I know everyone is concerned.)

One thing that's been really hard since school started is connecting with my residents. I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle- but I don't know quite what to do except give it to God. I know maybe 5 residents by name, and a handful more by face. For the most part though, I'm saddened by the fact that I haven't had any way to get to know many of them. You might laugh because, seriously? When do I have time to do that as you can see from all the stuff above (add on two bible studies, CRU stuff, discipleship and student ambassador to that list). But, I really want to be intentional. I'm an RA in Maple south for a reason and I really want to invest where I am. It's easy to make excuses since it's senior year, but I chose to do this and I need to really trust that God has the ultimate plans in his hands. So if you're so inclined, I'd love prayer for ways to connect and time to invest like I want to do. I don't want to spend my senior year only with the people I'm close to. God's brought new people into my life for a reason and I really want to take every opportunity to pour out while I have the chance!

One other cool thing I got to work through this weekend is just feeling a peace with the major I've chosen and my after college plans. My dad is always telling me that God has given me unique talents and skills and as long as I'm faithful to follow him, He'll be faithful to bring people into my life who love Jesus and also who need Jesus. I can have a ministry field anywhere. Whether that's working in sports marketing like I want to, or working somewhere I don't even expect.  He's equipped me with unique passions and I would be cheating myself if I didn't use those gifts and abilities. 

Well, since I'm writing this instead of reading Developmental Psychology or Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, I should probably go and read like a good student. Plus the Bronco's game is on, so I obviously need to watch Manning play and (hopefully) kick some Cowboy butt... 

Till next time!

Jackie